KMC cracks down on drug addicts stealing iron rods, bridge railings

Police arrest 13 addicts, transfer them to rehab centre for recovery

KARACHI:

In response to multiple public complaints regarding the rising incidents of theft of iron bars and railings from bridges, public buildings, poles, and boundary walls across the city, Mayor Murtaza Wahab directed a citywide crackdown on drug addicts occupying roads, sidewalks, and other public spaces. He ordered for drug-addicted individuals, found in public spaces, to be safely shifted to the City Wardens Headquarters and then to rehabilitation centres. Spokesman Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Daniyal Siyal, revealed that dedicated city warden teams have been deployed in every district to ensure the process is carried out in a secure, humane, and structured manner, with a focus on preventing repeat occupancy of public areas.

The issue in question has repeatedly come up in various high-level meetings chaired by the mayor, especially concerning theft and damage of public infrastructure. KMC has already offered land for the development of large-scale rehabilitation centres as part of a long-term solution. However, on the mayor's directives, the matter is also being taken up as a high-priority project.

Siyal stated "these individuals are not only damaging critical infrastructure through theft, they are also tearing at the social fabric of our city.

For the sake of a few rupees, they are putting the beauty, safety, and public property of Karachi at risk."

In regards to this, KMC remains committed to restoring order in public spaces, preserving public assets, and working towards the social reintegration of affected individuals through rehabilitation efforts.

Substance abuse victms

Mubina Town police, in response to reports of drug addicts gathering in the area, detained 13 individuals. According to SHO Chaudhry Nawaz, information was received about the presence of drug addicts around University Road and nearby areas, in response to which a police team conducted raids at the reported locations and took the individuals into custody, transferring them to a rehabilitation centre for treatment and recovery.