Encroachments choke Sector G-8

Often praised for its serene beauty, clean environment, and well-planned infrastructure, is increasingly losing its charm due to the uncontrolled spread of encroachments. Nowhere is this more evident than in Sector G-8 — once considered a peaceful residential neighbourhood — which has now been transformed into a chaotic, congested zone, riddled with unauthorised car showrooms, vendors, and makeshift shops occupying public spaces.

Encroachments are not merely an eyesore; they pose serious challenges to law and order, traffic flow, pedestrian movement, and the quality of life for residents. In G-8, the problem has reached alarming levels. Footpaths that are meant for pedestrians are now home to illegal car showrooms and workshops.

Streets are clogged with double-parked vehicles, leaving no space for residents to park their own cars near their homes. With the pavements overrun by business activity, women, children, and the elderly are forced to walk on roads, putting their safety at constant risk.

Local residents complain that they have repeatedly raised the issue with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), but to no avail. Operations are occasionally conducted by the CDA's enforcement wing — bulldozers are brought in, makeshift structures are razed, and stern warnings are issued. However, within days, the same illegal setups reappear. This recurring cycle has led many to allege that some CDA officials are 'complicit' in this issue. Bribes are reportedly paid under the table, allowing encroachers to resume their activities after a token display of enforcement.

Moreover, the traffic police, who should be actively involved in regulating vehicle movement and ensuring parking laws are respected, appear to have turned a blind eye to the problem. In fact, their lack of proactive engagement has been one of the contributing factors to the unchecked growth of encroachments.

In contrast, Punjab has recently undertaken a 'highly effective' anti-encroachment drive, particularly in cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. Illegal kiosks, constructions, and roadblocks have been removed, with the authorities reclaiming hundreds of kanals of public land. Importantly, this drive has shown consistency — something glaringly absent in Islamabad. CCTV monitoring, community reporting mechanisms, and penalties for repeat offenders were key to its success.

Citizens of Islamabad are now asking: why can't the same be done in the federal capital? As the seat of the government, Islamabad should set a benchmark for urban cleanliness, orderliness, and rule of law. Unfortunately, the city now reflects a growing neglect, where short-term financial gains are prioritized over long-term civic health.

The issue in G-8 is particularly emblematic. Once known for its wide roads and peaceful environment, the sector is now a haven for illegal businesses. Car showrooms - which should be operating from designated commercial areas - have occupied entire streets. In some cases, the main road lanes are reduced to single lanes due to double-parking.