Encroachments disrupt Pindi traffic

Pedestrians face daily hazards while customers cannot access proper shops

RAWALPINDI:

Widespread encroachments across cantonment markets and roads are causing severe inconvenience for residents and commuters. Pushcarts, temporary stalls, and roadside vendors have narrowed key roads leading to several residential areas, resulting in persistent traffic congestion and disorder.

A survey of areas including Tench Bhatta, once Asia's largest bazaar, Mughalaba, Kalma Chowk, and adjoining neighbourhoods revealed that unchecked encroachments are disrupting traffic flow and making pedestrian movement unsafe. Residents told APP that footpaths meant for pedestrians are largely blocked, forcing women, children, and the elderly to walk on busy roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

Many shopkeepers reportedly allot frontal space to vendors, further worsening the situation, especially during Ramazan, when school and office timings overlap, adding to road congestion. Other shopkeepers complain that the growing number of roadside vendors affects their businesses, as customers struggle to access properly established shops. Peak hours often turn these areas into traffic chaos, undermining previously organized civic management.

Residents say occasional anti-encroachment drives are short-lived, with vendors returning within hours or days. "Occasionally, a traffic warden is present on Tench Bhatta road, but it's not enough," said one resident, urging Commissioner Rawalpindi to take urgent action. Raja Zaheerud Din warned that ignoring the issue could lead to serious traffic and civic challenges in cantonment zones and called for a collective solution.

Residents stressed the need for regular traffic patrols along routes from Saddar to Mughalaba, Kalma Chowk, People's Colony, Octori 22, Tench Bhatta, Dhoke Syedan, and surrounding areas.