KARACHI – The Karachi administration has announced a sweeping ban on the cutting and digging of roads and footpaths across the city for the next two months. The move aims to protect the city’s infrastructure and prevent unauthorized excavations that often lead to public inconvenience.
Commissioner Karachi, Hassan Naqvi, issued a formal notification on Friday, imposing Section 144 to enforce the restriction. According to the order, the ban will remain in effect until March 2, 2026.
Key Details of the Ban:
- Who is affected? The restriction applies to all utility service providers, private individuals, and ongoing development projects.
- What is prohibited? Any form of drilling, cutting, or excavation on main roads and pedestrian pavements.
- Legal Action: Any individual or organization found violating the order will face criminal charges under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
Exemptions:
The administration has clarified that essential local government works and projects that have obtained formal prior permission from the Sindh Government will be allowed. However, these exempted projects must strictly follow the guidelines provided by the Karachi Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic flow.
The Commissioner has directed all relevant authorities to ensure the immediate implementation of the order to prevent illegal digging, which has been a major cause of dust pollution and traffic congestion in the metropolis.
