Daily Times

Forty educational institutions in Peshawar have been sealed by the local district administration in a drive to check commercial activities in residential areas. As per media reports, these private schools were sealed after the intervention of the Peshawar High Court that had directed the concerned authorities to stop unchecked growth of commercial buildings including schools in residential areas. Nearly five years ago, the high court had declared the carrying out of commercial activities in residential areas of Hayatabad Township and University Town illegal. This court order is being implemented now. The commercial buildings sealed by the district administration include educational institutions, health care centres, guesthouses, beauty parlours, hotels, banks, among others.

The establishment of such commercial entities in residential areas is a blatant violation of the law of the land besides an attempt to undermine the basic rights of citizens. It is unfortunate that it took almost five years to the authorities to implement the court order.

At a broader level, this also indicates poor planning by the urban authorities that fail to provide ample space to new entrepreneurs as well as public sector utility offices, resulting in establishment of many businesses in residential areas. The same authorities have also criminally neglected to enforce any rules over the past decades, creating a situation where it is difficult to remove these businesses from these locations without any resistance.

Heavy traffic, loud noise, pollution, security issues and property damage are some of the issues faced by residents whose localities are affected by commercial activities. It is a terrible ordeal for those living near private schools and commercial centres as they have to deal with traffic chaos on a daily basis. Besides, the government also suffers as many of these businesses do not pay commercial rates for electricity, gas and often evade the commercial property taxes. In addition, damage is also caused to municipal infrastructure and services such as roads, sewage, water supply to name a few. Sadly, this is the situation in every urban centre of Pakistan where lack of proper planning and weak enforcement of municipal codes have created havoc in residential areas. It is high time that the provincial and local governments take necessary measures and ensure proper planning for shifting of commercial entities to more appropriate places and provide them with all necessary facilities. *