Karachi Intensifies Crackdown on Encroachments, Akbar Road Motorcycle Market Among Affected
Authorities in Karachi have intensified a major crackdown on encroachments, leading to the sealing of over 400 establishments across the city. The motorcycle market on Akbar Road is among the prominent areas affected, with SindhNews.com reporting significant disruption.
The operation targets eateries, tea stalls, and shops found to be occupying footpaths and roads, hindering public movement and traffic flow. Official sources indicate that approximately 100 shops in the Akbar Road motorcycle market faced closure.
Akbar Road Motorcycle Market Faces Sealing Due to Encroachments
In the Akbar Road motorcycle market, the sealing was attributed to “soft encroachments,” specifically the parking of motorcycles for sale on public footpaths. Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, confirmed this, noting that administrative teams had previously issued warnings to shopkeepers.
The crackdown has also impacted other key commercial areas, including the Mobile Market, Preedy Street, M.A. Jinnah Road, Pakistan Chowk, Lilly Bridge Road, Clifton Block-2, and Nishtar Road. A total of 402 establishments were sealed across the metropolis, as reported by SindhNews.com.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi issued a stern directive, emphasizing that any outlet violating standard operating procedures (SOPs), even after providing assurances, would be sealed. “The sealed premises will stay shut until the owners can prove they are fully compliant,” Naqvi stated.
Owners of the sealed shops are required to submit undertakings demonstrating adherence to SOPs before their outlets can be reopened. During these anti-encroachment drives, items such as chairs and tables placed on roadsides were confiscated.
The operation, which began with significant action in Saddar and Aram Bagh subdivisions, where 307 eateries and shops were sealed, has been extended to numerous other sub-divisions. This move is aimed at clearing footpaths and roads that obstruct traffic and inconvenience citizens.
Earlier directives, such as the November announcement by the commissioner, have already paved the way for this intensified action. A “zero-tolerance” policy was introduced for areas along roads measuring 100 feet or more, prohibiting outdoor seating and any obstructions on walkways.
This comprehensive operation underscores the city’s commitment to reclaiming public spaces and ensuring smoother urban mobility. The prolonged closure of establishments will depend entirely on their compliance with the new regulations.