Operation Launched to Demolish Illegal Shops Along Faisalabad’s Circular Road

Описание: FAISALABAD: The district administration on Tuesday launched a major anti-encroachment operation to demolish illegal shops and multi-storey commercial structures constructed over the government-owned drainage channel along Circular Road — from Gumti Chowk to Chiniot Bazaar.
Heavy machinery was deployed around 10 a.m. and the road was sealed for all kinds of traffic. As demolition began, a large number of traders and residents gathered at the site. Shop owners from Railway Road staged a protest, blocking traffic and chanting slogans against the operation. They alleged that the action was taken without prior notice and that long-established businesses were being torn down “unfairly” despite years of investment.
Deputy Chief Officer of the Municipal Corporation, Azmat Firdous, said the operation was being carried out on directives from the Punjab government and under the orders of the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. In the first phase, 13 shops — whose owners lack legal ownership documents — are being demolished. Verification of registry papers submitted by other shopkeepers is still underway, after which further action will be taken as per the competent authority’s decision.
Officials said the encroachments had expanded over decades. What began as temporary stalls in the early 1980s gradually turned into permanent structures and high-value commercial plazas worth millions to billions of rupees.
Despite previous attempts, political pressure and trader resistance had halted similar drives in the past. Many believe this current operation will test the administration’s resolve to reclaim state land and restore the original drainage system of the Circular Road area.