By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Poor traffic management and alleged extortion by traffic personnel have turned Landikotal Bazaar into a congested and chaotic commercial centre, with pushcarts and taxi vehicles occupying roads and creating serious difficulties for pedestrians, shopkeepers and motorists.
Talking to Fata Voice News Agency, residents and shopkeepers on Wednesday said that almost all major streets and roads in the bazaar have either been encroached upon by vendors who have set up makeshift stalls along the roadside or occupied by taxis parked in long queues. The situation becomes particularly dangerous during emergencies, when ambulances, fire engines or other emergency vehicles may struggle to pass through the congested roads.
They said that pedestrians were also facing considerable hardships as footpaths and roadside spaces were occupied by pushcart vendors, taxis and other vehicles. As a result, people were forced to walk in the middle of busy roads, exposing themselves to the risk of accidents.
Shopkeepers and owners of private offices in the bazaar told media that an alleged “collection system” was operating in Landikotal Bazaar. They claimed that whenever a traffic official was posted as the in-charge of the bazaar, vendors and taxi drivers were allegedly subjected to daily collections, with a portion purportedly being shared with officials.
Traders and residents have called for a transparent investigation into the complaints and strict action if any traffic official is found involved in illegal activities.
The traders also alleged that personnel of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) were collecting fees per day from shopkeepers, but they also failed to prevent encroachments and poor sanitation. They said municipal officials appeared to be turning a blind eye to roadside encroachments, while garbage and filth could be seen at several locations across the bazaar.
Local traders urged the government, particularly the Khyber district police officer, to deploy honest and competent traffic personnel in Landikotal Bazaar and ensure an effective traffic management system.
They demanded removal of roadside encroachments, regulation of taxi stands and pushcart vendors, restoration of pedestrian pathways and regular cleanliness operations to make the bazaar safer and more accessible for the public.
Efforts were made to contact the Khyber District Police Officer for his comments on the allegations, but no response was received.
