Residents protest, hurl stones as KMC team removes encroachments

The operation carried out on Shah Waliullah Road in Lyari had to be halted midway

KARACHI: Resisting an operation conducted by an anti-encroachment squad of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) on Shah Waliullah Road in Lyari on Friday, residents shouted slogans against the move and hurled stones at the KMC personnel.

Amid rising commotion at the site of the protest, a member of the anti-encroachment team, Javed, sustained injuries after he was hit with stones on his head and ear. He was shifted to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital for treatment.

Trucks being used in the operation were also damaged in the incident.

The deputy commissioner and police officials were present during the operation, which had to be halted due to the protest and the ensuing commotion.

Corruption everyday everywhere

Anti-Encroachment Director Bashir Ahmed Siddiqui said they had completed 75% of the demolition work when the operation was suspended and the remaining encroachments will be removed over the next few days.

According to Siddiqui, the department has been carrying out operations in different areas of the city lately, and a major one was conducted in Korangi District.

Pushcarts and other structures illegally encroaching upon the space on footpaths were seized during the operation, he said, adding that grills and fences installed outside shops were also razed.

Siddiqui said that in South District, the anti-encroachment operation has been conducted in two other areas besides on Shah Waliullah Road.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2019.