Grand anti-encroachment operation in Karachi Saddar starts today

KARACHI: A grand anti-encroachment operation in the hustling bustling area of metropolis – Saddar –  is about to kick off from Monday (today).

According to reports, encroachments are still present at various areas in the Saddar locality, despite a court’s order previously to have them removed.

The Supreme Court on October 27 had directed Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar to remove all encroachments from the city’s amenity plots and pavements with the help of law enforcement agencies.

The court granted a 15-day deadline for compliance of its orders.

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

Karachi police chief Dr Amir Sheikh assured the court of extending full cooperation to the municipal authorities in ending encroachments.

READ MORE: Anti-encroachment operation only against influential land grabbers: Buzdar

Wasim Akhtar informed that 70 percent  area of Saddar’s Empress Market has been cleared of encroachment at which the chief justice said encroachment should also be removed from its surrounding areas.

Justice Nisar had directed him to also remove encroachments from pavements across the city.

The mayor asked if non-government organizations which provide food to the poor at footpaths should be spared in the anti-encroachment operation, to which the chief justice instructed that they should be provided alternative spaces for the purpose.