On November 13, 2024, Anti Encroachment Squad initiated a crackdown at Kareem Market in Lahore, Pakistan. Targeting pushcart owners who were obstructing paths and contributing to the significant traffic congestion in the area. The local authorities carried out the raid in order to enforce urban planning standards. Their goal was to clear the bustling market areas of unauthorized street vendors who have been causing delays for both pedestrians and automobiles.
During the operation, which was a part of an ongoing attempt to Noor-ui-amin road encroachments in Lahore. The police and municipal officials collaborated to remove pushcarts and vendors that were blocking critical access points. These encroachments have been a serious issue for quite some time, especially in densely populated commercial areas. They are contributors to traffic jams and impede the movement of vehicles. Numerous sources have reported mounting pressure on the traffic police to address the growing traffic difficulties caused by these street sellers.
Despite the fact that some cart owners have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating that they have been compelled to pay bribes in order to obtain authorization to operate on public roads, local officials maintain that activities of this nature are detrimental to both the quality of the air and the safety of the traffic. The ongoing operation at Kareem Market is part of Lahore’s broader efforts to restore order to its streets and mitigate the detrimental impact of illegal street encroachments on the environment and society.
The authorities are urging sellers to follow the legal procedures and find suitable locations for their stalls. They are also promising support to those vendors who comply with the norms that govern municipal development. This raid has shed light on Lahore’s ongoing struggles with urbanization. Officials have emphasized the necessity of more sustainable and structured measures to manage the rising population and the impact it has on traffic and infrastructure.
Source: Pakistan Update
