100-year-old mosque demolished in Rawalpindi for Kachehri Chowk project

Following successful negotiations between the District Bar Association and the administration, a 100-year-old mosque and the adjoining residence of its imam at the main entrance of the District Kachehri were demolished to clear the way for the Kachehri Chowk overhead bridge and underpass project. Despite the demolition, worshippers continue to offer prayers on-site under tents. The 80-year-old signboard of the District Bar Association at the main gate was also removed, while 17 lawyers’ chambers and 14 kiosks, some over 75-year-old, were also bulldozed. Moreover, a petrol pump was vacated and sealed. Land acquisition totaling 36 kanals has been completed for the Rs6.494 billion project, which may now cost Rs7 billion due to increased compensation payments. To ease public suffering, the project completion timeline has been reduced from ten months to eight. Read: Punjab announces winter vacation schedule Most of the acquired land belonged to Fatima Jinnah Women University, followed by the Commissioner’s Office and the District Courts. Bar President Sardar Manzar Bashir said, all issues have been settled. Alternative land and facilities, including a new mosque and lawyers' chambers will be provided. A commercial parking plaza worth Rs2 billion will also be built in Jinnah Park, with a capacity for 5,000 vehicles and motorcycles. Fences around Fatima Jinnah University are being rebuilt, and drilling work has begun. WASA, Wapda, and Sui Gas have shifted their lines. Uprooted plants and trees are being replanted at other places. However, heavy dust from construction has paralysed traffic and increased air pollution, pushing the city’s air quality index to 180. Residents have demanded regular water sprinkling to prevent the dust mixing with the air. The closure has gridlocked traffic across the city and cantonment areas, turning a five-minute commute into a two-hour ordeal. Despite tall claims by the traffic police, the situation worsened on the very first day as wardens disappeared from their designated areas. Also Read: College students in Karachi invent glasses to prevent car accidents Hundreds of students were trapped in traffic and reached schools late, while under-trial prisoners and police vans from Adiala Jail were stuck in traffic for hours. Ambulances and government employees also faced severe delays, forcing many students and workers to return home. Temporary crossings made by breaking road dividers on main arteries have worsened traffic congestion. The closure has paralysed major roads, including Adiala Road, Mall Road, Murree Road, Rawal Road, Jhelum Road, Old Airport Road, Jhanda Road, Scheme-III Road, Ammar Chowk Road, Gulistan Colony Road, Tahli Mohri, and Chakri 22. Business activity across these areas has almost collapsed with traders estimating daily commercial losses of up to Rs500 million. Citizens are struggling to access the Kachehri, Judicial Complex, Commissioner’s Office, DC Office, Revenue Department, and special courts. Buses of the Women’s University were also trapped in gridlock.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/szdRAx0