Clearing residential areas: Commercial buildings to be vacated till Aug 29

Town-III administration says areas will be vacated forcefully after the deadline.

PESHAWAR:

The city district Town-III administrator has issued more than 300 notices to vacate different commercial buildings in residential areas before August 29.

“If the areas are not vacated, the town administration will forcefully vacate these buildings,” said Town-III administrator Noor Daraz Khattak.

Most commercial buildings, including the American Club, Dewan-e-Khas and offices for various NGOs such as the Red Crescent Society, are situated in the University Town locality. Many private schools, colleges, fitness centers, beauty parlours and education consultants were asked to leave as well.

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has already taken notice of a petition filed by the Ladies Town Club members against raising buildings and running commercial activities. Earlier on July 25, PHC directed the Town-III Management Authority to provide details of the commercial buildings, their owners and the time period since the buildings were raised.

Many home owners in posh localities such as University Town and Hayatabad prefer to rent out their premises to businessmen, NGOs and other organisations.

A Town-I officer, who was not authorised to speak to the media, told The Express Tribune, “It is difficult for the administration to control these businesses since most owners have political affiliations... They pressurise the district administration in order to counter any attempts to close down their offices and workshops.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2012.