Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has called for a vigorous and unified strategy to combat illegal encroachments and constructions within the city, particularly on footpaths which are exacerbating traffic issues and public safety hazards.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, during meetings with the Estate Department, Land Department, Anti-Encroachments Department, and Council Department, Mayor Wahab emphasized the necessity of immediate legal actions against illicit constructions within the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) boundaries. The meetings, which also involved Municipal Commissioner KMC S.M Afzal Zaidi, Deputy Commissioner South Captain Retired Altaf Sario, and other senior officials, discussed strategies to improve city conditions and reduce traffic accidents caused by obstructions on pedestrian pathways.

Mayor Wahab directed efforts towards clearing footpaths in South and East Districts, noting that encroachments force pedestrians onto streets, leading to increased traffic incidents. He specifically pointed out that areas around parks, playgrounds, and places of worship should be kept free from any encroachments. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenges posed by the land mafia who have illegally constructed shops on footpaths using containers, urging that these obstructions be removed without yielding to any external pressures.

The Mayor also addressed internal issues, stating that shopkeepers within KMC markets have extended their premises onto corridors and pedestrian spaces, which must also be regulated. He instructed additional directors and deputy directors to take effective measures in their respective regions to curb these practices and warned of disciplinary actions against officers who fail to perform their duties adequately.

The campaign against encroachments is part of Mayor Wahab’s broader initiative to enhance Karachi’s infrastructure and traffic flow, ensuring that municipal officers maintain vigilance and act decisively against any form of encroachment from its inception.