SHANGLA: The ongoing anti-encroachment operation in Shangla has come under scrutiny following allegations of favouritism, political influence and financial dealings in the selection of properties targeted for demolition.
Local residents have raised questions about the transparency of the operation, alleging that influential individuals and those with personal connections are receiving preferential treatment while properties belonging to ordinary citizens are being demolished.
According to complaints circulating in the district, shops, houses, platforms, boundary walls and other structures belonging to residents without influential connections are being removed, while certain buildings and markets allegedly linked to influential people are being spared.
Allegations of Unequal Treatment in Demolition Drive
Residents have alleged that some influential individuals and their associates are being given sufficient time and opportunities to vacate or remove structures before enforcement action.
In contrast, ordinary citizens are reportedly not receiving similar opportunities, with bulldozers being deployed against their properties without comparable notice.
The issue has also generated discussion on social media, where citizens are questioning whether the operation is being implemented uniformly across the district.
Local circles have stressed that while removing illegal encroachments is an administrative necessity, enforcement must follow the same standards for influential individuals and ordinary residents.
Revenue Officials Face Questions Over Their Role
Some residents have also raised concerns about the alleged influence of certain Revenue Department officials, including patwaris, girdawars and tehsildars, in the ongoing operation.
Complaints allege that certain officials have maintained influence over specific areas through prolonged postings and may be using their official positions to facilitate preferential treatment or financial interests.
Citizens have called for an examination of the previous postings of the concerned officials, their duration at particular locations and their exercise of official powers.
They have demanded departmental and legal action if an impartial investigation establishes evidence of corruption, irregularities or misuse of authority.
Alpuri Main Bridge Market Dispute Raises Concerns
Public, social and business representatives have urged Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, relevant provincial authorities and the Commissioner Malakand Division to take immediate notice of the allegations.
They have particularly highlighted the situation around both sides of Alpuri Main Bridge, where residents allege that one market is being targeted for demolition while efforts are being made to protect the market on the opposite side.
Citizens have demanded an impartial investigation covering the entire Shangla district, particularly Alpuri, to determine whether enforcement decisions are being made according to official records and applicable laws.
Citizens Demand Independent Investigation
Residents have proposed the formation of an impartial investigative committee to examine records of demolished and allegedly protected buildings and markets, official maps and the legal status of the disputed structures.
They say such an inquiry would help establish whether the anti-encroachment campaign is being conducted transparently or whether recommendations, personal connections and discriminatory practices are influencing enforcement decisions.
While supporting the removal of illegal encroachments, citizens have stressed that the campaign must not disproportionately affect weaker sections of society.
They have called for indiscriminate and transparent enforcement, warning that selective action could undermine public confidence in government institutions.
Residents maintain that the rule of law can only be upheld when the same legal standards apply to influential individuals and ordinary citizens alike.