RAWALPINDI: On the direction of the chief minister, police and district administration swung into action and launched a massive crackdown against encroachments in Bara Bazaar, Namak Mandi, Sabzi Mandi and adjoining areas and cleared the roads for traffic and pedestrians.

A police spokesman said that on the instructions of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, the crackdown was carried out. Several encroachments were demolished in these areas along with removal of mobile encroachments from roads and footpaths.

According to the instructions, the full-scale crackdown will continue in collaboration with the district administration, and all the areas will be cleared from encroachment besides steps for prevention of future encroachment.

The CPO said that in accordance with the instructions of the chief minister, the crackdown will continue till the complete removal of encroachments.

After the crackdown, the CPO visited different areas along with Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema and reviewed the ongoing campaign.

The city police officer and deputy commissioner visited Bara Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Namak Mandi and vegetable market and issued instructions to the concerned officers to ensure the elimination of encroachments.

The city police officer said that the district and traffic police were taking action against encroachments in collaboration with relevant institutions.

Action will be taken against encroachments in coordination with the district administration.

According to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Rawalpindi will be cleared of encroachments, he added.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2024