MANSEHRA: The district administration and the National Highway Authority on Wednesday resumed the anti-encroachment drive in the city and its suburbs around the Karakuram Highway after a break of a week.

Staff of the local administration, NHA, municipal committee and revenue department led by deputy commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan took part in the operation. A heavy contingent of police led by DSP Zulfiqar Jadoon was also deployed to ensure smooth progress of the drive.

“The encroachers during the week long suspension of the anti-encroachment drive were served with notices to remove encroachments from the highway on their own, but they didn’t, forcing the administration to restart the campaign,” said Dr Qasim, adding that traffic mess on the KKH through the city would be addressed after the main road was cleared of illegal structures.

Mohammad Yasir, a shopkeeper, told reporters that they were satisfied with the ongoing anti-encroachment operation. However, he added that desired results would be achieved once encroachments were also removed along the NHA and the KKH was widened. He also urged the local administration to ensure that encroachers didn’t occupy public places again.

MAN KILLED ON ROAD: A man was killed when a jeep plunged into a deep ravine in Naran area here on Wednesday.

The jeep loaded with peas was going to Naran from Barawia area when the driver while negotiating a sharp turn lost control over the steering.

The local people after retrieving the injured driver, Mohammad Faridoon, took him to nearby hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Kaghan police registered FIR and began further investigations.

Meanwhile, Balakot and parts of Kaghan valley on Wednesday received heavy downpour, turning weather a bit cold. The rain started at about 4pm and continued until evening.

Published in Dawn, September 25th , 2014