Anti-encroachment operation enters fourth day in Karachi

KARACHI: Anti-encroachment drive, launched by the city authorities in Saddar area of Karachi, continued for the fourth day on Thursday (today) to clear the land of the commercial hub of the metropolis.

The operation was conducted today around Tibet Centre, Akbar Road and Zaibunnisa Street of Saddar and adjoining areas.

The operation was initiated on November 5 in the area after orders of the Supreme Court for removal of encroachments from the center of the city, Saddar, with deployment of heavy contingents of police and rangers for security.

Soon after the operation, a massive traffic jam in the adjoining areas such as I.I. Chundrigar, PIDC, Saddar and other areas was reported. Majority of the people returning home from work places were stuck in the traffic jam.

The Supreme Court on October 27 had directed Mayor Karachi, Wasim Akhtar to remove all encroachments from the city’s amenity plots and pavements with the help of law enforcement agencies, and granted a 15-day deadline to city authorities for compliance of its orders.

This direction came during hearing of a case related to illegal occupations at the apex court’s Karachi registry.

Dr Amir Sheikh, the Karachi Police Chief assured the court of extending full cooperation to the municipal authorities in clearing encroachments.