Encroachments mar key commercial hub

While the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is completing large-scale beautification projects worth billions annually, encroachments have surged in one of Islamabad's key commercial centres.

According to residents, I-8 Markaz - home to national and international standard restaurants and businesses - is witnessing illegal occupation due to alleged negligence of CDA's enforcement wing. A flower shop has been set up in an iron container on a vacant commercial plot in the Markaz, causing concern among local traders.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, traders said encroachments were damaging the city's beauty. They appreciated the efforts of senior enforcement officer Dr Anum Fatima but alleged that some staff were not taking action against illegal encroachments on green belts and vacant plots.

Traders demanded immediate removal of encroachments in I-8, warning that they would protest outside the chairman's office if action was not taken.

A CDA spokesperson said surveys of all major and minor markets in Islamabad had been completed and a grand operation against encroachments would be launched this month in consultation with traders. Plantation would also be carried out on green belts.