Illegal constructions sealed amid strong resistance

Rawalpindi:On the orders of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema, the District Council Planning Branch sealed seven illegal commercial constructions on Chakri Road, Chak Beli Khan Road, and Adiala Road. These constructions were being erected without approved maps, leading to swift action by the authorities. The operation, carried out on Thursday, was met with strong resistance from the owners of the illegal constructions.

The District Council Rawalpindi Planning Branch, supported by a heavy contingent of police, executed the operation. According to the Local Government Act 2022 and the Punjab Local Government Land Use Plan 2020, the owners had commenced construction without obtaining the necessary commercial status for their properties and without securing the required approvals. This crackdown was initiated under the direct orders of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, who also serves as the Administrator of the District Council.

Chief Officer (CO) of the District Council Rawalpindi, Kamran Khan, told 'The News' that the operation against illegal constructions will persist until all such structures are eliminated. He warned property owners, "Pay the government dues before starting construction. Never build without map approval and regularize your illegal constructions by paying the required dues and securing the necessary approvals."

Kamran Khan also revealed that a special team, led by inspectors Muhammad Waqas and Ahmed Hasan, has been formed to enforce strict actions against illegal constructions within the District Council limits. He noted that encroachments on main roads are a primary cause of traffic congestion, and an indiscriminate operation against the encroachment mafia has been ordered as well. He further explained that the encroachment issues stem from these illegal constructions, where plaza and commercial market owners have extended their premises onto the roads with concrete structures outside their shops. The ongoing operation, initially targeting illegal constructions, will soon extend to address encroachments as well. "Traffic problems are worsening due to these illegal constructions and encroachments, but all such structures will be removed very soon," the chief officer asserted.