Traders protest against anti-encroachment drive

Capital Metropolitan administration launches operation against encroachments in Bazaar which led to scuffle

PESHAWAR:

The Capital Metropolitan administration’s operation against encroachment in Qissakhwani Bazaar Peshawar resulted in clashes between its staffers and traders on Thursday.

The traders staged a protest and shut down the market against the alleged high handedness. The Capital Metropolitan administration launched an operation against encroachments in the Bazaar, which led to a scuffle between the traders and the capital metropolitan staff.

The staff complained to the administration, which resulted in the sealing of the relevant shop and the registration of a case against the owners for trying to take law into his own hand and attacking government employees.

The police were called in to take action, and the shop was sealed in their presence, triggering further protests from the traders. The traders closed their shops and blocked the road, disrupting traffic for hours.

The trader leaders contacted Mayor Peshawar Haji Zubair Ali, and an agreement reached with the Capital Metropolitan officials and traders through his intervention.

Director East Rehman Khattak said that action will continue against those who violate government orders. He warned traders to keep their shops within limits and not encroach on public space, and to cooperate with the Capital Metropolitan administration.