KARACHI, July 6: Bus stops in Malir are being converted into shops in glaring violation of local government rules. At least half a dozen bus stops on Malir’s Begum Khursheed Road and Malir Extension Road built some 15 years back are being encroached upon by the land mafia, with the connivance of town administration officials.

Inquiries revealed that the officials had allowed conversion of at least three bus stops in the recent past where shops had been built to facilitate the hidden hand.

One of the bus stops is located at National Highway near Kala Board Malir. The conversion work, which began about two months back at the bus stop, is still continuing. Nowadays, tiles are being fixed while the shutter had already been installed.

Residents of Malir questioned such a move by the local government institutions, which have exposed the intention of the town officials. Although work had started during the tenure of former UC and town nazims, the town administration officials closed their eyes and let the contractors carry out renovation work.

Similarly, a former nazim of Malir allowed construction of at least three shops inside a bus stop near Government Commerce College for Women, Malir Tanki. The contractors partitioned the bus stop to create three shops while leaving a small portion for passengers.

Area people demanded said that action must be taken against those who with the collaboration of contractors were behind such conversions. Besides, they urged the government to ensure early completion of work on Begum Khursheed Road.