MUZAFFARABAD: Responding to a long-felt public demand, a senior government official has ordered a strict crackdown on wall chalking, illegal banners, hoardings, and unauthorized advertising across Muzaffarabad Division.

According to an official handout, Divisional Commissioner Badar Munir directed the deputy commissioners of Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Jhelum Valley to ensure the immediate removal of all illegal banners, posters and wall chalking to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of urban areas.

The directive reminded all relevant departments that under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prohibition of Wall Chalking and Affixing Hoarding Act, 2001, displaying advertisements or carrying out wall chalking on public or private property without permission was a punishable offence.

It said no individual, organisation, institution or political party could carry out wall chalking or painting at any public or private place in violation of the law.

According to the directive, violators could face up to six months imprisonment or a fine of Rs20,000. The cost incurred on removing illegal wall chalking or hoardings would also be recovered from those responsible.

The commissioner instructed all departments to ensure strict enforcement of the law.

Two months ago, Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore had ordered the launch of a comprehensive beautification and civic improvement campaign in Muzaffarabad and other urban centres of the state.

Following those directives, civic authorities launched facelift drives in the capital and elsewhere, converting dusty roadsides into grassy strips and decorating medians with seasonal flowers and ornamental plants.

Monuments at major roundabouts were also being renovated, while bridges and public walls were being whitewashed and painted to give the cities a cleaner and more festive appearance.

However, despite repeated official warnings in the past, illegal wall chalking and unauthorised banners have continued to reappear across towns and bazaars, largely because violators seldom face meaningful punitive action.

Mr Munir warned that no one would be allowed to deface public or private property at a time when substantial public funds were being spent on improving the appearance of cities and towns.

“Strict legal action will be taken against all violators without discrimination, and no political, religious or commercial group will be allowed to damage the beauty of our cities through illegal displays and wall chalking,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026