LAKKI MARWAT: Several unauthorised structures were destroyed during an anti-encroachment operation in Tajazai town of Lakki Marwat district on Tuesday.

The operation was launched on the directives of deputy commissioner Zeeshan Abdul under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s public service agenda.

An official told Dawn that the administration had received complaints about hurdles to smooth flow of traffic on the Indus Highway and the troubles faced by local residents due to illegal constructions along the busy highway.

He said traders had occupied the sides of Peshawar-Karachi Highway at Lt Adnan Shaheed Chowk by illegally putting up sheds for business.

“Some small vendors had also established stalls and makeshift outlets along the sides of the main artery,” he said.

The official said that the tehsil municipal administration’s Anti-Encroachment Squad with the help of machinery removed encroachments and cleared the highway for smooth vehicular movement.

Additional assistant commissioner Mohammad Arif Khan, who led the operation, warned the traders to restrict their business to their shops and outlets.

He said that the local administration would protect every inch of the state-owned land and that no one would be allowed to use roadsides for business purposes. The additional AC said that the encroachers and land grabbers would face stern legal action.

Meanwhile, police have sought help from religious scholars and elders to maintain peace in Bannu district during the month of Ramazan.

Following the directives of DPO Ziauddin Ahmed, ASP City Junaid Kharal chaired a meeting at his office on Tuesday to discuss matters pertaining to law and orderwith clerics, elders and trade leaders.

The participants stressed the need for joint efforts to curb crimes and social amoral vices during the fasting month.

They acknowledged the role of ulema in crime prevention and control.

Mr Junaid asked clerics to promote peace, harmony and brotherhood through sermons and cooperate with police and other government institutions for a peacefulRamazan.

He said the police had formulated a foolproof security plan for Ramazan and all sorts of arrangements had been completed to implement it in letter and spirit.

The ASP said the district police had issued ordersforincreasing patrolling and ensuring safety of roads and highways during the month of fasting.

He said that police would deal with troublemakers and lawbreakers sternly.

“The traders should avoid indulging in an artificial price-hike, hoarding and profiteering and they should provide maximum relief to citizens”, he maintained.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2025