By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An ongoing operation to remove encroachments in Tehsil Paharpur, launched on the directives of the assistant commissioner, has been widely welcomed by local residents, who say the move will ease congestion in markets and streets and bring long-awaited relief to the public.
Citizens said the removal of illegal structures was a positive and timely step that would make roads and commercial areas more accessible. At the same time, they called on the district administration to focus on what they described as long-standing civic problems in the area.
These views were shared during a visit to inquire after the health of senior journalist Nasar Khan Lodhi by social figure Haji Khalid Khan Baloch, Principal of Global Peace Pre-Cadet School Paharpur Subedar (retd) Muhammad Rafiq Qaisrani, and prominent Siraiki poet and general councillor Muhammad Rafiq Sagar.
The visitors offered prayers for Lodhi’s early recovery and acknowledged that journalists’ guidance and suggestions had consistently played an important role in the development of Paharpur. Residents pointed to shortages of clean drinking water, poor sanitation and cleanliness, the need for repair and rehabilitation of roads, lack of facilities and staff in educational institutions, frequent electricity outages, faulty transformers and an inadequate drainage system.
They said addressing these issues on a priority basis would significantly reduce hardship for the local population. Residents reiterated their commitment to cooperating with the administration and said they would continue to play an active role in improving the city and ensuring the provision of basic civic facilities.
