The Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has announced a citywide anti-encroachment drive starting this Saturday. This initiative aims to remove illegal structures from roads, footpaths, and stormwater drains to make Karachi’s public spaces cleaner, safer, and more accessible for everyone.

During a high-level meeting at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office, Mayor Wahab emphasized that this drive is essential to reduce problems faced by pedestrians and the business community due to encroachments. “We will not tolerate illegal setups on roads, drains, or footpaths,” he said.

He added that the operation will strictly follow court directives and be conducted in a transparent, fair, and lawful manner.

The meeting was attended by top officials including KMC Municipal Commissioner SM Afzal Zaidi, Central Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem, and others. The Mayor directed all concerned departments to take immediate and legal action against land grabbers and those building illegally—especially in sensitive areas like graveyards and stormwater drains.

Mayor Wahab also clarified that this drive won’t just be limited to District Central, but will extend across all districts of Karachi.

Efforts are being made to involve all relevant stakeholders, including local district administrations, to ensure smooth coordination and long-lasting results. “We want this campaign to create visible, positive change,” he said, while urging traders and shopkeepers to voluntarily avoid occupying public spaces.

This operation is part of the broader commitment by KMC to restore Karachi’s civic infrastructure and provide better municipal services. “We understand our responsibilities and are taking the right steps to improve this city,” Wahab concluded.