Shopkeepers occupy footpaths in Mandi Bahauddin

Official says stern action will be taken against encroachers

LAHORE/ MANDI BAHAUDDIN: ’s Malakwal City. Nearly all main commercial areas of the city have been encroached upon by shopkeepers and vendors who occupy footpaths and open spaces, thus creating problems for commuters and pedestrians.

When Express News visited different city markets and bazaars, it transpired that shopkeepers have kept their items on footpaths and even on the roads, while the wheel carts and stall keepers have taken whatever space was left. Many shopkeepers have formed solid encroachments.

Stall holders could be seen sitting in front of the shops occupying public space.

Shopkeepers have encroached footpaths in different markets, including Thana Road, Old Katcheri Road, Daak Khana Road and Railway Road.

Several city roads are also under the control of encroachers which have fully been encroached upon where the motorcycles are displayed on both sides of the road and the encroachers have occupied open spaces.



Residents of these areas say that encroachments have become a thriving business involving millions of rupees and cannot be run without the support of police and “high-ups”.

They say that despite many complaints, nothing has been done to improve the situation, adding they are facing immense problems because of the makeshift stalls established on pavements and other public spaces. Shoppers face immense difficulties owing to the large scale encroachment in markets which has led to calls for taking notice of the situation.

Citizens told Express News that encroachments have increased on a massive scale in markets and trade centres.

When contacted, a district administration official told Express News that efforts are underway to control the problem. He added, “Strict action will be taken against those involved in encroaching public space.”

Though, a number of anti-encroachment drives were launched by the authorities concerned but the situation never changed in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2018.