Rs7,000 Allegedly Collected From Suzuki Operators, Chaklala Cantt Enforcement Squad Faces Money Collection Allegations

By: Nadeem Tanoli

Rawalpindi: Serious allegations of money collection have emerged against the enforcement squad of Chaklala Cantonment Board, with residents claiming that roadside cart vendors are being charged between Rs1,000 and Rs4,500, while Suzuki vehicle operators are allegedly asked to pay around Rs7,000 to continue operating at different locations.

Residents have alleged that roadside carts, Suzuki vehicles, motorcycle loaders and loader rickshaws are allowed to occupy public spaces despite repeated complaints about encroachments. They claim that payments are collected from operators, while ordinary residents continue to face problems because of unauthorised occupation of roads and public spaces.

Residents have also alleged that some enforcement personnel use mobile phones, social media and WhatsApp messages to alert vendors before planned inspections. According to the complaints, vendors temporarily remove their carts when an inspection is expected and bring them back after the enforcement team leaves.

The residents say this raises serious questions about the effectiveness of enforcement operations, as the same carts and vehicles allegedly return to the same locations shortly after action is taken.

Residents from different localities have raised these concerns, including Ahmed from Tehmaspabad, Sadiq Awan from Rahimabad, Sadiq Naeem from Tipu Road and Hafeez from Chaklala Housing Scheme III. They have called for an inquiry into the alleged collection of money and the repeated return of carts and vehicles after inspections.

The complaints also name the enforcement in charge, Akhlaq, and other personnel, including Majid Shah, Shabbir, Shiraz Satti, Imran Bhatti and Salahuddin. According to the complaints,

The allegations cover several localities, including Chaklala Housing Scheme III, Dhoke Chiragh Deen, Dhoke Kashmirian, Dhoke Chaudhrian, Gulistan Colony, Rahimabad, Lalazar, Tulsa Village, Tipu Road, Dheri Hassanabad, Marir Hassan, Jhanda Chichi, Tali Mohri, Tehmaspabad, Bostan Valley and Bostan Khan Road.

When contacted about the allegations, enforcement in charge Akhlaq said that the department carries out enforcement action on a daily basis and also imposes fines. He added that a cleanliness week was currently under way on the commander’s orders, during which enforcement operations were also being conducted.

Asked why roadside carts return shortly after enforcement teams remove them, Akhlaq said that the department does take action, but the carts still return afterwards.

His response confirms that enforcement action is being carried out, but the repeated return of carts remains a concern for residents, who say temporary action has not solved the problem.

Residents have demanded that senior officials of the Chaklala Cantonment Board investigate the alleged collection of money, examine the claims about advance WhatsApp alerts and review why carts and vehicles repeatedly return after inspections. They have called for action against anyone found involved in wrongdoing.