Peshawar has turned into a heaven for encroachers over the last couple of years as roads of Khyber Bazaar, Meena Bazaar, chock Yadgar, Firdos bazaar, University and Saddar Bazaar have been occupied illegally by cart pushers, vendors, stallholders and mechanics, causing problems for pedestrians, motorcyclists and residents. Pedestrians and school children are facing hurdles while going to offices and schools and this alarming situation needs to be addressed immediately. However, concerned authorities have stayed apathetic, Imran Ullah a resident of the area said.
He said he had brought this matter into the notice of the enforcement cell in-charge many times, but nothing substantial was done. Another citizen, Mohammad Sarfraz, resident of Khyber Bazaar for the last three decades, said encroachments has made life difficult. He questioned the performance of civic bodies and said it had allowed a large number of cart pushers and vendors to do business. Asmat Shah, who has an illegal juice shop, alleged the concerned staff for taking fees and allowing encroachers to perform business activity. “No one can remove me as long as I satisfy members of the enforcement cell,” he claimed. However, he did not disclose names of staff members, who receive any fee.
The resident further said the mafia and dealers have made their lives miserable by occupying areas illegally.
