A massive influx of buyers has caused severe traffic congestion on main roads, despite ongoing anti-encroachment operations by the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB). Residents of Tench Bhatta, Mughalabad, Kamalabad, and surrounding areas have expressed frustration over the persistent traffic jams and difficulty in movement.
Fawad, a resident of Tench Bhatta, described his daily struggles: "On returning from work, we have to face long queues at Octroi No. 22 for extended periods," he said. He further added that, despite the anti-encroachment drives, the problem of encroachments remains unresolved. "Due to a lack of follow-up, movable stalls and carts continue to reappear in the main bazaars," he noted.
The RCB's campaign to remove encroachments, which lasted more than two weeks, resulted in the destruction of concrete sheds and makeshift shops. However, the situation remains far from ideal, particularly during rush hours when the streets are impassable.
Aziz Butt, a local resident and shop owner in Tench Bhatta, criticized the current enforcement measures. "The symbolic presence of traffic wardens at only certain times will not solve the problem. There needs to be a permanent deployment of traffic police officers, and the RCB must regularly monitor the area," he emphasised.
Residents also voiced their concerns about the role of market trade unions. They accused the elected representatives of allowing moving carts to occupy space in front of shops. Tariq, a resident of Kamalabad, pointed out that even shopkeepers contribute to the issue by parking their motorcycles in a manner that obstructs traffic flow.
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