Karachi, October 13, 2026: The Karachi administration has announced a citywide crackdown on illegal billboards and advertising hoardings after a survey identified 224 unauthorised structures across four districts.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has directed municipal authorities and advertising companies to comply with existing regulations, warning that criminal cases will be registered against those responsible for illegal installations.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the commissioner to review billboard violations and improve public safety across the city.
224 Illegal Billboards Identified Across Karachi
According to the survey conducted on the commissioner’s instructions, District Central recorded the highest number of illegal billboards, followed closely by District East.
The district-wise breakdown is as follows:
| Karachi district | Illegal billboards identified |
|---|---|
| Central | 81 |
| East | 80 |
| South | 47 |
| West | 16 |
| Total | 224 |
The findings show a significant increase compared with an earlier survey conducted in 2026, which identified 55 billboards for removal.
Assistant Commissioner General Waqas Abbasi informed the meeting that the latest survey was intended to identify violations, improve regulatory compliance and prevent further unauthorised installations.
Karachi Commissioner Orders Removal of Illegal Hoardings
Commissioner Hassan Naqvi reviewed photographs of the identified billboards and examined the violations associated with individual structures.
He directed the relevant authorities to immediately remove illegal billboards in District South and District East.
However, advertising structures with minor deficiencies may be allowed to remain if their operators correct the problems and meet legal requirements.
The commissioner also instructed the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs), cantonment boards and development authorities to strictly enforce billboard installation regulations.
FIRs to Be Registered Against Advertising Agencies and Officials
The Karachi administration has warned that legal action will be taken against advertising companies and government officials found responsible for unlawful billboard installations.
Under the Sindh Public Property (Removal of Encroachment) Act, first information reports (FIRs) may be registered against chief executive officers of advertising agencies involved in violations.
Officials who issued permits contrary to the law could also face criminal proceedings.
The administration’s decision aims to strengthen accountability and discourage unauthorised outdoor advertising.
No specific FIR registrations were confirmed in the reports reviewed; the action was announced as part of the crackdown.
Billboards Banned on Roads, Footpaths and Public Spaces
Authorities clarified that advertising billboards cannot be installed on prohibited public property.
Restricted locations include roads, footpaths, road medians, green belts, roundabouts, pedestrian walkways, drainage channels and their surrounding areas.
The restrictions also cover electronic advertising screens and ground-level billboards installed at prohibited public locations.
Pedestrian bridges were identified as an exception to the general list of restricted public spaces, subject to applicable regulations.
The administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward dangerous advertising structures, including unsafe installations on private property.
Vigilance Committees to Monitor Billboard Safety
The meeting also reviewed progress on establishing vigilance committees involving qualified architects and engineers.
These committees are planned for the KMC and all 25 Town Municipal Corporations to improve oversight of outdoor advertising structures.
Officials informed the commissioner that notifications had been received from 14 TMCs, while the remaining 11 were being directed to complete the process.
The committees are expected to support inspections and help authorities identify structures that may violate safety or installation requirements.
Why Illegal Billboards Are a Safety Concern in Karachi
Poorly installed or inadequately maintained billboards can create risks for pedestrians, motorists and nearby buildings.
Large advertising structures may become particularly dangerous during strong winds, heavy rainfall or storms if their foundations and supports are not secure.
Unauthorised billboards can also obstruct footpaths, reduce visibility and occupy public spaces intended for pedestrians and road users.
The administration’s latest initiative seeks to address these concerns through stricter enforcement and regular inspections.
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What Happens Next?
Karachi authorities are expected to begin enforcement action against the identified illegal structures, with immediate removal ordered in the South and East districts.
Advertising agencies will be required to correct minor violations where permitted or remove structures that cannot legally remain.
The administration has also warned that officials involved in issuing unlawful permits may face legal action.
The effectiveness of the crackdown will depend on sustained inspections, enforcement and coordination among municipal authorities.
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