As Eidul Fitr draws near, encroachments are on the rise in the markets of the capital, creating inconvenience for shoppers.
The encroachment mafia is most visible in markets mostly visited by the middle class consumers, including Aabpara, G-6, Gulshan Market and Karachi Company.
According to a random survey, the number of customers, especially with the advent of last and third Ashra of the holy month of Ramadan, have increased manifolds, therefore, the traders are cashing festivity to their advantage and have rented the fronts of their shops to stallholders. And because of the encroachers, the visitors are facing problems. Moreover, the encroachers in Aabpara Market are even occupying the parking lots. The stallholders, including those selling perfumes, shoes, garment, jewellery and bangles, have encroached upon the entire walkways. Citizens have demanded the authorities concerned to tackle the issue in an effective manner.