Pakistan: According to Dawn, Karachi authorities have stepped up their anti-encroachment efforts by closing hundreds of stores around the city, including the auto parts bazaar off MA Jinnah Road next to Tibet Centre.

The move came after Akbar Road’s whole motorbike bazaar was sealed down earlier. The expanded drive sparked heated emotions around the city, according to officials on Monday.

There are concerns about the operation’s scope and effects since it has impacted both roadside restaurants and dealers who generate significant tax income.

According to information provided by Dawn, 86 stores at the auto spare parts market were blocked when it was discovered that cars stopped outside for maintenance were encroaching on the main road, causing traffic congestion.

Similar justifications were provided by the authorities for closing 115 stores at the Akbar Road motorbike market, which was closed on Monday.

The report reportedly said that dozens of other stores in the city’s commercial sectors were similarly shut.

Shopkeepers near Tibet Center have received three warnings to remove encroachments in front of their establishments, according to Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso.

He said that store owners mostly hired roadside mechanics and electricians to increase company activity.The route was too clogged with cars due to double parking, which hindered traffic movement,” he stated.

Shopkeepers who failed to provide affidavits providing written assurance of conformity with standard operating procedures (SOPs) will not be permitted to reopen, according to a Monday meeting.

Shops would be allowed to restart operations in stages if they presented commitments to deputy commissioners.

According to the ruling Dawn reported, any infraction of SOPs will result in the premises being locked for three days.

The DC-South also issued a warning that any future violations of SOPs after affidavits were filed would result in arrests and the filing of formal complaints against offenders.

Over the last three days, 196 restaurants in various sections of the city have been blocked, according to officials.

The anti-encroachment drive will continue, according to Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi.

He declared that no store or restaurant would be permitted to set up items on pathways.

According to Dawn, he said, the effort was intended to address the rising issue of blockages on roads, sidewalks, and service lanes.

However, traders criticized the action, saying it was needless and that it may harm companies and the country’s economy.

According to Muhammad Sabir Shaikh, a former officebearer of the Motorcycle Dealers Association, it is customary around the world to exhibit cars and motorbikes outside of stores.According to him, authorities ought to have designated a space for motorbike displays in front of the stores.

“The whole exercise, under the guise of an antiencroachment drive, is simply aimed at raising rates,” said another bike dealer, without offering any other information.