Traders in Karachi have called on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to take action against land grabbers, parking mafia, and water mafia, which they claim are severely impacting the city’s economy and infrastructure.

The demand was made by Minhaj Gulfam, President of the Karachi Mobile and Electronics Dealers Association, during a press conference.

Gulfam highlighted the growing issue of land encroachment, pointing out that the leasing of footpaths has led to the deterioration of Karachi’s commercial areas.

“Encroachment is seizing citizens’ properties, and the Water Board is depriving the public of basic water services, forcing them to buy water tankers at inflated prices,” he said.

The traders expressed concern over the Sindh government’s inaction on these issues, which they believe has fueled public frustration. They questioned Karachi’s mayor, asking under what legal authority footpaths were being leased.

Gulfam also criticized the rise of the “Hassan Brohi system,” which has expanded beyond highway land encroachment to areas like the northern bypasses, Korangi Industrial Area, and the SITE Industrial Area.

The press conference also addressed the issue of water scarcity. Gulfam accused the Water Board of creating a manufactured water crisis, forcing citizens to buy water tankers.

He noted that water tankers, which the KWSC claims are available for Rs2,200, were being sold by private operators for Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 for 3,000-gallon tankers, and up to Rs 18,000 for 6,000-gallon tankers.

The traders criticized the Water Board and the water mafia, suggesting they were running a joint operation to exploit the city’s residents.

The traders also raised concerns about the lack of a reliable water distribution system in Karachi, pointing out that the city has struggled with this issue for 75 years.

“Water is a basic human need, the government must tell the people where to go with their complaints,” Gulfam stated.

Additionally, the traders spoke out about ongoing electricity shortages, alleging that both the provincial and federal governments were blocking new electricity supply companies from entering the market to protect the interests of existing suppliers.

The traders concluded their press conference by appealing to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief Justice of Pakistan (SJP) to form a credible, empowered team to investigate these matters and take action.

They also called for an inquiry into the leasing offices, questioning how these individuals were damaging the national exchequer and urged authorities to step in to protect their rights and prevent further damage to the city’s infrastructure.

Source: The Express Tribune