Mirpur division orders sweeping anti-encroachment crackdown ahead of Eid shopping rush

MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2026) Authorities in Mirpur Division have formally ordered a sweeping anti-encroachment campaign across the three districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber in a decisive move aimed at removing illegal structures and preventing the recurrence of such unlawful practices. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Mirpur Division Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan on Friday, where officials reviewed the growing congestion in markets during the holy month of Ramadan. Moreover, the administration strongly emphasized that strict enforcement measures would be implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow and improved civic discipline.

Meanwhile, the meeting directed law-enforcement and municipal authorities to immediately launch coordinated operations to remove encroachments from roads, sidewalks and commercial areas.

Furthermore, officials carefully examined a comprehensive security and traffic management plan for the final days of Ramadan when shopping activity dramatically increases. Authorities also ordered the removal of large illegal billboards, roadside stalls, carts and other obstructions placed on electricity poles, buildings and public pathways.

Additionally, notices will be issued to plaza owners and businesses failing to comply with designated parking regulations, and legal action will be taken against violators.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Chairman District Council Raja Naveed Akhtar Goga, Deputy Commissioner Raja Sadaqat Khan, Director State Development Agency Chaudhry Amjad Iqbal, SSP Khurram Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner Mian Hussam Sajid, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Raja Shiraz Khan, State Officer Basharat Hussain Chaudhry, and In-charge Encroachment Department Mirpur Development Authority Raja Shahzad Ahmed Khan, among others. In addition, the participants comprehensively reviewed encroachment issues in key commercial hubs such as Chowk Shaheed, Mian Muhammad Road, Stadium Road, Quaid-e-Azam Chowk, F-3 Old Chungi, Nangi Bazaar and Old Hattian, where congestion has become particularly severe.

On this occasion, Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan urged all concerned departments to proactively fulfill their responsibilities and address civic issues swiftly and effectively on a daily basis.

Consequently, the administration has been instructed to strictly enforce parking arrangements in major plazas with basement facilities so that chaotic traffic conditions can be avoided.

At the same time, authorities will closely monitor law and order, sanitation, health services and security arrangements to ensure that citizens enjoy orderly, safe and well-managed markets during the bustling Eid-ul-Fitr shopping season.

APP/ahr/378