Without approval: In Rawalpindi cantt, unlicensed businesses flourish
Owners claim ward inspectors take monthly fee.
In Rawalpindi cantt, unlicensed businesses flourish. PHOTO: FILE
RAWALPINDI:
Makeshift shops and showrooms are doing a roaring business under the nose of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) despite operating without approval for a number of years.
The board has for the fifth time issued notices to at least 50 owners of showrooms located on Range Road asking them to get a licence, submit a fine or prepare for demolition.
In connivance with ward inspectors, it took the owners years to build these structures according to an official at the board who requested anonymity. He added that the issue had even been brought to the knowledge of RCB’s high-ups but no action had been taken so far.
The official said anyone who wanted to build a structure hasd to get approval for the building plan in addition to fulfilling other requirements. Without the connivance of ward inspectors, these businesses would not survive. On the contrary, showroom owners claimed that ward inspectors had never asked them for licences.
“We’ve been paying a monthly fee to the inspector since we started doing business here,” said Faizan Bhatti, a showroom owner, who threatened to move the courts if the board demolished the structures. Owners have never been given receipts for the money they pay to the inspector and do not feel compelled to get a licence. “No showroom owner has a licence so why should I be bothered to get one?” he asked.
Whenever business owners are served notices, they threaten inspectors with stay orders from the courts and in the end, the issue is resolved by fixing new rates.
Vendors have also set up pushcarts on government property that also happens to be a part of the route frequently used for VIP movements. All kinds of business were banned on these routes by the area’s station commander in 1992 but, contrary to the orders, the board authorities have issued licences to pushcart vendors who, with the passage of time, have set up shops on the roadside. The same is the case in various markets that come under RCB’s jurisdiction.
When contacted, RCB Chief Executive Officer Rana Manzoor said without a licence, no one can start business in the area. He added that he would check the situation on the VIP routes and, if needed, would take strict action against those found guilty. According to cantonment board rules any kind of business is prohibited in the area without prior approval from the board.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2013.
Makeshift shops and showrooms are doing a roaring business under the nose of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) despite operating without approval for a number of years.
The board has for the fifth time issued notices to at least 50 owners of showrooms located on Range Road asking them to get a licence, submit a fine or prepare for demolition.
In connivance with ward inspectors, it took the owners years to build these structures according to an official at the board who requested anonymity. He added that the issue had even been brought to the knowledge of RCB’s high-ups but no action had been taken so far.
The official said anyone who wanted to build a structure hasd to get approval for the building plan in addition to fulfilling other requirements. Without the connivance of ward inspectors, these businesses would not survive. On the contrary, showroom owners claimed that ward inspectors had never asked them for licences.
“We’ve been paying a monthly fee to the inspector since we started doing business here,” said Faizan Bhatti, a showroom owner, who threatened to move the courts if the board demolished the structures. Owners have never been given receipts for the money they pay to the inspector and do not feel compelled to get a licence. “No showroom owner has a licence so why should I be bothered to get one?” he asked.
Whenever business owners are served notices, they threaten inspectors with stay orders from the courts and in the end, the issue is resolved by fixing new rates.
Vendors have also set up pushcarts on government property that also happens to be a part of the route frequently used for VIP movements. All kinds of business were banned on these routes by the area’s station commander in 1992 but, contrary to the orders, the board authorities have issued licences to pushcart vendors who, with the passage of time, have set up shops on the roadside. The same is the case in various markets that come under RCB’s jurisdiction.
When contacted, RCB Chief Executive Officer Rana Manzoor said without a licence, no one can start business in the area. He added that he would check the situation on the VIP routes and, if needed, would take strict action against those found guilty. According to cantonment board rules any kind of business is prohibited in the area without prior approval from the board.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2013.