RAWALPINDI: Illegal construction in the cantonment areas went unchecked due to the possible negligence of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB).

Most buildings on Peshawar Road, Saddar, Misrial Road, Burf Khana Chowk, and Saddar were constructed without the approval of the civic body while violating the building by-laws.

Civic body officials of the building and regulation departments did not pay heed to the several complaints by individuals and local residents about illegal construction, implying that taking action against illegal construction was not the priority of the RCB.

According to the building by-laws, all commercial plaza owners should allocate the basements of the buildings for parking by leaving 25 feet on the front side and basements for this purpose.

During the last few months, the illegal construction in the city picked up momentum, and many buildings were constructed illegally without the approval of a building plan from the civic body, and the officials concerned turned a blind eye to the issue.

Rawalpindi Traders Association General Secretary Zafar Qadri told Dawn that recently a new building was being constructed without any approval from the civic body.

“In recent days, traders pointed out illegal construction in Lane 4 on Peshawar Road themselves, but it was the duty of the civic body building branch to check such activities,” he said.

When contacted, a senior official of the RCB said that there was a wrong perception that the RCB was not taking action against illegal construction.

“The building owners were asked to submit their building plans; otherwise, stern action will be taken against them,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2024