By Dr Lubna Farah
SLAMABAD: Serious questions are being raised over alleged encroachment by Punjab Cash & Carry in Sector G-13, where a portion of the plaza’s public corridor/verandah has allegedly been incorporated into the store’s commercial area, causing inconvenience to shoppers, residents and other citizens.
According to residents and local sources, the entire corridor/verandah in front of the plaza has allegedly been converted into part of the Cash & Carry’s shop area, restricting the space meant for public access and creating difficulties for consumers and pedestrians.
Residents allege that the move is a clear violation of applicable building by-laws and question why the relevant housing authority has not taken effective action against the commercial establishment despite the alleged encroachment.
The controversy has also raised questions about the enforcement practices of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA).
Residents claim that while the authority is taking action against modifications and alleged violations by individual homeowners, commercial establishments accused of violating building regulations are not facing comparable enforcement.
“Notices are issued, but action remains zero. Who is involved, who is responsible, and who will hold them accountable?” residents and members of the public have asked.
Local residents further allege that the encroachment could not have continued without either administrative negligence or possible complicity of concerned officials. They have demanded an impartial inquiry to determine how the alleged conversion of the public corridor into commercial space was permitted and whether any officials facilitated or ignored the violation.
Public circles in Sector G-13 have expressed concern over growing encroachments in commercial areas, saying that such practices adversely affect public access and undermine enforcement of building regulations.
Residents have called upon the FGEHA and other relevant authorities to conduct an immediate inspection, determine whether the plaza’s corridor has been unlawfully incorporated into the commercial premises, and take action in accordance with the law if violations are established.
The controversy raises a broader question: Are building regulations being enforced equally against residents and commercial operators—or are some violators being allowed to operate above the rules?
