CTP cracks down on encroachments

CTO says cases will be registered against encroachers after issuance of warning

For visual reference only

A grand anti-encroachment operation in various traffic circles of the city continued for a second consecutive day on Saturday.

The operation was launched on the directives of Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Muntazir Mehdi after several complaints were launched against encroachers.

The City Traffic Police (CTP) and the TMO (encroachment staff) conducted the joint operation.

According to details, Mughalpura DSP Ashfaq Ahmed supervised the anti-encroachment operation on Canal Road, Shalimar Chowk, Mughalpura, Harbanspura, Miskinpura and Baghbanpura. The Saddar DSP supervised the operation on PIA Road, Railway Station, Mayo Hospital, while the Model Town DSP headed the anti-encroachment operation in Township, Madina Market and Link Road areas. A similar operation was carried out in Begum Kot Chowk and Timber Market areas. During the operation, traffic police dismantled hundreds of wheelbarrows, carts and makeshift tents. Six people were arrested for resisting the operation.

Talking to Minute Mirror, the Lahore CTO said that cases will be registered against encroachers after the issuance of a warning. He said that the smooth flow of traffic will be ensured.

Parking and encroachments along service roads is hindering the flow of traffic, he said, adding that traffic police was using all means to ensure the elimination of encroachments.

He appealed to traders to cooperate with the CTP in this regard. But not everything went well for everyone.

Riaz, a food cart owner in Township, said: “I have five children and I am the only breadwinner in my family.”

“They had taken away my cart and now I am helpless. They didn’t only take my cart away rather they snatched my whole universe,” he added

“If we are running an illegal business, they must give us other options to survive as we cannot afford big shops.”

Duaa Mirza is a correspondent covering crime, social issues and law enforcement. She is the youngest crime reporter and the only woman who visits crime scenes on her motorbike. She tweets @DuaaMirza12.