LAHORE: A The Mall trader has accused the city administration of mistreating him and other traders during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive for not cooperating with officials. However, the administration has rejected the claims, stating that the drive is being carried out as per the law.

Mall Road Traders Association Senior Vice President Syed Adil Shah alleged that tensions between traders and the administration began a few months ago when the city assistant commissioner (AC) sought their cooperation in illuminating business buildings with pink lights to raise awareness about breast cancer.

“We agreed to provide electricity and logistical support but requested the administration to arrange for the special lights and skilled labour as there are over 4,000 shops and business premises. Later, the administration asked us to arrange coloured paper and affix it to existing lights, but we suggested they take responsibility for the installation,” Mr Shah said. He claimed this disagreement annoyed the AC.

According to Shah, shortly afterward, an administrative team sealed his restaurant and confiscated goods, citing encroachment. Though the restaurant was later de-sealed, he alleged that the administration continued to press him on other matters, including the uniformity of shop signage.

“Instead of approaching shopkeepers individually, I suggested they hold group meetings to build consensus. A few days ago, a team led by a tehsildar and other officials confiscated counters and goods that were already inside the premises. When we objected, the tehsildar assured us it was just a formality. However, another team later arrived, removed more items, and sealed the restaurant again,” he claimed.

Mall Road Traders Association Chairman Sohail Butt confirmed the incident, while other shopkeepers criticised the administration for not returning confiscated goods despite their willingness to fulfil formalities.

“An anti-encroachment squad took some goods from outside my shop a few days ago. When I tried to retrieve them, officials refused, citing policy,” a shopkeeper said. A small tea stall vendor near Bedian Road also lodged a similar complaint.

City Assistant Commissioner Babar Ali Rai rejected the claims, saying that the anti-encroachment drive was not targeting anyone specifically.

“I have never been in direct contact with Mr Shah. I only engage with the association president for official matters,” he said, accusing Shah’s hotel of repeatedly violating regulations by encroaching on The Mall.

“He once de-sealed his restaurant on his own, breaking the law. Even after that, he did not submit an affidavit pledging to refrain from encroachments,” Mr Rai said.

About the recent sealing of the restaurant, the AC admitted that some items were removed from inside the premises. “They frequently place chairs, tables and counters outside but quickly move them inside whenever they see an anti-encroachment squad approaching. Once the squad leaves, they put them outside again, causing obstruction. That is why we took action,” he said.

He added that, under policy, goods obstructing pedestrian or vehicular movement are confiscated and not returned to prevent repeated encroachments.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025