Encroachment issues worsen as Eid approaches

Stall holders allegedly colluding with the authorities

ISLAMABAD: The main markets of twin cities have been invaded by encroachers and after footpaths they have spread the set ups on connecting link roads ahead of Eid. The opportunists and shopkeepers in collusion with anti-encroachment  authorities have set up their stalls at I-9, I-10, Abpara, Sitara Market, Peshawar more, Raja Bazar, Liaquat Bagh and Saddar. Capital Development Authority (CDA) Assistant Director Muhammad Ramzan said finding a substantial solution to encroachments was a heavily debated issue which required proper legislation as currently there was no law to deal with the encroachers.

He stated regretfully that removing them from these areas is not a long term solution, as they reemerge shortly afterwards. He further explained that the enforcement wing is only mandated to provide assistance. He called for a comprehensive strategy to get rid of this uninvited havoc for the members of the common public. Ramzan urged the CDA, Trade Union of Islamabad and union councils' chairmen to join hands to deal with this problem collectively. "Sympathy is also a factor that comes in the way of controlling this vastly spreading problem of encroachments otherwise we are trying to control illegal occupations on both sides of roads," he added.

Furthermore, Municipal Officer for Regulation Shehzad Ahmed said that it was difficult to go against these encroachers as a total of 18 members of the local law enforcement staff are busy in Ramazan Bazar duty. Urging the authorities concerned for new recruitment he said that "encroachments can only be removed after Eid."

Andleeb a shopper expressed her concern that the encroachments were making it hard for shoppers to find a parking space and it took her an hour to find a suitable place to park her car.

“Encroachments and unlawful vehicle parking should be eliminated completely to save our time,” said Imran Ali, driver of a local van.

Traffic Sergeant Asad Abbasi at Abpara said these illegal stalls in the market and inappropriate parking along the pavements have narrowed the roads and created chaos for the smooth flow of on-going traffic. The Islamabad Traffic Police had to depute six wardens only in Abpara market to see traffic congestion in that area.

Sanaullah Abbasi a shopkeeper alleged that the encroachers were allegedly paying Rs10,000 - Rs15,000 per month to the authorities to avoid hindrance to their business.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2018.