Commissioner Karachi reviews anti-encroachment drive

KARACHI, Oct 05 (APP): Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi on Monday chaired a weekly meeting of Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to review anti-encroachment, hotel seating arrangements, price control and a campaign against professional beggars at his office here.

Additional Commissioner-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah and Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Iqra Jannat attended the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioners gave detailed briefings on the performance of their respective districts, while the Assistant Commissioner Headquarters presented a district-wise review of performance reports received through the Commissioner Portal. All Assistant Commissioners also briefed the meeting via video link.

Commissioner Naqvi expressed dissatisfaction with efforts to address difficulties faced by motorists and citizens because of roadside encroachments and hotel seating arrangements.

The meeting considered consulting Town Councils to regulate tea stalls that obstruct traffic on main roads, busy streets and footpaths.

It was decided that tea stalls would not be permitted on main roads. Open spaces would be identified in each Town or Union Council for locating such establishments.

Town Councils will be asked to submit proposals for suitable open spaces, and permits for tea stalls will be issued in consultation with and with the assistance of the councils.

Assistant Commissioner Headquarters briefed the meeting on action taken against roadside encroachments during September and October.

Deputy Commissioner Korangi Masood Bhutto reported 31 operations at National Highway, Jinnah Square, Coast Guard Chowrangi, Korangi Crossing, 9,000 Road from Bilal Chowrangi to Korangi 2½, Liaquat Market, Kala Board, Liaquat Ali Khan Road, Qayyumabad Chowrangi, Aman Tower, Saudabad and other locations. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem said 18 operations were conducted in Mujahid Colony, Paposh, Sunday Bazaar, Rizvia, Sindhi Hotel, Nala Stop, Hussainabad, Karimabad, Buffer Zone and other areas.

Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi reported 13 operations in Safora Chowrangi, Mahmoodabad Road, Akhtar Colony, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Tariq Road, University Road, Gilmore Grand Chowrangi and other areas.

Deputy Commissioner Malir Samiullah Sheikh reported five operations in Ghazi Town, Gulshan-e-Rumi, Ghanachi Market, Malir 15 to Amir Baloch Hotel, Malir Halt Bridge and other locations.

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said 36 operations were conducted in Kalakot, Clifton, Regal Chowk, Abdullah Haroon Road, Zaibunnisa Street, Saddar, DHA Phase 2, Hazara Colony and Machhi Miani.

Deputy Commissioner West Zulfiqar Memon reported nine operations in Sabzi Chowk, Urdu Chowk, Banaras Flyover,

Manghopir Road, Orangi, Qasba Road and Surjani.

As per report presented by the Assistant Commissioner, HQ DCs took action against illegal hotel seating in their districts.

In Central District, nine operations between September 21 and 27 resulted in seven hotels being de-sealed and 50 chairs confiscated. From September 28 to October 4, 23 operations resulted in four hotels being sealed and one de-sealed, while 173 chairs and six bags were confiscated.

In East District, three operations between September 21 and 27 resulted in the confiscation of 86 chairs and 15 tables. Between September 28 and October 4, 10 operations resulted in six hotels being sealed and two de-sealed, with 93 chairs and 22 tables confiscated.

In Keamari District, three operations between September 21 and 27 resulted in illegal items being confiscated. During another three operations from September 28 to October 4, items were removed and confiscated from M.T. Khan Road and other areas.

In Korangi District, 10 operations between September 21 and 27 resulted in 42 chairs and 12 tables being confiscated.

While from September 28 to October 4, eight operations resulted in 16 chairs and seven tables being confiscated.

In Malir District, nine operations between September 21 and 27 resulted in the removal and confiscation of hotel seating. During 10 operations from September 28 to October 4, encroachments were removed and confiscated along Shahrah-e-Faisal, Quaidabad and other areas.

In South District, one operation was conducted between September 21 and 27. From September 28 to October 4, eight operations resulted in the removal of encroachments from M.A. Jinnah Road, outside the Press Club and other locations.

In West District, seven operations between September 28 and October 4 resulted in the removal of illegal hotel seating arrangements in Surjani and Khuda Ki Basti.