Battagram in land mafia’s chokehold

The city of Battagram has fallen under the grip of the land mafia. With issues such as encroachment and rampant bribery, lawlessness has become prevalent in the city’s streets.

In Battagram City, the occupation mafia has taken over the main highway, operating with the tacit approval of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA). Pushcart owners claim to pay a daily bribe of Rs50 per pushcart, granting them unchecked concessions. As a result, pushcarts and wholesalers have occupied both sides of the road, while numerous private taxi and rickshaw stands have been set up from one end of the market to the other.

Due to encroachment, the main Karakoram highway has turned into a narrow street, causing traffic congestion to become a regular occurrence. The situation is further exacerbated by the haphazard parking of push carts and the unauthorised establishment of taxis and rickshaw stands.

Shopkeepers have encroached on the highway, displaying their goods in front of their shops, effectively reducing the road to a narrow street. This has made it extremely challenging for pedestrians to navigate, with some likening it to "bringing a lion" through the crowded area. The situation is equally frustrating for vehicle commuters, who face constant traffic jams.

Footpaths in front of shops have also been encroached, where stalls and wholesalers have set up shop.

This has created a hazardous environment for citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, children, students and patients, who face immense difficulties navigating the area.

Citizens are urging Commissioner Hazara and other provincial government officials to take immediate notice and action to address the issue. The citizens of Battagram have lost faith in the administration's ability to address these issues. Citizens have appealed to the local judiciary to take Suo Moto notice and demanded immediate action against the corrupt and incompetent officers from Commissioner Hazara.

Battagram City, with a population of approximately 0.6 million, is the main dependent city of the district and serves as the central hub for all government institutions, including the court. The city is also home to various education and health centres, making it a vital location for the community. Additionally, the city plays a crucial role in the local economy and serves as a backbone in the region. Thousands of people visit the city daily to meet their needs, highlighting its importance.