CHARSADDA: With anti-encroachment campaigns continuing in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, several illegally-built shops, business centres and structures were demolished by authorities on Thursday.
In Charsadda, the district administration has launched a large-scale operation against encroachments in line with the instructions of the governor.
During the drive, several illegal structures were demolished and encroachments removed in Charsadda city, Peshawar Road, Tangi, Sherpao and other areas.
Traders resented the demolition of dozens of shops in Sherpao Bazaar, saying the action against their businesses was taken without prior notice. They called the action illegal and unjust and said it had caused them substantial financial losses and threatened their families’ livelihoods.
According to the district administration, the operation aims to reclaim public land, clear roads and markets of encroachers and facilitate movement of pedestrians and traffic.
Deputy commissioner Mansoor Arshad said the drive would continue across the district without discrimination.
Also, an anti-encroachment operation has been launched in Tangi tehsil under the supervision of assistant commissioner Akhlaq Ahmad and additional assistant commissioner Adan Zahid to reclaim land. A police contingent and municipal staff assisted the administration.
Traders complained about the operation in Sherpao Bazaar, claiming that their shops were demolished without prior notice, causing them serious financial issues.
Representatives of trader organisations met deputy commissioner Mansoor Arshad and conveyed their grievances to them. The DC promised effective resolution of their issues.
In Lakki Marwat, several temporary and permanent structures were pulled down during the operation on Thursday.
Deputy commissioner Shahid Rafiq Gandapur led the operation wherein anti-encroachment squad of the tehsil municipal administration removed illegal buildings and structures from both sides of the busy Peshawar-Karachi Highway in the Serai Gambila Bazaar.
Heavy machinery, including excavators and tractors, were used in the operation. Assistant commissioner Gohar Ali Khan, TMO Almar Khan and other relevant officials were also present.
During the operation, both sides of the Indus Highway were cleared from encroachments.
DC Gandapur said that the administration would not allow anyone to occupy state-owned land or roadsides for commercial or other purposes.
He said that every inch of the government land would be protected and those involved in erecting illegal encroachments would face stern legal action.
The DC said that using roadsides for business activities or displaying goods by traders hindered the smooth flow of traffic and that his administration would not tolerate any illegal activity. The anti-encroachment actions were also carried out in Maradan, Nowshera and Bajaur districts on Thursday.
Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2026
