Severe traffic jams caused by widespread encroachments and illegal rickshaw stands have paralyzed daily life in Mirpurkhas, causing severe hardship for citizens, while officials face accusations of collusion and inaction.
The city’s main thoroughfares, including Post Office Chowk, Market Chowk, Jamil Shaheed Road, and Baldia Shopping Centre Road, have become almost impassable for pedestrians due to a proliferation of illegal structures and unauthorized rickshaw and Qingqi stands.
According to reports, traffic police and municipal anti-encroachment personnel are allegedly acting as “silent spectators” to this growing chaos due to daily bribe collection. It is also alleged that illegal transport stands at Old Civil Hospital and New Town were established with the active collusion of traffic officials, further exacerbating public woes while the administration remains inactive.
In response to court orders, the city administration has launched the third phase of a “token” campaign against encroachments. Led by Anti-Encroachment Deputy Assistant Director Aurangzeb Mughal, the campaign began from Market to Iqbal Road, where corporation staff started confiscating illegally placed goods.
Mr. Mughal stated that the current operation involves confiscating encroached items and imposing fines. He expressed a commitment that the campaign aims to clear all major commercial centers of such obstructions and announced it would continue until December 10.
However, citizen circles have expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s efforts, deeming the operation unsatisfactory. They have demanded that for a permanent solution to the problem, a comprehensive and impartial campaign be conducted across the city without any political influence.