KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi has taken strong notice of unauthorized cattle markets (maweshi mandis) springing up across the city and has directed all district deputy commissioners (DCs) to immediately shut them down, ARY News reported on Saturday.
The Commissioner emphasized that only 21 designated cattle markets have been approved by the city administration, in addition to the central maweshi mandi. He warned that illegal markets are causing severe traffic congestion and creating public nuisance in residential areas.
During a high-level meeting, Deputy Commissioners presented their progress reports. The DC South confirmed that an illegal cattle market set up on Ghulam Hussain Qasim Road in Kharadar has been dismantled. Similarly, the DC Central reported that three unauthorized markets in Nazimabad have been closed. In District East, two illegal markets were shut down, while the DC Korangi said that a market at the Qayyumabad roundabout has also been removed.
The crackdown comes as Eid al-Adha approaches, with the buying and selling of sacrificial animals reaching its peak. Unauthorized markets have been mushrooming in various parts of the city, leading to issues of cleanliness and traffic gridlock.
Commissioner Naqvi reiterated that no leniency will be shown towards violators and warned that strict legal action will be taken against those found operating illegal cattle markets. He urged citizens to only purchase animals from designated markets to avoid legal complications.
Karachi has a history of illegal cattle markets emerging during the Eid season, causing severe congestion on major thoroughfares. The administration has vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against such encroachments.
Source: ARY News