PESHAWAR: The Peshawar district administration in a crackdown on encroachments retrieved precious state land and arrested 14 people under 3 MPO (maintenance of public order) here on Wednesday.

Following the directives of commissioner Peshawar division Riaz Khan Mahsud, a team of officials headed by assistant commissioner, city, Dr Ihteshamul Haq conducted raids in different areas on the GT Road opposite Jinnah Park and Dalazak Road and recovered commercial state land property.

According to a statement issued by deputy commissioner, Peshawar, Khalid Mehmood, nine kanals and eight marlas of land, worth billions of rupees, was recovered in the operation. The illegal building structures were demolished by using heavy machines.

Heavy contingents of police were deployed on the occasion in order to avert any mishap. However, 14 people were arrested under 3 MPO for interference in violation of the law.

The officials of other relevant departments, including Sharafatullah of Auqaf department and additional assistant commissioner Habibullah, were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2021