Islamabad: Removal of billboards from VVIP routes ordered

[Naveed Yaseen]

Islamabad
The Ministry of Interior has ordered the civic bodies of the twin cities to remove huge billboards from VVIP routes in view of security threat.

The ministry has directed Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and respective district administration to remove huge billboards installed on both sides of the VVIP routes.

Though a good source of revenue generation for the district government and CDA, huge billboards atop buildings and along the roadsides also pose threat to people’s lives in extreme weather conditions.

At the same time the security and intelligences agencies have also declared these billboards a security risk.

A recent report submitted to the Interior Ministry by the agencies said that billboards displayed on VVIP routes on buildings threaten human lives and are a security threat as well, the ministry sources said.

Following the report of these agencies, the Interior Ministry has directed the CDA and Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and respective district administrations to remove huge billboards installed on both sides of the VVIP routes.

The ministry has directed the concerned department to initiate immediate steps in this regard. Notices to this effect have been issued to RCB, RDA, CDA, Rawalpindi Tehsil Administration, TMA, district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan Railways, Rawalpindi Division and concerned departments. The source said the decision in this regard was taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the country and on the advice of security and intelligence agencies.

They report declared all billboards a security risk, displayed on the roadside and buildings situated alongside the Islamabad Highway, Karal Chowk, Airport Chowk, Flying Club Chowk, Chaklala Air Base Chowk, Rawal Road, Kutchery Chowk, Shakrial Chowk, Ammar Chowk, Jhanda Chichi and adjoining areas.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=141930