Talal says encroachments will not be tolerated

He revealed that authorities had demolished a wall constructed illegally by a five-star hotel, while illegal encroachments established by influential business figures in Peshawar were also being removed. The minister said illegal occupation could not be justified in the name of Islam, questioning whether blocking public roads and restricting people's movement could ever be considered lawful.

He maintained that Islamic teachings emphasised keeping public pathways open rather than obstructing them. Chaudhry questioned whether occupying a public road and naming it after a family member could make the encroachment legitimate. He also rejected the notion that political influence could be used to claim public roads or other state property.

He urged influential individuals to respect the law and refrain from illegal activities, saying that those who had benefited from the state should at least avoid actions that deprived the public of its rights. The minister further said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had faced personal attacks, but his position on the issue had not been adequately challenged.

He added that the government would not respond through personal attacks and would instead continue taking action against illegal occupations. Referring to properties and plots allocated in the names of martyrs, Chaudhry alleged that certain individuals were mocking the sacrifices of martyrs while occupying land designated in their honour.

He said the state had previously shown considerable leniency towards such individuals, but authorities were now taking action against illegal occupation. Chaudhry also claimed that anti-encroachment operations in Islamabad had targeted wealthy and influential individuals without discrimination.

He pointed to obstructions along a major road in Peshawar, stressing that public access must be restored and roads should remain open for everyone.