Rawalpindi Cantonment Board carried out a large-scale operation in Westridge to clear decades-old illegal constructions that had encroached on residential streets and public pathways. The Enforcement Team acted on the special instructions of Aamer Rasheed, Executive Officer, while the Deputy CEO supervised the operation on site to ensure effective implementation.
A comprehensive survey had identified permanent additions built on street corridors in front of homes, including extra rooms, verandas and boundary walls that reduced street width and obstructed pedestrian and vehicular movement. The findings underlined persistent safety and access issues created by these unauthorised structures.
Formal notices were issued directing residents to voluntarily remove the illegal work within a set timeframe, but most did not comply. Given the lack of cooperation, the cantonment deployed heavy machinery alongside policing support to carry out the enforcement action and restore public passage.
The operation was conducted with an emphasis on maintaining law and order and applying regulations uniformly across the cantonment. Executive Officer Aamer Rasheed reiterated that illegal constructions on public roads, streets and government land will not be tolerated and that the writ of the law will be enforced without discrimination.
The Cantonment Board has appealed to local residents to obtain approved building plans and follow regulatory procedures to prevent future encroachments. Restoring clear streets in Westridge is presented as a necessary step toward a safer, better planned and more accessible urban environment.
