The situation has drastically worsened in Pakistan Bazar, Sector 11 ½, Orangi Town over the past few years. A road once meant for smooth vehicular traffic is now choked with “patharas”, vendor carts, and makeshift stalls occupying most of the carriageway. Permanent parking of vehicles in the middle of the road has further reduced the usable space, bringing traffic to a standstill. As a result, no public transport—or even ambulances—can use this route, causing immense hardship for daily commuters, especially women, students, and elderly citizens.

What is even more troubling is the apparent silent approval of this chaos by the local administration and police. It is widely believed that regular extortion (bhattā) is being collected from these vendors and cart owners, which explains the lack of any serious crackdown despite numerous complaints. The road has become a hub of organised disorder, and the public continues to suffer in silence.

This area has effectively turned lawless, with the common citizen bearing the brunt while the authorities turn a blind eye. It is high time for the government, municipal administration, and law enforcement agencies to take meaningful action, clear the encroachments, restore public transport routes, and reclaim the road for the people.

We, the residents, urge higher authorities to intervene and restore order and accessibility to this vital commercial and residential area of Orangi Town.

ADVOCATE MUHAMMAD

LATIF MEHDI,

Karachi.