Encroachers still occupy footpaths, roadsides in Raja Bazaar.

Byline: Aamir Yasin

RAWALPINDI -- Despite claim made by Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC) to get main bazaars and markets cleared of all types of encroachments during its ongoing anti-encroachment drive, footpaths and roadsides in Raja Bazaar are still occupied by stallholders and other encroachers.

Unchecked encroachments on roadsides and footpaths by shopkeepers and stallholders are creating problems for pedestrians.

During a visit to the downtown, it was observed that shopkeepers and stallholders in Raja Bazaar, Bara Market, Iqbal Road, Jinnah Road, Liaquat Road, Kashmiri Bazaar, Namakmandi, Gunjmandi, Mochi Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar, College Road, Gowalmandi Road, Jamia Masjid Road, Circular Road, Banni Chowk and adjoining markets have encroached on footpaths.

The extremely busy and congested Raja Bazaar from Fowara Chowk to Dingi Khoi presents the sorry state of affairs as shopkeepers have displayed goods on pavements while vendors set up stalls on the edges of roads, leaving no room for pedestrians.

RMC claims to get all bazaars and markets cleared of encroachments during its ongoing drive

People visiting the markets complained about the indifference attitude of RMC and said there was no space on footpaths to walk.

They said it was difficult for them to visit Sabzi Mandi, Urdu Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Bara Bazaar and adjoining areas because of the encroachments.

Mohammad Safdar, a shopper at Trunk Bazaar, said that roadsides and footpaths were encroached by shopkeepers and vendors and it was government's responsibility to keep footpaths clear of encroachments.

...