Anti-encroachment drive resumes in Karachi

KARACHI: Authorities have resumed anti-encroachment operation in different parts of the metropolis after getting go-ahead by the Supreme Court (SC), ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court (SC) had directed all the relevant authorities on February 26 to cooperate and continue the operation against encroachment in Karachi.

In the latest development, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) authorities started removing encroachments in Karachi’s Liaquatabad and FC Area.

Around 10 shops have been demolished which were established illegal under a high tension line.

Shopkeepers, on a self-help basis, were vacating their shops and transferring valuables to other places.

Few outrageous persons have tried to interrupt the anti-encroachment operation, however, their attempts were foiled. Police officials arrested two persons over interrupting the operation and creating violence.

The operation is being carried out amid strict security arrangement. Heavy contingents of police were deployed prior to the commencement of anti-encroachment operation.

On February 26, the Supreme Court (SC) had issued directives to the relevant authorities to cooperate and continue the operation against encroachment in Karachi.

During the hearing about removal of encroachment and reviving the metropolis, Karachi Registry of the apex court directed the Sindh chief secretary to supervise the anti-encroachment operation and ensure cooperation and consultation among relevant departments and organisations.

It ordered to remove all the encroachment from the city including from Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim.

On January 24, the Supreme Court had directed the Sindh government to furnish a comprehensive plan within two weeks elucidating measures to restore Karachi to its original shape.

The court had also sought a master plan of the city enacted after 1950.