Karachi Encroachments: CAP Calls for Removal of Illegal Pushcarts and Alternative Sites for Vendors

KARACHI: Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) Founder and Chairman Kaukab Iqbal has welcomed Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon’s announcement regarding the removal of illegal pushcarts and encroachments across Karachi, describing it as a positive initiative that requires immediate and effective implementation.

Iqbal said the unauthorised placement of pushcarts and other encroachments on major roads, thoroughfares and footpaths had severely disrupted traffic flow and created difficulties for pedestrians. He stressed that footpaths must remain accessible for public use and pedestrian movement, adding that all illegal occupations of roads and footpaths should be removed without delay.

He urged town administrations, district authorities and relevant municipal bodies to play an active role in removing encroachments and restoring the city’s appearance and orderly traffic system. However, he emphasised that the livelihoods of poor vendors must also be protected, as thousands of people depend on pushcart businesses to support their families. Removing their businesses without providing alternatives, he warned, could cause unemployment and financial hardship.

Iqbal proposed that the Sindh Government establish weekly markets at suitable government-owned locations and large open grounds across Karachi. He suggested allocating designated business spaces through a transparent system of vendor registration, numbering and official allotment so that vendors could continue operating legally and earn their livelihoods.

He also called for an end to unauthorised collections from vendors by individuals or government departments. The government, he said, should introduce officially prescribed fees for allocated spaces to prevent exploitation, illegal payments and extortion.

Highlighting consumer protection, Iqbal said vendors operating in designated markets should comply with officially notified government price lists. Those charging customers above prescribed rates should face strict action from the relevant authorities to prevent overcharging and profiteering and protect consumers’ rights.

He called on the Sindh Government, Commissioner Karachi, deputy commissioners, town chairmen and municipal authorities to develop an immediate and comprehensive action plan for removing encroachments. The plan, he said, should identify affected areas, establish clear implementation timelines, form special enforcement teams and assign responsibility for effective execution.

He also stressed the need for a permanent monitoring mechanism to prevent encroachments from returning after removal operations. Weekly markets, alternative business locations, vendor registration and enforcement of official prices, he added, must form an integral part of the government’s policy.

Iqbal maintained that temporary operations alone would not make Karachi clean, attractive and organised. A permanent policy supported by effective implementation and continuous monitoring was essential to achieving lasting results.

He concluded that the government must ensure public access to roads and footpaths, smoother traffic movement, an end to illegal collections, protection against consumer overcharging and dignified, lawful business opportunities for hardworking vendors.