In a significant crackdown on illegal occupation of public land, the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), backed by a strong police contingent, has arrested 22 individuals during a major anti-encroachment operation in the provincial capital. The drive, which unfolded on Monday, targeted unauthorized constructions and commercial setups that have long choked the city's infrastructure.
Massive Demolition and Arrests in Coordinated Operation
The operation was not a minor cleanup but a decisive action against persistent violators. Authorities demolished more than 100 illegally erected shops and other structures that were encroaching upon vital public spaces, including roads and footpaths. The presence of a heavy police force was crucial to manage the situation and prevent any resistance from affected parties.
The 22 arrested individuals are accused of actively obstructing the government's work. They reportedly attempted to interfere with the demolition teams, leading to their immediate detention by the police. This firm response sends a clear message that the government is serious about reclaiming state land and will not tolerate any hindrance to its operations.
A Sustained Campaign to Restore Order
This operation is not an isolated event but part of a broader, sustained campaign initiated by the district administration and the PDA. For weeks, officials have been conducting surveys and issuing prior notices to encroachers, urging them to voluntarily remove their illegal constructions. Monday's action represents the enforcement phase against those who chose to ignore the warnings.
The focus of the drive extends beyond just shops. It aims to clear all forms of encroachments, including permanent concrete structures, temporary stalls, and even extended portions of buildings that eat into public right-of-way. The ultimate goal is to restore the original master plan of the city, ease traffic congestion, and ensure pedestrian safety by freeing up blocked roads and footpaths.
Public Reaction and Official Resolve
While the operation has been welcomed by citizens tired of chaotic and congested markets, it has also caused distress among the shopkeepers whose livelihoods were tied to these illegal setups. However, authorities have emphasized that the rule of law must prevail for the greater good of the city's development and order.
Officials from the PDA and the district administration have reiterated their commitment to continuing these drives without fear or favor. They have stated that no political pressure or influence will be allowed to derail the anti-encroachment campaign. The successful conduct of this operation, resulting in multiple arrests, demonstrates a newfound determination to tackle a problem that has plagued Peshawar for years.
The message from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is unequivocal: the encroachment of state land is illegal and will be met with strict legal action. This operation in Peshawar is likely a precursor to similar actions in other major cities of the province as part of a wider urban renewal strategy.
