'Grand' anti-encroachment drive in Rawalpindi proves shortlived.

RAWALPINDI -- In line with orders of the Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar and the traffic police DIG, a 'grand operation' against vendors and illegal parking was launched in the city, in which several kiosks, stalls, and vendors were removed from roads with their belongings being taken into custody by police.

The efforts to remove encroachments, however, proved unsuccessful as stalls and vendors reappeared on roads 'within 24 hours' of the operation. 'Yes, I have brought back my tables and other items, which were taken away by the traffic police,' said a vendor. He claimed vendors get tip-offs from officials concerned ahead of such crackdowns against encroachments.

'It is a very common practice that whenever, once a month, the anti-encroachment exercise is carried out, the vendors disappear for some time. They again take to the roads and footpaths as soon as the RDA's staff moves ahead,' the vendor claimed. After the IGP ordered action against encroachments, the traffic police cleared various areas of Raja Bazar and seized the property as well. More than 80 vehicles and motorcycles were issued challan tickets for parking violations.

A police spokesman said that a grand operation was launched against 'the encroachment mafia' in Bara Bazar, Imperial Market, Liaquat Road, and Raja Bazar besides action against roadside vendors.

Vendor claims they are tipped before such operations;Police mull strategy to stop recurrence of encroachments

Similarly, traffic police officers have been appointed with the relevant organisations to eliminate encroachments. After the anti-encroachment operation, check and balance will also be kept to discourage encroachers, he said.

He claimed the public will see a clear improvement in the flow of traffic as a result of the operation. Special tasks have been assigned to the in charge of the education wing to educate the citizens about parking and other traffic rules.

On the other hand, despite clear directives of Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, who is the administrator of Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), the civic body has failed to remove encroachments from Commercial Market, Murree Road, Bara Bazaar, Raja Bazaar and adjoining areas. The RMC planned to make...