Amid the grand anti-encroachment drive, the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) on Sunday deployed police and rangers due to expected interference of land mafia. KDA has expanded the grand anti-encroachment operation against land mafia in the city, with a plan to remove the illegal constructions in Saddar Rainbow Canter after Empress Market and Kabari market, Jahangirabad. After removing illegal constructions and shops inside and outside the Empress Market, the KDA has started demolishing unplanned buildings in Saddar Rainbow Center. No unpleasant situation has been experienced yet as it was expected, however, police and rangers have been deployed. Earlier, KDA had kicked off second phase of anti-encroachments operation to remove the illegal constructions inside the Empress Market and expanded the operation to demolish unplanned buildings in Kabari market, Jahangirabad. Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar had assured that the plan will be executed after a notice and authorities will give a sufficient time to shopkeepers to empty the shops. Mayor Waseem Akhtar had also said that anti-encroachment operation will restore Karachi to its natural and historical beauty. Akhtar said that victims of operation will be provided with an alternative place and a committee has been formed for this purpose. He added, “We do not want to affect anyone’s business and we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.” Published in Daily Times, November 19th 2018.