PESHAWAR: Authorities have demolished more than 450 shops, markets and other structures along Peshawar Ring Road as part of an ongoing anti-encroachment campaign targeting buildings reportedly established on government land.
According to the district administration, the operation began last week and covers the Ring Road and surrounding areas. The campaign aims to recover public land, clear roadways and pedestrian routes, and remove obstacles that contribute to traffic congestion.
The drive started in Garhi Qamardin before expanding to areas including Jamil Chowk, Pir Zakori Flyover and Pushtakhara Chowk. Teams from the Peshawar Development Authority and other government departments have been using heavy machinery to remove the identified structures.
Officials say the operation is intended to improve traffic movement and provide clearer access along key sections of the road. Authorities had also removed encroachments around Kabutar Chowk in connection with work on the Ring Road underpass project.
Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir has directed relevant officials to prevent cleared areas from being occupied again. The administration has indicated that enforcement activities will continue against unauthorised occupation of public land.
However, anti-encroachment operations can also affect traders and small businesses operating in the targeted areas. In Charsadda, some affected traders have raised concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, while alleging that certain demolitions took place without adequate notice.
The Peshawar operation highlights the challenges authorities face in reclaiming public land while managing the effects on local businesses. Further enforcement is expected to focus on keeping cleared areas free from renewed encroachments and improving access along the city’s road network.
