KARACHI:
Responding to growing public concerns over the theft of iron rods, bridge railings, poles, and other metal fixtures from across the city, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on drug addicts occupying streets, footpaths, and public spaces.
Following his directives, city wardens teams have begun operations in all districts to remove addicts from public areas and transfer them to rehabilitation centres. According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) spokesperson Daniyal Siyal, addicts found living on roadsides are first shifted to the City Wardens Headquarters before being moved to rehab facilities. He emphasised that the entire process is being carried out in a structured and humane manner to prevent reoccupation of public spaces.
The issue has been under discussion in multiple high-level meetings chaired by the mayor, where concerns were raised over thefts and damage to public infrastructure. KMC has already allocated land for establishing large-scale rehabilitation centres to address the problem sustainably, and the mayor has declared the initiative a priority project.
“These individuals are not only stealing critical infrastructure for a few rupees, they are also damaging the social fabric of Karachi,” Siyal said. “Their activities risk the safety, beauty, and public property of the city.”
Meanwhile, Mubina Town police detained 13 drug addicts during raids in areas surrounding University Road following complaints from residents about groups gathering there. SHO Chaudhry Nawaz confirmed that the arrested individuals have been shifted to rehabilitation centres for treatment and recovery.
KMC officials say they remain committed to restoring order in public areas, protecting civic assets, and facilitating the reintegration of addicts through focused rehabilitation efforts.
