PESHAWAR: In light of the government’s orders, the district administration Peshawar launched a systematic and coordinated grand anti-encroachment operation in five major bazaars in the interior city on Thursday. The aim of the operation is to provide better facilities to the citizens, remove obstacles to pedestrians in the bazaars, improve traffic flow and restore the ancient commercial centres of the city in their original shape. On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sarmad Saleem Akram, the operation was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (City) at Qissa Khawani, Kochi and Kohati Bazaars. APP
The Additional Assistant Commissioner (AAC) City, Additional Assistant Commissioner (Cantt), Additional Assistant Commissioner (Fakirabad), local police, civil defense and officials of the Capital Metropolitan Government also participated in the operation.
On the first day, a vigorous anti-encroachment operation was carried out in Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Kochi Bazaar, and Kohati, where shades, iron barriers, additional roofs, and illegal signboards built in front of shops were completely removed with the help of heavy machinery.
Encroachments were removed at several places and footpaths and walkways were restored for the public. Two people were also arrested on the spot for obstructing the operation and interference in the official duties.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Peshawar Sarmad Saleem Akram said that district administration is taking vigorous steps to ensure the beauty of the city, public convenience, and law enforcement. Encroachments in markets not only affect the flow of traffic but also pose a threat to business transparency and public safety.”
He appealed to the entire business community to cooperate and voluntarily remove encroachments otherwise strict action will be initiated against them.
Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Sarmad Saleem Akram further said that it is the responsibility of all of us to restore the original identity of the interior city markets.
He clarified that this campaign is not a temporary and is being carried out under a permanent strategy and monitored on daily basis.
The district administration has made it clear that this operation will continue without any interruption until the complete elimination of encroachments in the five major markets.
The administration has also requested the public to play their role in eliminating encroachments, help keep their streets, markets, and paths clean and open, and immediately report any encroachments or obstructions to the district control room or relevant officers.
This operation will be extended to other areas of the city in phases to turn Peshawar into a clean, safe, and beautiful city.
