ISLAMABAD (PPI) - As the Eid-ul-Fitr is approaching fast and number of residents who visit commercial centres and markets in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are facing great difficulties due to encroachments. The shopkeepers at Super Market, Jinnah Super Market, Karachi Company, Raja Bazaar, Commercial Market, Sadar Bazaar, Committee Chowk and other commercial areas have encroached the footpaths by displaying their products while vendors have also exhibited their products in middle of the roads. Talking to this news agency, the residents of twin cities accused the concerned departments for receiving bribe from these encroaches. They said that officials of the concerned departments receive bribe (monthly) from these encroaches and allow them to do what all they want. Amjad Khan a resident of sector F-6/1 said that concerned authorities claim to purge the city from encroachment often prove empty slogans as this action is always temporary. He said that all footpaths had been covered with illegal encroachments that create hurdles while moving in markets. Ashraf Quershi, from Rawalpindi said that encroachments on footpaths and lack of proper car parking in the markets were creating hurdle for the visitors who visit along with their families. He said that it was hard to find place on footpath as encroachments are seen round the clock and especially during rush hours. It was the duty of local administration to remove encroachments from footpaths to facilitate the visitors. A shopkeeper Naseem Abbasi said that they encroach in front of their shops and footpaths because they have very limited space. While justifying his illegal practice Naseem said we also have to earn bread and butter for our families. I set up my stall in this market because I had no other space to do business. Government should provide some space to us so we can earn our livelihood. he added. When contacted an official heading an anti-encroachment department rejected the allegation leveled against them that they takes bribe from shopkeepers and in return allow them to encroach in front of their shops and on footpaths. He said during Ramazan when Eid shopping in on its peak, to control encroachment is bit difficult task foe them. He maintained that they conduct anti-encroachments drives and seize the luggage of encroachers.