ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has started a probe into encroachments in various markets of Islamabad.

The FIA’s corporate crime circle, through two letters, to the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has sought details of restaurants and cafes which are allegedly using state land.

“Reportedly, several restaurants/cafes/plazas in Sector F-7, F-8, F-10 and F-11 Markaz Islamabad are using government land specified for green planters in their front by making paved concrete sit-out platforms with fixed and permanent structures like tiles, Astroturf, benches, canopies, light poles, fountains, fences etc for private use,” read one of the letters dated January 15.

It sought details of six eateries, asking the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) to share with the agency any permission granted to the restaurants for using green planters. Through another letter dated Jan 24, the FIA directed the DMA to submit additional information as well.

MCI asked to provide details of restaurants, cafes using state land

“Is there any mechanism to check whether all restaurants are occupying that portion of land which is allowed to them or they have increased encroachments?”

A senior officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) said the FIA was being provided the required information.

Almost in all markets in Islamabad, encroachments have been made on state land. G-9 Markaz, F-10 Markaz, Aabpara Market, Sitara Market are among areas where street vendors and shopkeepers have set up their businesses on footpaths and verandas.

Even in G-7 Markaz (Khada Market) and a market near the fire brigade building and Zero Point, motor mechanics have reduced the width of the market roads.

As a result, motorists have to face difficulty in crossing these markets, but DMA and the enforcement directorate have failed to clear the roads of the encroachments.

Moreover, owners in various markets have increased the number of shops by reducing the size of the original ones, putting massive loads on services and parking.

An official said in class-three shopping centres, (small markets), there were originally 10 shops in each centre, which have now expanded to 80-plus, as their owners have divided one shop into to eight mini-shops.

The official said the expansion of shops was one of the major reasons behind the shrinking space at least in class-three shopping centres.

According to work distribution between CDA and MCI, the MCI’s directorate of DMA is responsible for carrying out anti- encroachment operations in markets while CDA’s directorate of enforcement is supposed to launch anti-encroachment operations in other areas.

The administrator the MCI could not be approached for his comments on the FIA letters, however, another officer said action will be taken against the encroachers.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2022