It has been four days since district authorities in Karachi sealed over 100 shops at the Akbar Road motorcycle market due to encroachment violations. Shopkeepers, however, hope to reopen soon after submitting written assurances of compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) to the district administration.
Akbar Road, widely known as Akbar Market, is one of Karachi’s largest hubs for buying and selling motorcycles. The road is usually congested, with motorcycles displayed along both sides and on footpaths, creating difficulties for commuters and nearby residents.
Residents said anti-encroachment drives are common, and motorcycles and stalls are regularly seized to ease traffic. However, they noted that the cleared spaces rarely remain encroachment-free for more than a few days.
During the recent operation on January 3, the district administration sealed at least 95 shops after motorcycles were displayed on roads and footpaths. Shopkeepers have paid fines of Rs5,000 each and submitted affidavits pledging to comply with SOPs.
Muhammad Ahsan Gujjar, Chairman of the Karachi Motorcycle Dealer Association, told media that he spoke with the assistant commissioner South, who assured that shops would be de-sealed after compliance affidavits are submitted. He emphasized the economic impact of the sealing, noting that between 1,500 and 2,000 motorcycles are sold daily in the market. This trade generates millions of rupees in sales tax, registration fees, and transfer fees for the government.
“Today is the fourth day since the shops were sealed, and millions of rupees in losses have been incurred,” Mr. Gujjar said.
Aqeel Sheikh, another market association leader, claimed that the January 3 operation was carried out without prior notice, while other traders in nearby areas obstruct traffic without facing penalties. He stressed that Akbar Road is a major market where taxpayers contribute significantly to Karachi’s revenue but feel unfairly targeted.
A traffic police official at Preedy police station explained that single-lane parking is allowed, while motorcycles displayed on roads and footpaths fall under the anti-encroachment department’s jurisdiction. He added that traffic police intervene only when double-lane parking obstructs traffic flow.
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Shopkeepers continue to wait outside their closed shops, hoping the administration will soon allow them to resume business. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing urban traffic management and commercial activity in Karachi.
