In stretches such as G-8 Markaz and G-8\/4, pedestrians are forced onto the roads as footpaths remain blocked by vehicles. Residents complain that CDA enforcement teams routinely turn a blind eye, allowing businesses to operate freely in violation of municipal by-laws
\n ISLAMABAD
\nEncroachments in Islamabad\u2019s Sector G-8 have reached alarming proportions, transforming once orderly streets into congested corridors of chaos. Despite repeated complaints from residents, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) appear to be doing little beyond issuing hollow statements and conducting superficial operations that fail to tackle the root of the problem.
\nOver the past several years, open spaces, service roads, and even footpaths in G-8 Markaz and adjoining areas have been overtaken by car showrooms, workshops, and informal businesses.
\nWhat was originally envisioned as a balanced commercial and residential hub has now morphed into a sprawling encroachment zone, where nearly every inch of public space has been commercialized.
\nThe most glaring violations are visible outside car showrooms that have virtually taken over service roads and sidewalks, using them as parking lots and display areas.
\nIn stretches such as G-8 Markaz and G-8\/4, pedestrians are forced onto the roads as footpaths remain blocked by vehicles. Residents complain that CDA enforcement teams routinely turn a blind eye, allowing businesses to operate freely in violation of municipal by-laws.
\n\u201cThe situation has become unbearable,\u201d said one resident of G-8. \u201cWe cannot even park our own cars near our homes because showrooms and workshops occupy every available space.
\nThe CDA only wakes up when the media highlights the issue, and even then, they remove a few temporary setups while leaving the main violators untouched.\u201d
\nThe Islamabad Traffic Police have also come under fire for what locals describe as \u201clip service\u201d and \u201ccosmetic actions.\u201d Despite visible traffic chaos in and around the Markaz, ITP\u2019s response has largely been limited to placing cones or posting officers for a few hours. Vehicles parked illegally on footpaths, greenbelts, and double lanes remain unchecked.
\nTraffic congestion during peak hours has become routine, particularly around the main commercial areas and near government offices in G-8\/4 such as AGPR, PEMRA, PTCL, and the Post Office.
\nCommuters often find themselves trapped in long lines of traffic, worsened by haphazard parking and unauthorized roadside businesses. \u201cEvery other day there\u2019s a traffic jam here. Instead of clearing the encroachments, the authorities just fine a few drivers and move on,\u201d complained a shopkeeper.
\nUrban planners and civic activists argue that unchecked encroachments reflect a deeper governance failure. \u201cThe CDA\u2019s enforcement wing is either under pressure from commercial interests or simply lacks the will to act. This neglect not only ruins the city\u2019s aesthetics but also discourages law-abiding citizens,\u201d remarked a former CDA official on condition of anonymity.
\nResidents have demanded immediate and meaningful measures, not symbolic drives. They are calling for strict enforcement of building and parking regulations, removal of illegal car showrooms, and continuous monitoring to prevent re-encroachment.
\nUntil such steps are taken, Sector G-8 risks losing its planned urban character altogether, turning instead into another congested and unlivable commercial sprawl \u2014 a stark symbol of administrative apathy in the heart of Pakistan\u2019s federal capital.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In stretches such as G-8 Markaz and G-8\/4, pedestrians are forced onto the roads as footpaths remain blocked by vehicles. Residents complain that CDA enforcement teams routinely turn a blind eye, allowing businesses to operate freely in violation of municipal by-laws ISLAMABAD Encroachments in Islamabad\u2019s Sector G-8 have reached alarming proportions, transforming once orderly streets […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":522742,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-522732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n