Anti-encroachment drive reaches Gulshan-e-Iqbal

KDA clears hundreds of encroached spaces

KARACHI: The ongoing anti-encroachment operation was carried out in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on Friday night during which scores of structures were razed while sunshades extending outside shops were also demolished.



Karachi Development Authority (KDA) cleared hundreds of encroachments on both sides of the road leading from Gulshan Chowrangi to Maskan Chowrangi. The encroachments were cleared off footpaths and roadsides using bulldozers. A large number of police personnel were present in the area to deal with any kind of resistance. According to the KDA officials, there was some resistance which was controlled immediately. The KDA officials said that they would continue the operation until the complete removal of encroachment.



In an informal talk with the media, Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had not succeeded in its previous anti-encroachment operation. Akhtar said that the people were now voluntarily removing encroachments. The footpath was meant to walk and not for shops. "Karachi Free for All" has become a trend, said the Mayor and further added that KMC will widen the scope of the anti-encroachment operation.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2018.