Akbar Road Bike Market Remains Closed Amidst Settlement Efforts
The bustling Akbar Road motorcycle market in Karachi has been at a standstill for the fourth consecutive day, with over 100 shops sealed by district authorities due to encroachment violations. Traders are now awaiting a resolution, having submitted written assurances to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) in hopes of reopening their businesses.
Akbar Road, also known as Akbar Market, is a significant nexus for motorcycle trade in Karachi. Typically, the area is congested with motorcycles displayed by shopkeepers on roads and footpaths, often impeding movement for commuters and local residents. Residents have noted that while anti-encroachment drives temporarily alleviate traffic issues, the problem of re-encroachment resurfaces quickly.
Traders Await Resolution on Akbar Road
Shopkeepers in the Akbar Road bike market have reportedly paid individual fines of Rs5,000 and have filed affidavits pledging adherence to SOPs. This action follows the sealing of approximately 95 shops on January 3rd by the district administration for displaying motorcycles on roads and footpaths.
Muhammad Ahsan Gujjar, Chairman of the Karachi Motorcycle Dealer Association, stated that he had discussions with the Assistant Commissioner South. Gujjar was assured that shops would be reopened after traders submitted affidavits committing to future SOP compliance. SindhNews.com learned that daily sales in this market typically range between 1,500 and 2,000 new motorcycles, generating substantial revenue through sales tax, registration, and transfer fees.
Financial Impact of Market Closure
The prolonged closure of the Akbar Road bike market is incurring significant financial losses. Gujjar estimated that millions of rupees in revenue are being lost daily. Traders highlighted that while they are taxpayers contributing to the government’s revenue, they are facing what they describe as injustice.
Aqeel Sheikh, president of the market association, noted that while traders had been previously informed about road occupancy, the January 3rd operation, according to him, occurred without prior notice. He further pointed out instances of traffic obstruction by car denters, painters, and pickups in surrounding areas, where no similar enforcement action was taken.
A traffic police official near Preedy police station clarified that single-lane parking is permissible, and vehicles in no-parking zones or double lanes are subject to fines. Regarding the display of motorcycles on Akbar Road, the officer indicated that such obstructions on footpaths and roads fall under the anti-encroachment department’s purview. However, the traffic police may intervene if traffic flow is severely affected.
Impact on Adjacent Markets and Resolution
While the specific motorcycle market remained shut, business activities appeared normal in adjacent streets housing workshops, mechanics, and spare parts shops. However, another market on Magazine Lane in Saddar, dealing in used auto parts, was also closed for its second day. Shopkeepers there claimed their establishments were sealed without clear differentiation between those involved in encroachments.
Conversely, shops in the electronics market near Regal Chowk and the auto parts market in Saddar, which were not sealed, are reportedly adhering to SOPs, with footpaths now clear.
By Tuesday evening, market officials confirmed that all traders had paid the Rs5,000 fine. Business activities were expected to resume from Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, confirmed that the sealed shops would indeed reopen on Wednesday.