The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated a decisive and large-scale operation targeting unauthorized and illegal advertisements across the federal capital, Islamabad. This move is part of a broader effort to restore the city's planned beauty and enforce municipal regulations that have been flouted for years.
Widespread Removal of Unauthorized Structures
In a significant enforcement drive, CDA teams have been actively dismantling and confiscating illegal advertising materials from various key locations. The operation has so far resulted in the removal of over 100 illegal billboards, signboards, and other promotional installations. These structures were erected without obtaining the necessary permissions and approvals from the relevant CDA departments, violating the capital's civic laws.
The crackdown is not limited to large billboards. Officials are also targeting smaller illegal signboards, posters, and banners that clutter footpaths, walls, and public spaces. The authority has made it clear that no form of unauthorized advertisement will be tolerated, regardless of its size.
Focus on Major Avenues and Commercial Hubs
The operation is concentrated on Islamabad's most prominent and visible areas. Blue Area, one of the city's main commercial centers, has been a primary focus for the enforcement teams. Additionally, major avenues and roads, including Jinnah Avenue, Kashmir Highway, and Islamabad Expressway, are being cleared of visual pollution caused by these illegal ads.
CDA officials stated that the proliferation of such advertisements not only defaces the city but also poses safety hazards. Large, unregulated billboards can obstruct the view of drivers and pedestrians, potentially leading to accidents. Furthermore, their structures are often not up to engineering standards, risking collapse during adverse weather.
A Sustained Campaign for Civic Order
This is not a one-off action but the beginning of a sustained campaign. The CDA has announced that the operation will continue in phases to cover all sectors of Islamabad. The authority has warned all businesses, advertisers, and property owners to immediately remove any promotional material installed without a valid permit.
Future advertisements will require strict compliance with CDA's bylaws and design guidelines. The authority plans to establish a more efficient and transparent system for granting advertising permits to prevent such issues from recurring. The goal is to ensure that commercial messaging coexists with the city's aesthetic and planned environment.
The public response to the operation has been largely positive. Residents have long complained about the visual clutter and haphazard commercialization of their city. Many see this crackdown as a necessary step to preserve Islamabad's status as a clean, green, and orderly capital. The CDA has urged citizens to report any illegal advertisements in their neighborhoods to support this civic effort.
