Anti-encroachment drive termed unfair

Business community says corrupt officials marred the initiative launched earnestly by the mayor

HYDERABAD:

The business community of Hyderabad is raising objections at the ongoing anti encroachment drive being led by Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro in Hyderabad. In a statement released on Sunday, President of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) Muhammad Saleem Memon raised concerns about "alleged unfairness in the drive" while appreciating the beginning of the ongoing operation.

"The approach is raising doubts about the transparency and purpose of the anti-encroachment efforts, leading to public disillusionment and a loss of trust in the initiative," he said.

The chamber's president was also skeptical about the conduct of the anti-encroachment force. According to him, they have received several complaints from various areas in the city against the force which is being blamed for confiscating shopkeepers' goods and returning them the same for a fee. "This misuse of power must be addressed immediately to restore public confidence."

Memon emphasised that the drive should be fair and transparent and all methods which end up to harassing the public should be avoided. He demanded an immediate action against hard encroachment especially in the areas where roads and markets have become extremely narrowed due to the illegal occupation.

He also drew attention of the government to the confusion between Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) and Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs) over their jurisdiction even after the Sindh High Court's order to clarify the same. "This is resulting in a struggle among the local government bodies."

According to him, the situation has turned more concerning in one of the nine TMCs in Hyderabad whose chairperson does not belong to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He urged Mayor Shoro to streamline the matters in coordination with all the relevant officers and branches of the LG in addition to taking stringent action against the municipal staff known for incompetence, corruption and bribery. Memon also requested the traders to desist from occupying the roads to place their goods for sale.