In a bid to safeguard the natural beauty and environment of Murree, the administration has imposed a ban on all types of construction activities in the popular hill station.
In this regard, strict orders have been issued to enforce the most stringent legal actions against builders violating the ban.
In compliance with these directives, daily operations targeting illegal constructions have been initiated in Murree, resulting in the sealing of numerous buildings and the demolishing of pillars and columns of the under-construction structures at various locations.
Further, immediate directives have also been issued to the traffic police to take swift action against vehicles transporting sand, gravel, cement, and construction materials.
Meanwhile, public circles have criticised these efforts, referring to them as a targeted operation.
On Tuesday, under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Qasim Ijaz, the staff of Municipal Corporation conducted an operation against illegal constructions in various areas during which 30 buildings were sealed and significant portions of several structures were demolished.
Further, columns and the roof of a building near the residence of a prominent political figure at Kashmir Point, Bank Road area, were also demolished. The owner, purportedly having an approved site plan, alleged that the operation was illegal.
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Similar operations were carried out on Dana Expressway, Bhurban Road, Bank Road, and View Forth Road, targeting areas where building by-laws were openly violated during construction.
The administration justified these operations based on the observed violations. However, those affected have accused the administration of conducting arbitrary actions.
The public circles have voiced concerns against the builder mafia, saying increased illegal constructions have turned Murree into a landscape dominated by concrete structures, blurring its natural beauty.
“The administration keeps telling us that the illegal constructions will be demolished, but illegal structures continue to emerge every day, they said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2024.
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