Illegal hoardings in Rawalpindi remain unchecked

Civic authorities must take necessary action against those putting up illegal hoardings. Rawalpindi has a vibrant social life; however, the city faces a significant issue with the rampant proliferation of unauthorized advertising hoardings.

“These banners are erected without permission from civic authorities. Despite existing regulations and penalties, this problem persists, leading to accidents. This situation underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement and increased public awareness,” says Altaf Abbas. “These banners are used for various purposes, including political campaigns, advertisements, religious events, and personal celebrations. However, these banners pose significant risks to public safety and environmental health,” says Ejaz Haider. “These banners are often erected without proper structural support, making them susceptible to collapsing or being blown away by strong winds. When they fall, they can cause severe injuries or even fatalities to innocent pedestrians and motorists,” says Mahboob Ali.

“There have been a few tragic accidents in the city caused by illegal hoardings. Most of these details are available on the media. While many such incidents go unreported, says Basharat Hasan.

“The unchecked proliferation of illegal hoardings mars the aesthetic appeal of the city. Historical landmarks, heritage buildings, and public spaces are often obscured by these advertisements, detracting from the city’s charm. This visual pollution not only affects residents’ quality of life but also hampers tourism, as visitors find the cluttered cityscape unappealing,” says Ikram Hussain.

“Despite directions not to erect illegal hoardings that could inconvenience motorists and other commuters and pledge by advertisers to comply with the laws regarding the placement of banners, these banners keep coming up,” says Abdal Shabbir.

“Corruption and bribery, political pressure, resource constraints of the civic authorities and lack of government’s will to tackle the menace are the key reasons,” adds Abdal. “Awareness campaigns must be conducted to educate the public about the dangers of the unauthorized banners and the legal implications involved. This can be done via social media, local newspapers, and public service announcements,” says Ashfaq Ali.

“Involving the community is crucial to combat this menace. Residents can form neighborhood watch groups to monitor and report unauthorized banners. Additionally, community leaders and influencers can play a significant role in advocating for a banner-free city,” says Abid Abbas.