Authorities step up crackdown on illegal cattle markets

KARACHI: Karachi authorities have stepped up a citywide crackdown on illegal cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, arresting several people and registering criminal cases against organizers accused of setting up unauthorized roadside livestock bazaars that officials say are disrupting traffic and sanitation systems.

The action was launched on the directives of Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, who instructed Deputy Commissioners to continue operations with police support against unplanned cattle markets operating without official permission.

Officials said several individuals had been arrested and FIRs registered during raids conducted in different districts of the city.

In Shah Faisal Colony, authorities detained suspects involved in establishing an illegal cattle market, while District Central administration once again dismantled a market operating near Pyala Hotel after traders allegedly returned despite previous action.

Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem said the site had already been cleared twice but roadside cattle trading resumed, creating traffic obstructions and public inconvenience. He said special monitoring teams had now been deployed to prevent the market from being re-established.

District Korangi administration also removed illegal cattle markets from multiple locations, including Makhdoom Society, Korangi No. 5 near the bridge, Nasir Jump, the New Town police station area, 16,000 Road Chakkra Goth, Punjab Ground in Shah Faisal Colony and Reeta Plot.

In District Keamari, Deputy Commissioner Ameer Fazal Owaisi said authorities dismantled a large unauthorized cattle market near Maripur Truck Stand that had been causing severe traffic congestion on roads leading to Hawksbay.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said illegal cattle markets were affecting cleanliness arrangements and increasing traffic pressure across Karachi, adding that strict enforcement would continue throughout the Eid season.

“Unauthorized and roadside cattle markets are creating serious problems for citizens. Deputy Commissioners should continue operations with full police cooperation,” he said.

Earlier, during a high-level meeting chaired by the Commissioner, officials reviewed ongoing action against illegal cattle markets and profiteering.

Authorities informed the meeting that action had so far been taken against 21 illegal cattle markets across the city, including in Jamshed Quarters, Saddar, New Karachi, Garden, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad and Orangi.

Officials said around two dozen authorized cattle markets had already been established in consultation with relevant departments to facilitate traders and citizens ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026