Encroachments choke Sector G-8

Residents accuse CDA and ITP of inaction despite mounting complaints

ISLAMABAD:

Encroachments in Islamabad's Sector G-8 have reached alarming levels, turning what was once a well-planned and orderly neighbourhood into a congested and chaotic urban space.

Despite persistent complaints from residents, both the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) appear to have limited their response to routine statements and token operations that fail to address the underlying causes of the problem. Over the past several years, open spaces, service roads and even footpaths in G-8 Markaz and surrounding areas have been steadily taken over by car showrooms, workshops and informal businesses.

A sector originally designed as a balanced residential and commercial zone has effectively become an encroachment hub, with public spaces increasingly commercialised.

The most blatant violations are evident outside car showrooms that have virtually appropriated service roads and pavements, using them as parking lots and vehicle display areas. In areas such as G-8 Markaz and G-8/4, pedestrians are frequently forced onto busy roads as footpaths remain blocked by parked vehicles. Residents allege that CDA enforcement teams routinely turn a blind eye, allowing businesses to operate openly in violation of municipal by-laws.

"The situation has become unbearable," said a local resident. "We cannot even park our own vehicles near our homes because showrooms and workshops occupy every available space. The CDA only reacts when the media highlights the issue, and even then, they remove a few temporary structures while leaving the main violators untouched."

The Islamabad Traffic Police have also drawn criticism for what locals describe as "lip service" and "cosmetic measures". Despite persistent traffic congestion in and around the Markaz, the ITP's response has largely been limited to placing traffic cones or deploying officers for brief periods. Vehicles parked illegally on footpaths, greenbelts and double lanes often remain unchecked.

Traffic congestion during peak hours has become a daily occurrence, particularly around commercial centres and government offices in G-8/4, including AGPR, PEMRA, PTCL and the Post Office. Commuters frequently find themselves stuck in long queues, exacerbated by haphazard parking and unauthorised roadside businesses. "Every other day there is a traffic jam here. Instead of removing encroachments, the authorities simply fine a few drivers and move on," said a shopkeeper.