# Anti-Encroachment Drive Clears Roads; Time to Focus on Better Civic Facilities


**Traders in Mardan Given Three Days to Remove Encroachments; Province-Wide Operation Underway, While Electricity Poles, Pushcarts and Rickshaws Continue to Obstruct Traffic**


**By Shams-ul-Haq**


The provincial administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an unusual surge in activity following the imposition of Governor's Rule and the declaration of an emergency in the province. The long march led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi concluded, or was brought to an end, at the Chamtar Bus Terminal in Mardan. Subsequently, the leadership and elected representatives of the ruling party largely disappeared from the political scene. Reports also emerged that Member of the Provincial Assembly Abdul Salam Afridi was allegedly picked up near his residence, while the absence of other party leaders has also become a topic of discussion in political circles.


The very next day after the imposition of Governor's Rule, a major reshuffle took place across the provincial administration and police departments. Newly appointed commissioners and deputy commissioners immediately assumed charge and mobilised government departments, particularly Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) and water supply companies. This renewed administrative activity has been most visible in the form of a province-wide campaign against illegal encroachments.


## Major Operation Against Encroachments


The speed and planning with which anti-encroachment operations have been launched in different cities across the province have left shopkeepers and those responsible for illegal occupation with little time to respond. The administration has taken vigorous measures to remove temporary and permanent encroachments from markets, roads and public passageways.


In Mardan, representatives of traders' organisations approached Commissioner Mardan Syed Muhammad Ali Shah, requesting additional time to voluntarily remove encroachments. Accepting their request, the commissioner granted the traders three days, setting a notable example of resolving administrative matters through dialogue and mutual understanding.


However, following the expiry of the deadline, anti-encroachment squads, led by assistant commissioners, intensified their operations in Mardan city, its surrounding areas and all four tehsils. The removal of encroachments from markets and major roads is still underway.


During the campaign, some concerns and complaints have also been raised by representatives of the business community. Nevertheless, the overall operation is continuing peacefully and has received a positive response from ordinary citizens.


The main reason for public support is that illegal encroachments have long been causing traffic congestion, creating difficulties for pedestrians and restricting movement in commercial areas.


## Electricity Poles Also Obstruct Public Passageways


Following the removal of encroachments, another important issue has come to light that requires the immediate attention of the relevant authorities.


In various parts of the province, it has become evident that numerous electricity poles installed along roads and in markets are themselves major obstacles to the smooth flow of traffic and the movement of pedestrians.


These poles have remained at the same locations for years. However, their impact was often overlooked because of the widespread presence of encroachments. Now that roads and public passageways are being cleared, it is equally important to address these permanent obstructions.


In this regard, the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Chief Secretary are requested to convene a high-level meeting with the relevant officials of PESCO and WAPDA and ensure immediate steps to relocate electricity poles and other installations along roadsides to more appropriate locations throughout the province.


If encroachments are removed but electricity poles continue to obstruct roads and footpaths, the campaign will not achieve its full objectives. Therefore, the anti-encroachment drive must not remain a temporary operation; rather, it should be linked to broader urban planning and improvements in basic civic facilities.


## Allocate Alternative Spaces for Vendors and Regulate Rickshaw Numbers


Another major cause of traffic congestion in urban areas is the excessive presence of pushcarts on roads and in markets, the unregulated movement of Qingqi rickshaws and the uncontrolled operation of other motorised rickshaws.


These problems not only cause traffic jams but also create serious difficulties for pedestrians and other motorists.


However, the solution does not lie merely in imposing restrictions or depriving people of their livelihoods. Instead, a balanced and practical strategy is required.


The administration should designate suitable locations in every city for pushcart vendors, allowing them to continue their businesses without obstructing roads and public passageways.


Similarly, the number of Qingqi and other rickshaws should be regulated according to each city's population, road capacity and traffic requirements. Designated stands, fixed routes and an effective mechanism for enforcing traffic regulations can also be introduced.


Such measures would help reduce traffic problems while protecting the livelihoods of thousands of people who depend on pushcarts and rickshaws to support their families.


## Permanent Urban Reforms Essential for Eliminating Encroachments


Undoubtedly, the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign is an important step towards improving urban life. It is expected to reopen roads, improve movement in commercial areas and provide greater convenience to pedestrians.


However, the real measure of the campaign's success will not simply be the removal of encroachments, but whether the cleared areas remain permanently accessible to the public.


For this purpose, the administration must also take practical measures to relocate electricity poles and other obstructions, provide alternative spaces for pushcart vendors, regulate rickshaw movement and ensure effective enforcement of traffic laws.


The provincial government and district administrations need to make the anti-encroachment campaign part of a comprehensive urban reform plan so that roads do not once again fall victim to illegal occupations and citizens can enjoy lasting relief.


Ultimately, the success of any administrative campaign can only be measured when its results bring visible improvements to the everyday lives of ordinary people.


Providing citizens with clear roads, safe footpaths, smooth traffic flow and better civic facilities should be the real objective of this campaign.