MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Muzaffarabad district administration has launched a major crackdown against illegal and unplanned construction, imposing Section 144 across the district.
The District Magistrate Munir Ahmed Qureshi has imposed a ban on all types of construction without obtaining official approval and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
According to the notification, all residential and commercial construction projects within the limits of the District Council will now require prior approval of building maps and NOCs from the relevant authorities before any work can begin.
The administration warned that strict legal action under Section 188 of the Azad Kashmir Penal Code would be taken against violators.
The district administration officials stated that the growing number of illegal plazas, markets, residential buildings, and petrol pumps along major routes, including Neelum Valley Road, Kohala Road, Bararkot Road, and Jhelum Valley Road, had created serious concerns related to urban planning, traffic congestion, drainage systems, and environmental management.
The officials said the move aims to regulate construction activities, protect public infrastructure, and ensure planned urban development in the region.
Political, social, and public circles have welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step toward improving governance and protecting the city’s future development.
