FOOTPATHS have been permanently encroached upon by electronic and motorbike showrooms, eateries, tyre shops, milk, stationary, grocery sellers etc on the main Liaquat Ali Khan Road.

Massive encroachments have also lately emerged at a fast pace on Hashim Raza Road in Model Colony.

Previously, these footpaths were occupied only during the day. However, encouraged by lack of resistance from the area people and the authorities concerned these shops have now permanently occupied all footpaths in Malir.

Eateries started massive encroachments by establishing ovens, barbeque fires, etc., on foothpaths, with a citywide famous juice centre in Model Colony and a Pizza chain in Saudabad, converting footpaths into dining areas. Now all shops owners have taken over footpaths permanently.

These ‘encroachers’ are depriving people of easy walk and are exposing them to the risks of road accidents. These areas are on the periphery of the city and are seldom visited by any officials of civil administration.

The Sindh government and the recently established anti-encroachment courts should take action.

Ahmad Khan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2018