Commissioner Sahiwal Commends Bold Anti-Encroachment Drive During Eid
Fines totaling Rs. 169,000 were imposed on several individuals during this operation.
SAHIWAL – Commissioner Sahiwal Division, Shoaib Iqbal Syed, has officially lauded the relentless efforts of the Municipal Corporation’s enforcement team following a high-intensity anti-encroachment operation that saw several arrests and heavy fines over the Eid holidays.
Speaking at a performance review meeting at the Commissioner’s Office, the Commissioner singled out Enforcement Inspector Khalid Zia for his “unforgettable services” to the city. He praised the officer’s ability to execute the campaign with full force, maintaining professional integrity despite facing significant political pressure.
“Hardworking officers like Khalid Zia are a valuable asset to their departments,” Commissioner Shoaib Iqbal Syed remarked. “His tireless work has been instrumental in restoring the city’s thoroughfares.”
Crackdown on Section 144 Violations
During the briefing, Inspector Khalid Zia reported that the enforcement team remained active throughout the Eid break to ensure public order. Under Section 144—imposed by the Government of Punjab—the team took swift action against illegal activities that threatened public hygiene and traffic flow.
Key enforcement actions included:
Hygiene Violations: Two individuals, Asif Hussain and Shahid, were booked for the illegal burning of animal heads and feet (Siri Paye), a practice strictly banned during the holiday to prevent air pollution and health hazards.
Illegal Hides Collection: At Yadgar Chowk, Muhammad Ehsaan was arrested for collecting animal hides on the roadside without the required official approval.
Road Obstructions: Authorities cracked down on the unauthorized setup of tents and stalls that blocked major arteries.
Legal Actions and Fines
The operation resulted in a total of Rs. 169,000 in fines imposed on various violators. Furthermore, several FIRs were lodged, leading to the arrest of two individuals for serious breaches of provincial directives.
The following businesses and individuals were specifically named in cases registered for creating illegal encroachments and setting up unauthorized tents:
Arifwala Road: Adeel Ahmad (Taj Chicken Shop), Irshad (Hakeem Irshad Qasai), Tahir (s/o Ashfaq), Ashraf (Lahori Nashta Point), and Ali Raza (Bismillah Tikka Shop).
Peer Bukhari Road: Mirza Kamran, for blocking the road with a large tent.
Jahaz Ground: Muhammad Akmal and Yousaf Hassan, for violating government orders by placing stalls on the main road.
The Municipal Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the city’s roads clear and has warned that the crackdown will continue until all illegal structures and roadside encroachments are permanently removed.