MINGORA: The anti-encroachment operation launched by the Swat district administration under directives of the provincial government has come under fire after it was abruptly halted upon reaching properties allegedly owned by influential political figures.
The move, widely criticized by locals and civil society, has sparked accusations of discrimination and favouritism.The operation, initiated following the recent tragedy on the instructions of Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, was aimed at removing illegal structures along the banks of the Swat River.
In its initial phase, several hotels, restaurants, and shops were demolished, many of them owned by ordinary people.On the second day of the operation, encroachments in the Fizzagat area, including a private park, were removed.
However, the drive came to a sudden halt when it approached buildings allegedly linked to powerful political personalities. Despite a four-hour wait, officials were instructed to stand down and return, citing “unknown reasons.”
A meeting was chaired by the commissioner of the Malakand division lasting over three hours but it failed to reach a consensus. Conflicting views emerged within the administration, with some officers reportedly claiming that the political figure in question had obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the structures. The meeting ended inconclusively as participants were split into opposing groups.
Sources revealed that some of the structures already demolished were under legal protection through NOCs and the court had issued stay orders. The selective nature of the demolitions raised questions about the credibility of the so-called indiscriminate operation. Citizens condemned the destruction of poor people’s livelihoods while leaving politically protected properties untouched.
Many of the demolished establishments employed daily-wage workers, who were now left jobless. Community leaders and residents warned of launching a protest if transparency was not ensured.
