Encroachments in Rawalpindi Markets Persist Despite Anti-Encroachment Drive

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan, widespread encroachments in major markets and city bazaars, including Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market, are causing traffic congestion and disrupting business activities. This persists despite a grand anti-encroachment drive launched by the Municipal Corporation under Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak.

Why this matters: The persistence of encroachments in Rawalpindi's markets highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in maintaining order and enforcing regulations, which can have far-reaching consequences for the city's economy and residents' quality of life. Effective action against encroachments is crucial to ensuring the smooth functioning of businesses and daily life in the city.

The areas most affected by encroachments include Raja Bazaar, Anarkali Bazaar, Barra Bazaar, Dalgaran Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Namak Mandi Bazaar, Lal Haveli Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Commercial Market, Sadiqabad Bazaar, Muslim Town Bazaar, Khayaban Sir Syed Bazaar, and Adiala Road Bazaars. These encroachments have turned these markets into hubs for push-up carts, chips, soda, juice, hangers, and chat vendors, causing significant inconvenience for both businessmen and vehicle movers.

Rizwan Sunny, leader of the Traders Association Commercial Market, stated, 'The Commercial Area had turned into an encroachment hub with the nexus of Municipal Corporation officials and parking contractors.' This sentiment was echoed by Tahir Taj Bhatti, General Secretary Anjuman-Tajraan Rawalpindi, who remarked, 'Illegal encroachments on every city road were the leading cause of disturbing business activities in the city areas.'

The encroachments have led to severe traffic congestion, with distances that should take minutes now taking hours to cover. This has caused traders to lose customers and has made it challenging for foot travelers to navigate the city's commercial areas. The lack of parking space exacerbates the issue, further disrupting business activities, and the need for an anti-encroachment operation is evident.

Despite the efforts of the Municipal Corporation, the encroachments persist. The Punjab government and superior courts have directed city managers to take action against these encroachments, but the issue remains largely unaddressed. The encroachments are attributed to the nexus between Municipal Corporation officials and parking contractors, as highlighted by local traders.

To alleviate the situation, traders have urged the Rawalpindi administration to widen the entrances of interior city bazaars, including Talwara Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Bohr Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, and Moti Bazaar. This measure is seen as essential to ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and reducing business disruptions, and a grand anti-encroachment drive is needed.

The persistence of encroachments in Rawalpindi's major markets and city bazaars highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in enforcing regulations and maintaining order. As traffic congestion and business disruptions continue, the call for effective and sustained action against encroachments grows louder, and the need for a turn towards a more regulated environment is evident.

Key Takeaways

• Encroachments in Rawalpindi's markets cause traffic congestion and disrupt business activities.
• Affected areas include Raja Bazaar, Commercial Market, and 12 other city bazaars.
• Encroachments have turned markets into hubs for vendors, causing inconvenience to traders and commuters.
• Lack of parking space and nexus between officials and contractors exacerbate the issue.
• Traders urge authorities to widen bazaar entrances and launch a grand anti-encroachment drive.