Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has directed the Anti-Encroachment Department of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to clear encroachments from major roads, streets, footpaths, and public spaces across the city within 15 days. Failure to achieve visible results will result in strict departmental actions, including possible termination of services.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the Mayor convened an emergency meeting with the department following numerous citizen complaints about the obstruction of public spaces. He expressed dissatisfaction with the department’s current performance and emphasized that negligence and inaction would not be tolerated.

The Mayor has instructed the department to prepare an action plan focusing on major thoroughfares and commercial areas and urged for measurable results within the set deadline. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the public can benefit from ongoing infrastructure investments without the hindrance of encroachments.

Mayor Wahab highlighted the importance of maintaining clear public pathways, stating that public money is being spent on improvements and that citizens have the right to unobstructed use of footpaths and roads. He warned that areas cleared of encroachments must remain clear, and repeat violations would be addressed with strict enforcement of the law.

The meeting concluded with a directive for the department to coordinate with other agencies to ensure lasting results and to hold officers accountable for their performance based on actual outcomes rather than reports.