KARACHI: Shops in Karachi’s Akbar Road motorcycle market remained sealed for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, as traders awaited the district administration’s clearance to resume business following an anti-encroachment drive.
Over 100 shops were sealed on January 3 for displaying motorcycles on roads and footpaths in violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Shopkeepers have since submitted written affidavits pledging compliance and paid fines of Rs5,000 each, hoping for the reopening of their businesses.
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Akbar Road, one of Karachi’s largest hubs for buying and selling motorcycles, typically sees heavy foot and vehicle traffic. Local residents said annual anti-encroachment drives temporarily clear the area, but encroachments often return within a week.
Karachi Motorcycle Dealer Association Chairman Muhammad Ahsan Gujjar said the market sells between 1,500 and 2,000 motorcycles daily, generating millions in government revenue from sales tax, registration, and transfer fees. “The fourth day of closure has caused significant financial losses for traders,” he said.
Market association president Aqeel Sheikh claimed that while shopkeepers had removed motorcycles in advance, the January 3 operation was conducted without prior notice. He added that other markets in Saddar, including car denters and spare parts workshops, continued operations despite encroachments.
A traffic police official noted that displaying motorcycles on footpaths and roads falls under the anti-encroachment department, but traffic police intervene if double-lane parking affects traffic flow.
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Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that following submission of affidavits and payment of fines, the sealed shops would reopen on Wednesday. Traders and employees expressed relief at the expected resumption of business.