Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s massive operation against encroachments and illegal construction on Kashmir Highway continued on the second day. During Day 2 of the operation, several encroachments, buildings and constructions in violation of CDA building regulations were demolished. Several acres of land were also retrieved. CDA Member Estate Khushal Khan, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Hamza Shafqat, Senior Superintendent Police Operations Najeeb Bagvi, Enforcement Director Fahim Badshah, building control director, MPO director, officers of Islamabad & Capital Territory (ICT) administration including assistant commissioners, Islamabad police and officers of concerned formations of CDA were present on the occasion. The operation was participated in by more than 350 officials of Enforcement and other concerned formations with heavy contingents of Islamabad police, rangers and Counter Terrorism Force officials. Heavy machinery of MPO and Environment Directorate and other formations were also utilised during the operation. During the operation, 25 illegal constructions in violation of CDA Building Regulations were demolished. The constructions which were demolished on the second day of the operation included Golden Horse Marquee, Regalian Marquee, Occasions Marquee, Rohtas Marquee, four huge sheds, an under construction building, a steel workshop, four markets, one newly constructed building, global enterprises, Islamabad Auction, motor workshops, a dera, Waziristan Market comprising many small shops, Pana Flex Printing workshop, wood factory and five residential houses constructed on the Kashmir Highway. DC Islamabad Muhammad Hamza Shafqat provided full assistance and played a vital role in making the operation a success. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi also visited the operation site. While directing the officers of CDA, ICT Administration and Islamabad police, he said that operation against encroachments should continue following the standard operating procedures, prevailing laws and regulations. He further directed that CDA, ICT Administration and Islamabad police should work as a team so that the encroachments from the city could be completely eliminated. The operation against these encroachments and illegal constructions will continue today (Monday). Last week, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar had announced an anti-encroachment operation against land mafia and illegal encroachments across the province. The Punjab chief minister had said that the campaign will begin from affluent and influential people and no political pressure will be considered during the campaign. He further said the operation will be done without discrimination, adding that it is imperative for the party to eradicate corruption and return the embezzled money. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had held a meeting with members of the provincial cabinet in Lahore, where he said that eliminating corruption from Punjab was the biggest challenge for them. The premier had also directed Punjab CM Sardar Usman Buzdar to immediately kick off a drive against encroachments and individuals involved in illegal occupation of public property. He promised complete assistance to the provincial government in this regard. Published in Daily Times, September 10th 2018.