Anti-encroachment drive: Over 950 shops, illegal constructions demolished across Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Grand operation against encroachments and illegal constructions is in full swing in Ring Road and adjacent areas in the provincial capital Peshawar.

During the operation, so far more than 950 shops, markets and other illegal constructions and encroachments have been demolished, while the series of operations has been further accelerated to get government land vacated from illegal occupations and to make public passages free from encroachments.

During this operation under the supervision of District Administration Peshawar, operations are continuing against illegal constructions and encroachments in Jamil Chowk, Pir Zakori Flyover, Pushtakhara Chowk, Kabootar Chowk and other adjacent areas of Ring Road.

Officials of Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) and other relevant departments are participating in the operation under a joint strategy, while illegal constructions and encroachments are being demolished through heavy machinery.

The basic objective of the operation is to get government land vacated from illegal occupations, to widen roads and public passages, to eliminate obstacles in the flow of traffic and to provide better travel facilities to citizens. These measures will make it possible to reduce traffic pressure in Ring Road and adjacent areas, save travel time of citizens and improve public facilities.

On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, the relevant departments are advancing the operations under mutual coordination and integrated strategy so that along with ensuring protection of government land, public places can be made free from all kinds of illegal encroachments. During the operation, rule of law, protection of government properties and solving problems faced by citizens are being given priority.

Deputy Commissioner Peshawar made it clear that the ongoing operation against encroachments and illegal constructions is being carried out purely in public interest, the aim of which is to improve civic facilities in Peshawar, widen roads and make the traffic system effective. He directed the relevant authorities to continue the operations without interruption and to ensure effective measures to prevent re-establishment of encroachments on the vacated government land.

He reiterated his resolve that indiscriminate operations will continue against illegal occupations and encroachments on government land in other areas of Peshawar including Ring Road and no compromise will be made on public interest, civic facilities and protection of government land.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026