A view of a traffic jam in Peshawar. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI:
Residents have expressed serious concern over widespread encroachments on Misrial Road and around Niazi Town Chowk, saying persistent traffic problems have made daily life increasingly difficult.
They demanded the authorities concerned take immediate notice of the situation and ensure enforcement of the law.
The encroachment problem has become particularly serious along Misrial Road, Niazi Town, Millat Colony Chowk and adjoining roads and streets. Residents said they had repeatedly submitted written applications to the relevant authorities seeking the removal of encroachments, but no effective or permanent action had been taken so far.
They said the main road around Niazi Town Chowk had increasingly been occupied by pushcarts, temporary stalls and other encroachments. Residential streets adjoining the main road have also been affected, while pushcarts and makeshift stalls have been set up at several street entrances and on areas designated for pedestrians, severely disrupting movement.
Residents said women, children, elderly people and other citizens faced daily difficulties because of the encroachments. They added that congestion and narrowed streets could create serious problems in the event of an emergency.
The residents urged the Rawalpindi Station Commander and other relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure enforcement of the law.
They also called on the Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) to ensure a permanent traffic police presence on the road, particularly at Niazi Town Chowk, to ease congestion and resolve the persistent traffic problems.
