Anti-encroachment: Over 180 shops sealed in Quetta

QUETTA: As many as 180 shops have been sealed at the double road in Quetta by the district administration, following the directives of Balochistan High Court (BHC) to end encroachment along city’s busy streets hindering flow of traffic.

The district administration team was led by Assistant Commissioner Sana Safi.

“Following the directions of BHC we have started action against shops blocking traffic by creating encroachment on Quetta’s busy streets. The court has ordered shifting of these shops out of the city,” the commissioner said while talking to media on Wednesday.

She added that all shop owners were informed in advance about the operation and advised them to abide by the court orders. She said: “During the crackdown many shop owners were fined and around 180 shops were sealed”.

The business community and labourers protested against the administration alleging that they didn’t receive any notice.

Meanwhile, a crackdown was also launched against illegal motorcycles parked on footpaths at Quetta’s Jinnah Road. Many motorcycles were thrown into the sewage line to clear the footpath for pedestrians.