RAWALPINDI – Criminal activities are on the rise in the thickly populated Gawalmandi area in the jurisdiction of City Police Station while police are playing the role of silent spectators.

The residents talking to INP deplored slackness of police for not acting against criminals who commit crimes in the areas without any fear. Ijaz Butt, a resident of Mohalla Kumar, Gawalmandi said that in most recent incident unidentified robbers robbed four houses in two hours during mid night. The robbers made good escape after committing the crime.
They said that criminals have been given free hand as incidents of robberies, theft and other criminal activities have become a routine in the locality.
The residents demanded CPO Rawalpindi police to take notice of the increasing incidents of crimes.
Meanwhile, the encroachers have occupied Rawal town bazaars allegedly in connivance with concerned officials which contribute to traffic mess and inconvenience to pedestrians.
Encroachment mafia has virtually occupied Stadium Road, Narkari Bazaar, Raja Bazaar, Iqbal Road, Dhok Khaba Road, Jinnah Road, Urdu Bazaar, Sadiqabad Chowk, Kurri Road, Airport Road, Jamia Masjid Raod, Mochi Bazaar.
The encroachers have established illegal setups along side roads and by placing their showcases on footpath bearing items for sale which is troublesome for the costumers visiting the market.
Sources alleged that the TMA Rawal town encroachment department officials have been receiving monthlies. Moreover, footpaths are given on rent either by owners or shopkeepers.
The encroachments are on the rise because the encroachers have their backs covered by influential persons and authorities concerned, the sources added.