Move to rein in illegal cattle markets

FIRs to be lodged as unregulated Eid livestock setups disrupt traffic, sanitation, civic order

KARACHI:

Illegal cattle markets that have mushroomed across the city ahead of Eidul Azha are now set to face criminal proceedings, as the city administration moves beyond warnings and decides to register FIRs against those responsible for setting up unapproved livestock sale points.

A meeting chaired on Saturday by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi reviewed ongoing efforts by deputy commissioners to dismantle such markets in response to public complaints. Officials assessed operations aimed at removing unauthorised cattle markets established without planning or permission.

Deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners briefed the meeting on enforcement actions, stating that a total of 21 illegal cattle markets had been dismantled so far. These operations were carried out across several parts of the city including Jamshed Quarters, Saddar, New Karachi, Garden, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad and Orangi.

Officials noted that in Orangi alone, markets were removed from 10 different locations, while district-wise action included three sites in Karachi East, two in Karachi South, four in Karachi Central and two in Korangi.

Authorities informed the meeting that daily operations were being conducted with police assistance. However, they added that vendors repeatedly return in small groups, occupying roadside spaces to resume informal sales, making enforcement an ongoing challenge.

The meeting emphasised that effective action requires stronger coordination between police and town administrations. Commissioner Karachi stressed that unauthorised and unplanned cattle markets were disrupting sanitation systems and causing severe traffic congestion across the city, calling for immediate measures to address the issue.

It was decided that FIRs would be lodged against those responsible for establishing illegal cattle markets. The commissioner directed all town municipal administrations, police and traffic authorities to fully cooperate in removing unauthorised setups.

Officials noted that over 21 properly planned cattle markets have already been established in the city in consultation with relevant agencies. However, the proliferation of informal markets continues to create civic disruptions and inconvenience for residents.

Separately, a review meeting on price control enforcement was also held under the commissioner's chairmanship, which examined anti-hoarding and anti-price gouging actions over the past two weeks.

Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Rabia Syed presented a detailed report, stating that between May 9 and May 22, action was taken against 678 profiteers, resulting in fines amounting to Rs3.23 million. During this period, 20 shops were sealed and six profiteers were arrested.

Assistant commissioners conducted inspections at 1,543 locations to monitor prices, the meeting was told. A comparative review of weekly enforcement was also presented.

Between May 9 and May 15, action was taken against 383 profiteers, imposing fines of Rs1.97 million, sealing 16 shops and arresting six offenders, with inspections carried out at 1,812 locations.

From May 16 to May 22, enforcement teams penalised 295 profiteers with fines totaling Rs1.26 million, while four shops were sealed during the period, alongside continued price checks across the city.