KARACHI: Residents of Pakistan’s largest city are increasingly finding daily life difficult as a combination of broken roads, persistent dust, poor sanitation, and widespread encroachments continue to disrupt routine movement and urban living. What many describe as a “double burden” has turned commuting into a frustrating and time-consuming ordeal across multiple areas of the metropolis.
From early morning to late evening, citizens heading to work or returning home face severe traffic congestion caused not only by damaged infrastructure but also by unchecked encroachments on major roads, service lanes, and even narrow streets within residential neighborhoods. Makeshift stalls, pushcarts, roadside vendors, mechanics, and showroom vehicles have occupied large portions of public spaces, significantly reducing road capacity.
Commuters report that a journey which should take minutes often stretches into hours, resulting in wasted fuel, increased transport costs, and heightened stress. The situation is further aggravated by the poor condition of roads, where potholes and uneven surfaces create clouds of dust, adding to environmental pollution and posing health risks, particularly for children and the elderly.
Despite the existence of anti-encroachment departments within the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and various town administrations, as well as the presence of assistant commissioners tasked with enforcement, the issue persists. Authorities routinely claim that operations are carried out throughout the year, yet encroachments frequently reappear soon after being cleared, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts.
Citizens and observers alike are increasingly asking who is behind what appears to be a well-entrenched “encroachment mafia” that continues to operate with apparent impunity. Many argue that without addressing the root causes—whether they involve organized networks, weak enforcement, or lack of political will—temporary crackdowns will fail to produce lasting results.
Several key arteries of the city illustrate the scale of the problem. On M.A. Jinnah Road, particularly between Numaish and Jama Cloth, ongoing development work for the Green Line project has further narrowed traffic flow. In front of Tibet Centre, encroachments have reduced the road to a single usable lane, severely affecting mobility. Similar conditions extend all the way toward Tower, where roadside occupations are common.
On New M.A. Jinnah Road, from Jail Chowrangi to People’s Chowrangi, car showrooms often park vehicles along the roadside, further restricting movement. Meanwhile, along the stretch from Hassan Square to Safora Chowrangi, both service roads and sections of the main road are frequently occupied by vendors and informal businesses.
The problem is not confined to a few locations. Major corridors such as Rashid Minhas Road, the route from Sohrab Goth to Nagan Chowrangi, Gurumandir to Lasbela, Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, and from Nagan Chowrangi to Surjani Town are all affected. Similar encroachments are visible from Malir Halt to Malir City, Quaidabad, Steel Mill areas, Korangi Crossing, Nasir Jump, and further along Korangi and Landhi.
Urban planners warn that unchecked encroachments not only disrupt traffic but also undermine city planning, reduce pedestrian safety, and hinder emergency services. At the same time, they acknowledge the socioeconomic dimension of the issue, as many small vendors rely on roadside setups for their livelihoods. This makes the challenge more complex, requiring balanced solutions that combine enforcement with alternative arrangements.
For now, Karachiites continue to navigate a city where functional roads are increasingly scarce, and public spaces are contested. With only a few areas reportedly free from encroachments, the pressing question remains: who will take responsibility for resolving this chronic issue?
