Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched a strict crackdown on drug addicts suspected of stealing iron rods and railings from bridges across the city, citing rising safety risks and infrastructure damage.

Public Safety at Risk Due to Missing Iron Railings

Officials warned that missing iron rods on high-traffic bridges pose extreme risks to public safety. Pedestrians and vehicles are vulnerable to accidents, falls, and structural instability when safety barriers are compromised.

Police and Municipal Teams Actively Patrol Vulnerable Sites

As part of the operation, KMC teams and law enforcement are patrolling known extraction zones, including Old City bridges and around Saddar. Authorities are conducting on-site arrests as individuals are found removing metal components.

Confiscated Materials to Be Replaced Swiftly

Reclaimed iron rails and rods are being cataloged and secured for replacement. KMC has allocated a special budget and repair crews to urgently restore safety barriers across affected bridges.

Focus on Rehabilitation Alongside Enforcement

The crackdown also includes proposals for rehabilitation efforts targeting addicts arrested for steel theft. KMC plans to collaborate with social welfare and health departments to provide support and treatment, rather than only imposing punishments.

City Officials Stress Preventive Measures and Awareness

Mayor and KMC leadership emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns about the dangers of infrastructure theft. They called on citizens to report suspicious activity and instructed teams to install warning signage at high-risk locations.

Crackdown Part of Broader Infrastructure Protection Drive

This initiative is part of a larger citywide campaign to protect critical infrastructure from theft and vandalism, which includes streetlights, underground cables, and public railings. The goal is to ensure timely repair and prevention of service disruptions.

Next Steps: Expanding Patrols and Community Engagement

Following initial arrests, KMC plans to extend surveillance to additional bridges and high-risk areas. City authorities aim to launch a community reporting hotline, increase patrol presence, and deploy CCTV to monitor vulnerable infrastructure zones regularly.