The district administration in Mardan issued notices to shopkeepers across the city 20 days ago, directing them to remove encroachments voluntarily within seven days. The notices warned that failure to comply would result in a district administration-led anti-encroachment operation and strict legal action.
Notices Issued Under Local Government Act
Assistant Commissioner Mardan Ahmed Sher Zaman Dogar issued the notice on June 1, informing all shopkeepers, traders, and businessmen that encroachments on roads, footpaths, streets, government land, drains, and other public places in Mardan tehsil are illegal and punishable by law. The notice specifically directed the immediate removal of goods displayed in front of shops, sheds, cabins, kiosks, handcarts, illegal extensions, and any other encroachments on public passages.
Under Section 66 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013, encroachment-related offences are punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs50,000, or both. For continuing offences, the court may impose an additional daily fine. Additionally, under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Property (Removal of Encroachments) Act, 1977, authorized officers have the power to immediately remove encroachments, evict illegal occupants, and demolish unlawful structures.
Lack of Action Causes Concern
Despite the passage of considerable time since the notice was issued, no effective and comprehensive operation has been launched against encroachments. This has prompted serious concern and disappointment among citizens. Residents say that the issuance of notices has proved to be merely a temporary measure and that, due to the lack of practical follow-up action, encroachments continue to persist. As a result, traffic flow, pedestrian movement, and overall civic order remain adversely affected.
The notice also stated that all government expenses incurred in removing encroachments would be recovered from the occupants as arrears of land revenue under Section 7 of the Act. However, citizens have demanded that the district administration ensure the implementation of its orders and take indiscriminate action against encroachments so that the problems faced by the public can be resolved.
