Billboards and Wall Chalking on Roads Are Illegal, Says Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab

Karachi: Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has stated that installing banners and carrying out wall chalking on roads is an illegal activity, adding that it appears “Bengali Baba has engaged someone,” in a humorous remark during his media talk.

Speaking to journalists outside the Sindh High Court, Murtaza Wahab said that in any civilized society, roads are not covered with banners, and similar conditions are not seen in cities like Lahore and Islamabad.

He added that even campaigns demanding a cleaner Karachi are being conducted through illegal banner placements. “If we want to clean the city, everyone must play their role. Printing press owners should do their job, but banners will not be allowed on roads,” he said, adding that those installing banners are not paying any taxes to the government.

The mayor further said he has urged shopkeepers not to become part of illegal activities. He emphasized that freedom of expression is subject to legal limits and that relevant laws already exist regarding such practices.

Wahab said that whether his political opponents, including Jamaat-e-Islami, criticize him or not, banners and wall chalking in the city remain unlawful. He noted that courts have recently issued decisions against wall chalking.

In a lighter remark, he repeated that “it seems Bengali Baba has engaged someone,” and added that he would like to meet the person if their whereabouts are known.