CHITRAL: The front portions of more than 36 shops were razed to ground by the district administration here on Sunday as part of operation launched against encroachments in the city.

The heavy machinery hammered down the shops in PIA Chowk and adjoining areas in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Osama Ahmed Warraich.

The traders, who had earlier warned the government against launching the drive, didn’t offer any resistance.

The shops included a plaza owned by Senator Shahzada Burhanud Din of former royal family of Chitral while Shahi Bazaar is said to be the oldest market, established in early 19th century.

Talking to journalists, the deputy commissioner said that the anti-encroachment rive would be extended to the whole district as zero tolerance policy had been adopted by the government against encroachments.

He appreciated the civil society for extending moral support to him and encouraging him to start the drive. He said that no pressure would be accepted in that regard.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Jughur Action Committee Chitral, Bashirud Din has appreciated the steps of district administration against the encroachers and profiteers.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2015