Anti-encroachment operations: Traders condemn sealing of numerous shops, imposition of heavy fines

KARACHI: All Pakistan Organization of Small Traders and Cottage Industries Karachi (APOSTCIK) has strongly condemned the sealing of thousands of shops, arrests of traders, and imposition of heavy fines by the Karachi Commissioner under the pretext of anti-encroachment operations.

Speaking to affected shopkeepers from various markets at the Small Traders Secretariat, President, Mahmood Hamid said Karachi is the country’s economic lifeline, contributing nearly 70 percent of revenue to the national exchequer and around 90 percent of Sindh’s revenue, largely through taxes paid by traders. Despite this, he said, traders receive no facilities in return and are instead subjected to humiliating treatment.

He termed the sealing of shops, arrests, fines, and forcing traders to sign apology statements as an “insulting and unacceptable” practice, warning that the trading community would not tolerate such actions.

Senior Vice President Syed Liaquat Ali Javed, Haji Abdullah, Syed Naveed Ahmed, Saleem Malik, Usman Sharif, Tariq Iftikhar, and other leaders were also present.

Mahmood Hamid further criticized the Sindh government for failing to provide basic infrastructure, stating that Karachi’s roads are in ruins, sewerage systems are overflowing, and law and order has deteriorated sharply.

He alleged that extortionists are openly demanding millions of rupees from traders, and builders’ staff are being fired upon for non-payment. Instead of addressing these issues, he said, the government is sealing shops and pushing traders toward unemployment and hunger.

He noted that Motorcycle Market, Auto Parts Market, Liaquat Market, and markets in Quaidabad remain sealed. He warned that if the administration does not correct its approach, traders across Karachi will be forced to stage a strong protest.

On the occasion, Pakistan Confectionery Association Chairman Javed Abdullah said traders should not be mistaken for being weak. He demanded protection, facilities in return for taxes paid, an immediate halt to shop sealing, and the formulation of clear SOPs for removing encroachments through consultation with chambers and traders’ bodies.

General Secretary Usman Sharif said the government is imposing fines and arrests instead of providing facilities. He added that Akbar Market has been sealed for several days with no relief in sight, cautioning authorities against forcing traders to resort to protests.

The Small Traders’ leadership announced that if the sealing of shops is not stopped, a joint meeting of traders will be convened on Monday, January 12, to announce a protest plan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026