ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) said it has cleared more than 80 per cent of illegal constructions and encroachments from GT Road Tarnol to Sangjani Toll Plaza.
According to officials, the anti-encroachment drive is being carried out in a systematic way. So far, CDA teams have completed 80 per cent of work along a six-kilometre stretch from the toll plaza to the ICT limits.
The authority, with the help of the MPO Directorate, is also removing dumping points of construction material.
Several commercial properties, including hotels and shops such as Pak Khyber Shinwari, have been sealed after notices were served to the owners. During the operation, 15 people were arrested, 18 outlets were sealed, and eight dumpers were seized.
— ALSO READ —
Five new Islamabad sectors set for fast-track development
In Rawat-T-Chowk area, CDA teams cleared 3.5 km out of 6.5 km and demolished 38 under-construction illegal structures using heavy machinery. Eighteen signboards were also removed.
CDA said the operation against illegal constructions will continue in coming days and appealed to citizens to cooperate with the authority by reporting any illegal occupation.
Earlier in April 2025, the federal government had announced plans to upgrade the Grand Trunk (G.T.) Road (N-5) into a uniform three-lane carriageway, modeled on motorway standards.
The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. The National Highway Authority (NHA) was directed to begin work on the project, which is to be completed in two phases.
— ALSO READ —
Citizens to get traffic challans instantly on WhatsApp and SMS
The minister said the rehabilitation and expansion of the N-5 was a top priority, adding that he would personally inspect project sites. Officials were also instructed to make field visits and use available funds wisely.
The G.T. Road, which runs from Karachi to Torkham, is the country’s longest national highway and a vital north-south artery. Authorities assured that the first phase of rehabilitation and expansion would be completed before the end of the current fiscal year.
