The Karachi administration has launched a vigorous citywide crackdown against encroachments on the special directives of Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, resulting in the sealing of 338 shops, including 91 hotels, and the arrest of several individuals.
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According to a two-day encroachment operation report issued by the Commissioner Karachi’s office, strict action was taken against traders and vendors illegally occupying roads and footpaths across the metropolis. Pushcarts, stalls and other illegal structures erected outside sealed shops were also confiscated during the operation.
District-wise data shows that District South recorded the highest number of actions, with 284 shops sealed. In District East, 23 shops were sealed, followed by 14 in District Central. Authorities also sealed three shops in Keamari, 11 in Korangi, one in Malir and two in District West.
Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi expressed satisfaction over the performance of Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners who took part in the operation. He said the shops were sealed due to repeated violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs), noting that encroachments had reappeared outside the premises despite earlier warnings.
“The encroachment mafia has treated roads and footpaths as their personal property, which will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the commissioner said.
He made it clear that strict action against encroachments will continue without interruption until illegal occupations are completely removed. He added that shopkeepers had been warned multiple times to remove encroachments voluntarily, but persistent non-compliance left the administration with no option but to enforce the law.
