KARACHI: Reacting over razing of more than 80 houses in Korangi during an anti-encroachment drive, Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar on Friday said he had “nothing to do” with the said operation.
Exclusively talking to ARY News’ correspondent Muhammad Rafay Hussain, he said the operation in Korangi was carried out by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and the district administration whereas the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) had no role in it.
On Thursday, at least 80 houses were bulldozed, during an anti-encroachment drive in Korangi. Authorities had termed these constructions ‘illegal’.
Expressing his concern over the demolition of houses in Korangi, the mayor reiterated his resolve that “KMC will not be allowed to demolish, a single house in the metropolis.”
“I would resign from my office if KMC is found involved in razing a single house in the city,” Akhtar vowed.
Dismissing the impression of demolishing residences, Akhtar clarified that his mandate was restricted to the removal of encroachments from roads and nullahs.
To a query, Mr Akhtar said shops built in surroundings of Karachi Zoo are ‘illegal’ and have been served notice to take their valuables before the commencement of the anti-encroachment drive in the area.
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Back in December 2018, Waseem Akhtar had assured that none of the houses was razed during the anti-encroachment operation and neither will anyone be allowed to demolish them in the future.
The Mayor Karachi was speaking to media after the Supreme Court turned down the Sindh government’s plea to stop the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in the port city.
“I have said that my mandate allows only the removal of encroachments from roads and nullahs, not demolishing the houses,” the Mayor added.
Vowing to restore the old outlook of the metropolis, the Mayor ensured to continue the campaign against encroachments and land mafia.
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