Karachi mayor orders crackdown on drug addicts occupying public spaces

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab ordered an immediate crackdown on drug addicts occupying roads, footpaths, and other public spaces across Karachi, following rising complaints from citizens regarding damage to public infrastructure.

According to a report by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the mayor’s directive came in response to frequent public grievances concerning theft and vandalism targeting flyovers, bridges, public buildings, pools, and boundary walls.

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) spokesperson Daniyal Sial stated that drug addicts have been causing serious harm to the city’s infrastructure for the sake of a few rupees, putting at risk the safety, aesthetics, and integrity of public property.

The mayor has instructed that individuals found occupying public spaces be first relocated to the city warden headquarters and then shifted to rehabilitation centres. 

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The aim is to address the issue in a humane and organised manner while restoring order and safeguarding the city’s assets, said the spokesperson.

Special teams have been deployed in each district to ensure this process is carried out efficiently and to prevent reoccupation of the cleared public areas.

The issue has been discussed in several official meetings, especially in relation to increasing incidents of theft and destruction of infrastructure.

Daniyal Sial also revealed that KMC has already allocated large tracts of land for the establishment of rehabilitation centres to find a long-term and sustainable solution.

He reiterated KMC’s commitment to restoring public order, protecting urban infrastructure, and supporting the social rehabilitation of affected individuals.