KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has given the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) Anti-Encroachment Department 15 days to remove encroachments from major roads, streets, footpaths and public spaces across the megacity.
He warned of strict disciplinary action, including termination of services, against officials who fail to deliver.
Chairing an emergency meeting with department officials, he expressed serious dissatisfaction over the department’s performance and growing public complaints about encroachments obstructing pedestrian movement and traffic.
He directed officials to launch a citywide operation, prioritise major thoroughfares and commercial areas, and prepare a clear action plan with measurable results within the stipulated deadline.
“Billions of rupees are being spent on Karachi’s development, but the benefits cannot be realised if roads, footpaths and public spaces remain occupied by encroachments. These spaces belong to citizens and must remain accessible to them,” Wahab said. He directed the department to ensure that cleared areas remained free of encroachments and ordered firm action against repeat offenders in accordance with the law.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026