DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Cantonment Board Peshawar has initiated a comprehensive crackdown to address the growing problem of illegal encroachments and road blockages in the Peshawar Cantt areas especially Sadar Bazar, a long-standing issue that has caused severe disruption to traffic flow, public safety, and the local business environment.
This operation follows specific directives from the Director General of Military Lands & Cantonment Board, Ministry of Defence, aimed at restoring order and ensuring a safer, more organized bazaar area.
The operation commenced on the main Sadar Road on 19 Feb 2025 where illegal stalls and street vendors have obstructed both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, contributing to congestion, disorder, and a chaotic atmosphere in the area.
In coordination with local police, the Cantonment Board has successfully seized a significant amount of goods and materials from these illegal vendors along with heavy fines. The crackdown, however, extends beyond just Sadar Road and now includes other key areas of the Sadar Bazar, such as Liaquat Bazaar, Chowk Fawara, and Tipu Sultan Road, SM Road, Arbab Road, Shoba Bazar, where illegal vendors have similarly disrupted the flow of traffic and created safety hazards.
A team of more than 40 Cantonment Board officials, led by Enforcement Superintendent Raja Yasser Janjua, is carrying out the operation under the supervision of Executive Officer Chaudhry Babar Hussain, who emphasized the operation’s importance in alleviating the persistent congestion and disorder caused by street vendors.
According to Chaudhry Babar Hussain, the primary objective of this initiative is not only to remove encroachments but to also restore discipline and order in the Sadar Bazar, which has long been plagued by illegal trading activities. The Cantonment Board’s crackdown on encroachments is expected to yield several long-term benefits for the community. These include improved traffic flow and reduced congestion, leading to shorter travel times for commuters and better access to the market for residents and businesses.
Public safety will also be enhanced, as removing the vendors will reduce the risk of accidents and pedestrian injuries caused by obstructions in the streets. Furthermore, the operation will contribute to cleaner and more organized streets, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area and fostering a more welcoming environment for visitors.
By ensuring that only legitimate businesses operate within designated areas, the Cantonment Board is discouraging hawkers and urged the general public to avoid shopping from illegal hawkers and stalls on the road side. Local residents and traders, who have long raised concerns over the chaos caused by illegal street vendors, have welcomed the operation, seeing it as a positive step towards a more orderly and efficient marketplace. The operation will continue in the coming days, with the Cantonment Board committed to ensuring that public life is minimally disrupted while working toward a cleaner, safer, and more organized Sadar Bazar.
