Anti-encroachment operation: 2,000 shop owners to be compensated

Sindh CM to allott remunerative land on his return from China, says Mayor

KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar said that the 2,000 shop owners affected by the anti-encroachment operation will be provided an alternative place and added that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah will allot the land after returning from his visit to China.

The mayor announced this during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He claimed that Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was the most affected by the anti-encroachment operation which also caused a loss of Rs40 million to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in rent. The registered rent payers of KMC will surely be compensated for their troubles, said Akhtar.

The mayor claimed that he understands that people have been rendered jobless by the operation. He added that KMC has also incurred a huge loss as buildings constructed by it were also demolished on Supreme Court's orders. Legitimate tenants will be provided an alternative space, he said. According to Akhtar, they will be allotted shops in Parking Plaza and Shahabuddin Market. However those who had illegal shops will not be compensated.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2018.