Abbottabad: The Abbottabad district administration has given traders three days to remove illegal encroachments from markets and roads, warning that a citywide operation will follow if compliance is not ensured within the deadline.
The directive follows growing complaints about road closures, traffic congestion, and blocked pedestrian access in key commercial areas of the city.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Abbottabad Afrasiab Zubair and office-bearers of the All Traders Federation Abbottabad, held at the federation’s main office. The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, focused on encroachments, road blockages, implementation of official price rate lists, and the removal of open pits at various locations in the city.
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The assistant commissioner highlighted the recent removal of encroachments from the street near Gami Adda Rehman Plaza, describing it as a model for other markets. He said the area, once heavily congested, had been restored for smooth movement and had received positive feedback from shopkeepers.
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Officials said similar measures would be implemented across other commercial zones to ensure open access and improved traffic flow.
Traders raise parking, fines, and infrastructure issues
During the meeting, representatives of the All Traders Federation raised concerns regarding parking facilities for traders, road closures and barriers on Empire Road, street lighting issues, and what they described as excessive fines imposed by multiple departments.
The assistant commissioner assured traders that their concerns would be reviewed and addressed. However, he reiterated that traders must remove encroachments within the stipulated three-day period, after which the administration would launch a full operation to clear all types of illegal structures from city roads and markets.
