By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi took notice of the re-establishment of illegal encroachments in various areas. It was decided that individuals or businesses submitting affidavits agreeing to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be strictly bound to comply. The SOP violations, even after submitting the affidavit, could result in substantial fines and arrests.
Commissioner Naqvi convened a meeting with deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to review the ongoing campaign against roadside encroachments across the city. Officials briefed the Commissioner on operations in their respective districts, highlighting both challenges and progress.
Deputy commissioners reported that after written assurances to follow the SOPs, shops and hotels that had previously been sealed were de-sealed, while monitoring of these businesses continues to ensure compliance. In total, authorities acted against 632 shops and 250 hotels citywide, with the strictest enforcement carried out in Subdivision Saddar, where 257 shops and 47 hotels were initially sealed and later de-sealed after compliance pledges.
The Commissioner emphasized that the trend of roadside encroachments is rising and needs urgent, prioritized action. Assistant Commissioners under the supervision of deputy commissioners are actively working to remove encroachments from streets and sidewalks. The meeting was attended by all deputy commissioners, ACK-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah, Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Rabia Syed, Assistant Commissioner General Hazim Bhangwar, and other officials.
