Residents of Shangla have accused the district administration of applying double standards in its ongoing anti-encroachment operation, alleging that a market on one side of Alpuri Bridge was demolished while another market on the opposite side was spared.
The operation has targeted markets, shops, hotels and roadside cabins in several areas, including Lilowai, Alpuri, Puran, Chakisar and Besham. However, the alleged difference in treatment of two markets near Alpuri’s central bridge has raised questions among residents about the administration’s impartiality.
According to local residents, several commercial structures have been demolished across the district, affecting business owners. They said they support the removal of encroachments to clear roads, bridges, markets and public passageways, but insist that the operation must be transparent and applied equally to everyone.
Residents alleged that only a minor pillar was removed from the market on one side of Alpuri Bridge, while no significant action was taken against the remaining structure. In contrast, shops in front of the market on the opposite side were completely demolished.
They further alleged that the owner of the market that was spared may have received preferential treatment because of political connections and personal influence. These allegations have not been independently verified, and residents have called for a transparent investigation to establish the facts.
Citizens said that any structure occupying government land, roads, bridges or public passageways should face legal action, regardless of its owner’s influence or political affiliation. They questioned why two markets at the same location appeared to have faced different enforcement measures.
Local residents have urged the Malakand Division commissioner and other senior authorities to arrange an impartial survey of both markets and nearby structures around Alpuri Bridge. They called for government records and relevant laws to be used to identify encroachments and ensure action wherever illegal construction is found.
They also appealed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to take notice of the matter and order a high-level inquiry into the alleged disparity in the operation.
Residents further demanded departmental and legal action against any officials found to have misused their authority, obstructed the operation or provided unlawful benefits to influential individuals. They also called for the transfer of any officials found involved, if necessary.
The residents reiterated that they support the anti-encroachment campaign but said enforcement must not selectively target some business owners while allegedly protecting others. They stressed that equal application of the law, regardless of wealth, influence or political affiliation, is essential to maintaining public trust.