ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s grand anti-encroachment operation continued on the second consecutive day on Sunday during which 25 illegal constructions on the right of way of Kashmir Highway were demolished.

The civic agency, which has launched the operation with the backing of the federal government, removed several other encroachments.

Member Estate Khushal Khan, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqat and SSP operations Najeebur Rehman Bugvi supervised the operation in which more than 350 officials of the enforcement and other concerned formations participated.

State Minister for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi also visited the operation site. Heavy contingents of police, Rangers and Counter-Terrorism Force were on a standby to handle any untoward situation.

The constructions which were demolished on the second day of the operation included Golden Horse Marquee, Regalian Marquee, Occasions Marquee, Rohtas Marquee, hour huge sheds, one under-construction building, one steel workshop, four markets, one newly-constructed building, global enterprises, Islamabad Auction, motor workshops, Waziristan Market comprising small shops, a printing workshop, wood factory and five residential houses.

The state minister for interior assured the CDA and the local administration of full support.

“Our operation will continue as the federal government has made it clear that state land would be retried come what may,” said an officer of the CDA who requested not to be named.

Sources in the CDA said launching an operation against all types of encroachments was a positive step but action should also be taken against those officers whose negligence or connivance had led to the mushroom growth of unauthorised constructions in Islamabad.

The federal government has given a free hand to the CDA Chairman Afzal Latif to launch the grand operation across the board.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2018