The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has launched a citywide operation to take action against drug addicts involved in stealing iron rods, bridge railings, and other public infrastructure.
This step comes after a rise in public complaints about thefts from bridges, buildings, poles, and boundary walls across various parts of the city.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab has directed the authorities to remove drug addicts from roadsides, footpaths, and public places.
Those found are being shifted first to the City Wardens Headquarters and then to rehabilitation centers for proper treatment.
KMC spokesperson Daniyal Siyal shared that special teams of city wardens have been deployed in every district to carry out this work safely and respectfully. The aim is to make sure those removed do not return to the same public areas.
The issue of stolen infrastructure has come up repeatedly in meetings chaired by the mayor, leading to a decision by KMC to allocate land for the construction of large-scale rehabilitation centers. This project has been declared a priority for the city administration.
“These thefts not only damage vital infrastructure but also undermine the social fabric of Karachi,” Siyal said. “For a small amount of money, the city’s safety, appearance, and public property are being put at risk.”
KMC remains committed to bringing order back to public areas, protecting city infrastructure, and supporting the recovery and reintegration of those battling drug addiction.
In a related incident, Mubina Town police arrested thirteen individuals following complaints about drug addicts gathering near University Road and nearby neighborhoods.
Station House Officer Chaudhry Nawaz said that the police raided the locations mentioned in the complaints, took the suspects into custody, and sent them to a rehabilitation center for treatment.