Hoardings ordered to be immediately removed from pedestrian bridges in Karachi Central

KARACHI: Deputy Commissioner of Karachi Central, Dr. Saif ur Rehman has ordered immediate removal of all hoardings from pedestrians' bridges in different areas of the district on basis of public complaints that these were turning women in particular and people in general vulnerable to criminal activities.

Chairing a meeting with assistant commissioners from different sub-divisions of the district at his office Saturday, the DC - Central said these bridges meant to facilitate the citizens must not be turned into a cause of any trouble to them and therefore hoardings ought to be removed, preventing reported instances of harassment caused to women and girls by hoodlums and also cases of cell phone as well as money snatching by criminals found taking advantage of bill boards that shadowed them from being seen by people in general.

Director for Local Taxes, Shahab Jalees also present on the occasion said that in accordance to the local government rules and regulations the district authorities had, with the purpose to generate some additional funds, given on rent the railings of the bridge to the advertisers as well as some companies.

The rent was said to be nominal, as space for each hoarding was offered at the rent of Rs 5000/- and not more, and that there were around 30 pedestrian bridges across the district.

Shahab Jalees also mentioned that hoardings from pedestrian bridges at Sir Shah Suleiman Road, Ibn e Sina Road, Shershah Suri Road, Shahrah-e- Pakistan, S.M. Taufiq Road, Hyderi Market, Five Star Chowrangi have already been removed and that equal attention is being paid to ensure that no hoarding or bill board is allowed that may endanger people in anyway during the expected monsoon spell in the city.

DC- Central, Dr. Saif ur Rehman on the occasion sought an immediate and detailed report on the status of bill boards and hoardings allotted for advertisement purpose.

"We have to ensure that these in no way turn hazardous or a threat to public life or property due to any storm and rain fall expected in the city in few days' time," said the deputy commissioner.

Dr. Saif ur Rehman also urged the concerned authorities to ensure adequate maintenance of these boards raised around thoroughfares and to raze down those found in precarious conditions.