Rawalpindi Cantonment Board carried out a major anti-encroachment operation in Westridge, removing decades-old illegal structures that had narrowed residential streets and obstructed public pathways. The Enforcement Team mobilised on the special instructions of Executive Officer Aamer Rasheed, and the Deputy CEO personally supervised the action on site to ensure an orderly process.
A comprehensive survey of the affected neighbourhoods identified permanent additions encroaching on public pathways, including additional rooms, verandas, boundary walls and other constructions. These unauthorised works significantly reduced street width and created serious difficulties for pedestrians and vehicular movement. Residents were issued formal notices and given time to remove the structures voluntarily, but the deadline passed without cooperation.
After non-compliance, heavy machinery was deployed and the Enforcement Team, supported by police personnel to maintain law and order, carried out demolitions across the implicated streets. Crews removed long-standing build-ups that had been constructed within public rights of way, restoring access for residents and emergency services.
Officials emphasised that the operation targeted illegal occupation of public roads and government land without discrimination and that the writ of law will be strictly enforced across the cantonment area. Executive Officer Aamer Rasheed reiterated that unauthorised construction on streets and public land will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Cantonment Board has appealed to citizens to follow regulations and obtain approved building plans before undertaking any construction, stressing that continued Westridge encroachment enforcement will be pursued to ensure safer, better-planned localities and unobstructed public pathways.
