Action against encroachments in Mardan demanded

MARDAN: The residents here on Tuesday urged the authorities concerned to take immediate action against widespread encroachments that have severely affected daily life across the city.

Major thoroughfares and commercial areas, including Charsadda Chowk, Malakand Chowk, Pakistan Chowk, Par Hoti Chowk, Shahidano Bazaar, Sarfaraz Ganj Bazaar, Bank Road, Shamsi Road, and Adda Road have reportedly been overtaken by encroachers. The people have set up illegal stalls and displays along footpaths and roadsides, disrupting pedestrian movement and causing persistent traffic congestion.

Locals complain that both shoppers and commuters are facing serious inconvenience due to the lack of space and unregulated expansion of market setups. Ameer Khan, a concerned citizen, alleged that encroachments have been allowed to thrive with the connivance of some officials. He noted that many vendors have established unauthorised setups by placing showcases and goods on footpaths, effectively blocking pedestrian access and adding to the chaos in already crowded marketplaces.

Naveed Khan, a local, alleged that the officials concerned received bribes from the encroachers, therefore, they did not take action against them. He added that the owners and shopkeepers had rented out the footpaths outside their shops to vendors selling various goods.

The citizen said that encroachments were on the rise because the encroachers had backing of influential persons and the authorities concerned. The residents have urged the district administration to launch a comprehensive anti-encroachment drive to restore order and ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the city.