Sir: The problem of land encroachment has beset the residents of Bahawalpur. The issue remains unresolved due to short term measures taken by the management of the Town Municipal Authorities (TMA). Those who live in the Walled and Interior City of Bahawalpur are in big trouble due to the massive encroachment of land by shopkeepers, who have extended balconies and galleries in the markets. It is interesting to note that most of the shopkeepers charge huge money as rent from vendors standing in front of illegally extended and occupied areas of public properties such as roads, small streets and sometime parks. This causes huge difficulties to pedestrians. Though the present political set-up in Punjab endorses action against such mafias but the situation is still worse. I appeal to the TMA and other concerned authorities to take action for the removal of encroachments. This will ensure the original beauty of the historic city. FARRUKH JAMEEL Bahawalpur