Shangla:Residents of Shangla have raised concerns over alleged selective enforcement in anti-encroachment operations, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices reportedly exceeding Rs650 per kilogram have added to the financial burden on local households.

Residents and affected shopkeepers alleged that anti-encroachment drives in different parts of the district were disproportionately targeting poor and less influential traders, while encroachments allegedly involving influential individuals were being overlooked.

They stressed that removing illegal encroachments from roads, public land and commercial areas was necessary to improve traffic flow, facilitate pedestrians and ensure orderly markets. However, they demanded that the law be enforced uniformly, regardless of financial status, political influence or personal connections.

Residents, particularly in Alpuri and other markets across Shangla, called for transparent criteria for identifying encroachments, issuing notices and taking enforcement action.

They alleged that some operations conducted by assistant commissioners and additional assistant commissioners relied on information and recommendations from local revenue officials, including tehsildars, patwaris and girdawars. They called for an impartial investigation into complaints of favouritism and discriminatory treatment.

Meanwhile, rising LPG prices have emerged as another major concern for local residents. With prices reportedly exceeding Rs650 per kilogram, daily-wage workers and low-income families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford cooking and heating fuel.

With winter approaching, residents warned that increased demand could further intensify the financial pressure on households.

They urged the relevant authorities to conduct regular inspections of LPG agencies and retail outlets, verify cylinder weights and monitor prices to prevent overcharging. They also called for legal action wherever violations of applicable pricing regulations were established.

Residents questioned why administrative attention devoted to anti-encroachment operations was not being matched by equally effective monitoring of LPG prices and consumer protection.

They urged Deputy Commissioner Shangla to take immediate notice of both issues, review enforcement operations across the district and order an impartial inquiry into allegations of selective treatment.

Citizens maintained that removing illegal encroachments was necessary for public convenience but insisted that transparency, accountability and equal application of the law must remain central to all administrative actions.