Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has issued a strict 15-day ultimatum to the Anti-Encroachment Department of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), directing officials to ensure the effective and visible removal of encroachments from major roads, streets, footpaths and public spaces across the city. He warned that failure to deliver tangible results within the stipulated period would invite strict departmental action, including termination of services and proceedings under the applicable Efficiency and Disciplinary (E&D) Rules.
Taking serious notice of the growing number of complaints from citizens regarding encroachments and the obstruction of public spaces, the Mayor chaired an emergency meeting with the officers and staff of the Anti-Encroachment Department. He expressed strong displeasure over the department’s performance and made it clear that negligence, inaction and failure to address public complaints would no longer be tolerated.
The Mayor directed the department to launch a comprehensive, citywide anti-encroachment operation, with particular emphasis on major roads, commercial areas, busy thoroughfares, streets and footpaths. He instructed officials to prepare a clear action plan, ensure effective enforcement and deliver measurable results within 15 days.
Addressing the meeting, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the city was witnessing extensive development activity, with billions of rupees being invested in infrastructure and public facilities. However, the benefits of these investments could not be fully realised if roads, footpaths and public spaces continued to be occupied by encroachments.
“Billions of rupees are being spent on the development and improvement of Karachi, but the impact of this work cannot be undermined by encroachments and the illegal occupation of public spaces. Roads, streets and footpaths belong to the citizens.
They are meant for public movement and convenience, not to be occupied for commercial activities or personal business interests,” the Mayor stated. He said that the administration could not remain indifferent to the difficulties faced by citizens who were compelled to navigate obstructed footpaths, congested roads and encroached public spaces despite ongoing efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure.
“I will not abandon the people of Karachi to these problems. Citizens have every right to use roads and footpaths without obstruction. When the government is investing substantial resources to improve the city, it is unacceptable that the public should continue to suffer because of encroachments and administrative negligence,” he added.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the department’s progress, the Mayor said he had personally observed the condition of roads, streets and commercial areas during his visits across the city. He said the situation on the ground did not reflect the level of performance expected from the department responsible for removing encroachments and maintaining public access.
“I am personally visiting different parts of the city and observing the situation on the ground. I am clearly not satisfied with the progress being made. I do not want lengthy explanations, verbal assurances or reports prepared merely to satisfy the authorities. I want visible, practical and sustainable action. The results must be evident on the streets, not confined to files and meeting rooms,” Barrister Murtaza Wahab said.
The Mayor reminded officials that KMC was paying millions of rupees every month in salaries to its employees and that the public had a legitimate expectation that every department would perform its assigned responsibilities efficiently.
“If citizens continue to face the same problems despite the department having officers, staff and resources, serious questions arise about its performance.
Public money is being spent on salaries, and the people have a right to expect results. If the department cannot fulfil its basic responsibility, its performance and continued functioning must be questioned. I do not want to take such a step, but I will not allow inefficiency and negligence to continue. Either deliver results or be prepared to face the consequences,” he warned.
Issuing a clear deadline, the Mayor directed the Anti-Encroachment Department to remove encroachments from the identified roads, streets and footpaths within 15 days. He emphasised that the deadline was final and that no further delay, excuses or repeated assurances would be accepted.
He further directed officers to ensure that areas cleared during the operation remained free of encroachments. In cases where encroachments reappeared, the relevant enforcement authorities were instructed to take further action in accordance with the law, including sealing shops where legally justified and in coordination with the competent departments.
The Mayor made it clear that anti-encroachment operations must be conducted without discrimination, favouritism or undue influence. He directed officers to take action against all violations in accordance with the law, regardless of the individuals or businesses involved. “No one should be given preferential treatment. The law must be applied equally to everyone. Once an area has been cleared, it must not be allowed to become encroached upon again. Repeated violations must be dealt with firmly through the relevant legal and enforcement mechanisms,” he said.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab also directed the department to coordinate with the relevant KMC departments and other enforcement agencies to ensure that operations were carried out effectively and that cleared areas remained accessible to the public. He emphasised that the operation should not be limited to temporary removals but must establish a lasting system to prevent the re-emergence of encroachments.
The Mayor warned that officers who failed to meet the 15-day deadline or demonstrated negligence in carrying out their duties would face strict departmental proceedings. He said that, where warranted, the services of negligent officials could be terminated in accordance with the applicable rules, while cases of serious inefficiency or misconduct could be referred to the competent authorities with recommendations for action under the E&D Rules.
“I am giving you a free hand to perform your duties in accordance with the law. If anyone attempts to interfere with a lawful operation or exert undue pressure, do not allow such interference to prevent you from doing your job. Follow the law, carry out your responsibilities and ensure that the public interest remains your priority,” the Mayor stated.
During the meeting, the Mayor received a comprehensive briefing from the concerned officers regarding the status of encroachments in different districts, ongoing enforcement activities and complaints received from citizens. He reviewed the situation district-wise and instructed officials to identify priority locations, intensify operations and ensure that every complaint was addressed through effective action.
He directed the department to improve monitoring, strengthen accountability and ensure that the performance of officers was assessed on the basis of actual results rather than paperwork or routine reports. Metropolitan Commissioner Abrar Jaffer, Financial Advisor Gulzar Abro and other concerned officers attended the meeting.