Encroachments; a birth of poverty and
corruption in Pakistan. By every street and road in Pakistan we find illegal
shops, kiosks and vendors that are result of encroachments in the country. As a
result general public suffers from issues such as; nuisance for the shop keeper
and shopper due to encroachers in front of shops, problems for pedestrians due
to vendors on the footpath, parking issues, traffic jams and to top it all
off they also create an increase risk of accidents. 
Unfortunately, since its birth Pakistan has
been a victim of a flawed law and order.
Even if efforts are made to design a system, the law makers themselves
play the role of silent spectators when it comes to implementing it. This gives
rise to a big question mark for the concerned public. After all what is the
reason this issue has been ignored for years. There is only one I can think of;
probably the same as for the thousand other things that we see around us and
wonder why no one takes any action! Everyone just wants to fill their own
pockets. There are spots for which deals are made under the table and even
protection is offered in return by the same law makers –in local term ’hafta’-.
I think in Pakistan, even crime is more organized than the law itself.
If we look at the other side of the
picture, majority of Pakistani population is poor and just struggling to
survive. Some even earn just enough to fulfil the basic necessities - roti,
kappra, makkan- of their families on day to day basis. Hence it is not just a
matter of wiping these people of the streets, it a matter of coming up with a
proper system to give them alternate and legal mean of earning. I do not think
that at the moment even using the word encroachment would be appropriate in our
system. It means to advance beyond a proper defined limits, I seriously doubt
if there are any defined limits in our system. This is one of the many over
looked issues in Pakistan. This is the time for Pakistan to voice against this
blatant violation of law so that not only the authorities take action against
it but also to create awareness amongst the general public how their actions
are creating disturbance for the rest of the society. As there is solution to every problem I am
sure if dealt with sincerely everyone one can be satisfied with in the
restrictions of proper law and order, provided a system is designed and
followed by all. PAKISTAN, ITS NOW OR NEVER!!!
Irtiza Ali Rizvi
Sec F
11uo299
ReplyDeletethat is one very well written article! But i think if we get rid of these shops and vendors we might end up losing some part of our culture!
ReplyDelete@Irtiza ... Indeed a very well written article
ReplyDelete@Kainat .. I agree that these shops and vendors are a part of our culture .. but do they have to come under the label of encroachments ... I would second what Irtiza has suggested in the article the authorities need to come with a plan of action which caters all and preserves our culture as well.. Lahore Food Street is a very good example in this context!!
NAhhh Adnan! ! its Our culture! Aloo Chana,Fruit chat,Dehi bhala,aloo ka paratha :P .... If this all shifts into Shops then it might lose its cultural LOok! ...Aprt from tht many of such shop owner might not b able to afford da expenses which da shop might generate! So yup these things need to get a bit civilized or For evn not making these civilzed would work becz PAkistan governmnt has got much more important projects to do! .. this all might get important if pakistan governmnt is able to make PAkstan a tourable country!
DeleteQamber Shah are you suggesting being uncivilized unsystematic and outlaws is our culture. I m sorry my friend I would have to disagree with you. If generations before have zipped up and let us grow up in such a society I do not think we would want to pass it on as a legacy to the coming generations. I did not suggest even once that these things should be wiped off the face of our culture but I strongly believe that there are ways to preserve yet make our cultural heritage organized.
DeleteAs far as other problems Pakistan faces at the moment goes, I think there are individual who are already getting paid to look into such matters but all every one does is blame others. These things may seem petty but its small steps like these that would enable Pakistan to stand up as a nation. I do not think I need to explain if we keep sitting there waiting for a miracle to happen and things to change over night what going to happen .. The answer is literally in our face and past six decades are rubbing our noses into it!!
Quite impressive. It can't be explained any better!
ReplyDeletewell written ....this one thing our govt should look upon...they should not be wiped out..as its livelihood for many people...changes should be made but changes like no one suffers and the problem solved...govt need to think upon this issue
ReplyDeleteGeneral Public here faces many problems due to ENCROACHMENT .. the govt does take steps and after fews days, they completely forget.. this issue should not be ignored.. specific govt teams should be constructed and should raid these areas on a regular basis..
ReplyDeleteWell written. The government should tackle this situation in a systematic way without harming the people inolved in the situation.
ReplyDeleteNice article. You've done a magnificent job.
ReplyDeleteI think in Pakistan, even crime is more organized than the law itself.If we look at the other side of the picture, majority of Pakistani population is poor and just struggling to survive.
ReplyDeleteEncroachment no doubt causes problems for our society but then again if our government is more concerned about saving money for itself and not spending it on the general public, mostly those who are the victims of poverty, there is no option left for the lower class but to make a living this way
ReplyDeleteAn issue that is on arise and our government has no idea of its consequences and what it can cause to human life. Stop it before it takes someone away
ReplyDeleteWell written. Law and order is one of the biggest issues of Pakistan and as far as I remember it has always been the prevailing issue. Instead of complaining we should start working on it.
ReplyDelete:O
ReplyDeletevery imressive and thought.....!!!!!
ReplyDeletethis issue is rising day by day . For me government can go for a solution and solution is that government can allocate shop to these people at low cost
ReplyDeleteYou have highlighted another neglected issue of extreme importance. We walk on roads, kill people, set the fire to shops and buses in the name of peaceful rally for the Chief Justice to Promote justice and equality in Pakistan. However, we neglect our role in violation of the law and order. For a country to have an effective law and order system, It should have responsible citizens as well. The Govt/State can not do this alone at any particular time. The actions of individuals shape up the Society. We should be ethical in our actions first before pointing fingers towards others.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are schools, we break rules and regulations. When we graduate, we break laws. We all do this yet we ignore the fact that these small infringements at individual level results in a major problem for the society as a whole. Small crimes beget bigger ones.
P.s I like your style E2.:P
I strongly believe that what we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not because the nature of the thing has changed, but because the power to do it has increased
ReplyDeleteThe reason why such an important issue has never been addressed properly by any government in the past is because these enroachers make up a large part of their vote bank. No leader is brave enough to go against his own voters and do what should be done regardless of the consequences. It is somewhat true that putting an end to this encroachment would result in decreased revenues and increased unemployment, however taking such a step ensures the system is on track and brings these enroachers into the legal system for tax purposes. In the long term such a step would mean equal opportunities for small scale start up business, a wider tax system and eventually better economic growth.
ReplyDeleteThe government should keep the needs of the street vendors under consideratrion while managing this problem. They can not simply be wiped out like cockroaches. These individuals are unemployed and are trying to make a living.
ReplyDeleteexcellently written. Its perfect just add the cultural part in it. That these hawkers are part of our culture but we need to organize them properly. U can give example of other countries. They have hawkers too but they have them organized and not in a crammed area.
ReplyDeleteThe Govt/State can not do this alone at any particular time. The actions of individuals shape up the Society. We should be ethical in our actions first before pointing fingers towards others.
ReplyDeleteA very big issue discussed here ! the governments should take measures to provide them proper places ! very well written !
ReplyDeleteEncroachments is the main problem that is causing traffic problems. Its also causing problems to the people walking by. Employees of LDA are being bribed and that's why they don't take any action. Government should take actions to make Pakistan a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteHi Irtiza, good work indeed! I do agree with you on the thought that our street side vendors are not only a huge part of our most savoured food culture but also cater for the "budget meals" for many households.
ReplyDeleteTherefore a good community development plan should take into account all (possible) stake holders. That involves anyone who's life is affected around these streets in any way. A good plan is a wholesome plan which has place for all stakeholders in it. We cant blindly wash out the whole thing to replace it with French style food street eateries. We have to have our culture and our people incorporated in our plans first.
So if the encroachers are the food carts, or cycle or tyre repairers, the land developers have to provide them with a place so they continue to do what they are doing. And since the chat, gol gappas, falooda and other food carts are so popular among food lovers in Pakistan, Why not dedicate a small section for these carts at the corner of every colony? Just a thought!
Well done Irtiza, I agree on your side of argument.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is not that major issue . Government of Pakistan first need to solve major issue in Pakistan which made people do such things . If these major issue are solved I guarantee there will not be any minor issue such as encroachment
ReplyDeleteIt might not be a major issue for you as it might not be affecting you directly but there are people who face problems due to such actions on daily basis. I personally think its is a major issue for them. As far as Pakistan is concerned well trust me there wont ever be leader with a magic wand who would bring about a change in the blink of an eye. Our government would need to look into basic issues like these to change the over all attitude of nation. And we as a nation would need to understand our responsibilities before we expect anything from our government. If we do not bring changes on personal levels there wont ever be a change at all.
DeletePeace.
Encroachments is the main problem that is causing traffic problems. Its also causing problems to the people walking by road. Employees of LDA are being bribed and that is why they don't take any action. Government should take actions to make Pakistan a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are schools, we break rules and regulations. When we graduate, we break laws. We all do this yet we ignore the fact that these small infringements at individual level results in a major problem for the society as a whole. Small crimes beget bigger ones.
There should be a separate market made for people like this, because they cannot afford high rents. If they are given a proper place this problem will surely be ended.
ReplyDeleteThat's great!! Indeed u have come up with very good points...i agree with u that wiping off is not the solution,,There must be a planned system for sorting it out...
ReplyDelete