KARACHI, July 31: A busy roundabout in Malir continues to be in the illegal possession of land-grabbers who have built a mini-shopping centre there.

The huge roundabout is located in front of Malir’s main Liaquat Market. Although encroachments were made in a calculated manner during the last several years, no sincere efforts were made by the authorities concerned to check this menace.

Sources said the plan for remodelling the roundabout had been put on the backburner, as municipal authorities continue to ignore the sufferings of the people owing to off and on traffic jams on the spot.

Even two former nazims, who enjoyed vast powers, did not give any positive response to the public complaints.

The presence of the shopping centre and occupation of nearby roads and footpaths often lead to a massive traffic mayhem at Liaquat Market where traffic rules are violated with impunity, and those passing through the area suffer the wrath of violators. Many accidents have occurred in the past owing to mismanagement on the roads all around.

Inquiries revealed that a few activists of a political party which had control over the locality remained in the forefront while the roundabout was being dismantled and an illegal parking lot was created some 10 years back.

Later, some shops were built by contractors and they increased their number gradually. In the meanwhile these shops changed hands.

The KESC added to the sufferings of the people as it granted connections to the shops.

Area residents and commuters often complain against the encroachments, however, any action from the authorities concerned is still awaited.