Anti-encroachment campaign to begin in Karachi's Central district

A high-level meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office, Central Karachi, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem, where a strict action plan against encroachments was finalised, Express News reported.

The meeting, attended by Assistant Commissioners, Municipal Commissioners, Directors, Deputy Directors, Anti-Encroachment Police, and other officials, resolved to take stringent measures to clear encroachments and roadside vendors across the district.

The meeting emphasised that no restaurant or hotel would be allowed to extend its operations outside its designated premises, and encroachments in public spaces would be removed.

Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem expressed concern about the increasing nuisance caused by roadside vendors, fruit and vegetable stalls, and makeshift rickshaw stands in public areas.

"Residents of District Central are suffering from mental distress due to these encroachments. These issues must be addressed immediately," he said.

To ensure compliance, the district administration has announced that anti-encroachment operations will be conducted six days a week, with no tolerance for delays or negligence. Any officer found neglecting their duties or showing leniency in enforcement will face departmental action.

The DC also directed the authorities to ramp up night-time operations and install cameras at department yards to improve surveillance, with direct access provided to Assistant Commissioners for monitoring purposes.