In a sweeping three-day operation, the Lahore district administration has launched a major crackdown on illegal occupation of public spaces and unauthorized advertisements across the city. This intensive drive is a key part of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif's flagship Suthra Punjab campaign.
Scale of the Operation and Key Figures
The campaign, executed on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, has yielded significant results in a short span. According to official data, authorities have dismantled a staggering 3,394 encroachments and taken down 7,148 illegal advertising materials over the last 72 hours. The operations were conducted under the direct supervision of Metropolitan Officer (Regulation) Kashif Jalil, with teams targeting multiple city areas to confiscate goods illegally placed on footpaths and clear blocked public pathways.
Objectives and Immediate Impact
The primary goals of this large-scale initiative are twofold: to curb the rampant issue of encroachments and to eliminate visual pollution caused by unsanctioned advertisements. The administration spokesperson confirmed that the ongoing removal of these obstacles has already started to show positive effects. Pedestrian movement has improved in several commercial markets, and there is a noticeable easing of traffic flow as footpaths are returned to public use.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza has issued clear instructions that the campaign will continue without any break until Lahore is fully cleared of all encroachments. He has also placed special emphasis on the cleaning and restoration of historical sites and their immediate surroundings, holding officers personally accountable if footpaths in their jurisdictions are re-encroached upon.
Strict Measures and Citizen Engagement
The administration has adopted a strict stance against any resistance to the operation, warning that legal action will be pursued against those who obstruct the teams. To ensure transparency and public participation, citizens have been encouraged to report any complaints or violations. They can contact the Control Room at 0307-0002345 or reach out through the district administration's official social media platforms.
In a move to balance enforcement with social welfare, authorities are also working on plans to relocate street vendors to designated areas. This strategy aims to protect livelihoods while maintaining the city's orderliness and aesthetic appeal. The drive signifies a renewed administrative focus on urban management and public space reclamation in Punjab's capital.
