Encroachments raise concerns in Islamabad’s I-8 Markaz

ISLAMABAD: Encroachments have become a growing concern in I-8 Markaz, one of the capital’s main commercial centres, even as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) continues to carry out large-scale beautification schemes worth billions of rupees each year.

Residents said the market, which houses restaurants and businesses of national and international standard, is facing illegal occupation that they linked to alleged inaction by the CDA’s enforcement wing.

According to local traders, a flower shop has been established inside an iron container placed on a vacant commercial plot in the Markaz. They said the development had caused concern among business owners in the area.

Traders who spoke about the issue said such encroachments were affecting the city’s appearance. They praised senior enforcement officer Dr Anum Fatima for her efforts, but alleged that some members of the enforcement staff were not acting against illegal occupations on green belts and vacant plots.

Traders warn of protest

The traders called for immediate action to clear encroachments from I-8 Markaz. They warned that if the issue was not addressed, they would stage a protest outside the office of the CDA chairman.

The complaints come at a time when the civic authority is engaged in beautification work across the city. However, residents and traders said the persistence of illegal structures in a prominent commercial area was undermining those efforts. Traders demanded immediate removal of encroachments in I-8, warning that they would protest outside the chairman's office if action was not taken.

CDA says operation planned

Responding to the concerns, a CDA spokesperson said surveys of all major and minor markets in Islamabad had already been completed.

The spokesperson said a large-scale anti-encroachment drive would be launched this month in consultation with traders. The CDA also said plantation would be carried out on green belts.

The issue in I-8 Markaz has drawn attention because of the market’s commercial importance and the presence of well-known eateries and businesses. Residents and traders said they were looking to the civic body to ensure that vacant plots and green areas are protected from illegal occupation.

The CDA’s planned operation, if carried out as announced, would cover markets across Islamabad and include action against encroachments as well as plantation activity on green belts.