The vendors complained they were not informed prior to the operation and were not given enough time to remove valuables from their shops and cabins. PHOTO: ONLINE/FILE
The additional assistant commissioners led the anti-encroachment squads in Hashtnagri, Jhanda Bazaar, Shaheen Bazaar, Firdous Chowk, Shadi Pir, Sikandarpura, Fruit Mandi, Haji Camp Bus Terminal and Ashraf Road.
Earlier, the district administration held meetings with leaders of trade unions and asked them to voluntarily remove encroachments in 48 hours. After the deadline expired, officials along with the police and demolition teams of the Peshawar Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched the operation.
“On receiving directives from the authorities, we have started a massive anti-encroachment drive in main business centres,” said Assistant Commissioner-III Nasir Khan. “It is a mess made over 13 years and we will try to clear it gradually with the help of local trade union representatives.”
During the operation, several illegal cabins and shelters were demolished while pushcarts and other items were confiscated. Those arrested were charged under the Removal of Encroachment Act.
In Sikandarpura Bazaar, trader union leader Iftikhar Khan and Shakeel Ibrar, made announcements on loudspeakers requesting traders to facilitate the district administration in the drive by voluntarily removing encroachments.
However, in Ashraf Road, Fruit Mandi, Hashtnagri and Jhanda Bazaar, several vendors and cart pushers resisted and were arrested and charged under section-3 of the Maintenance of Public Order.
The vendors complained they were not informed prior to the operation and were not given enough time to remove valuables from their shops and cabins.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 11th, 2013.
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