If this situation continues, history will never forgive the rulers and institutions for this crime
Staff Reporter
Peshawar:
Akbar Sethi, President of the Pakistan Hindkowans Movement, has taken a strong stance on the deteriorating condition of the historic city of Peshawar, issuing a public charge sheet against the district administration, Peshawar Municipal Corporation, the Department of Archaeology, and relevant provincial departments. He stated that the current state of Peshawar is not the result of an accident but the outcome of years of corruption, incompetence, and deliberate neglect.
Sethi said that Peshawar, once renowned worldwide for its ancient identity, culture, and historic markets, has now become a prime example of encroachments, filth, decay, and unplanned construction. According to him, billions of rupees were allocated for the city’s restoration in recent years, but inner Peshawar was completely ignored while the funds were spent on outer areas, as senior government officials themselves do not prefer living in the old city.
He alleged that hundreds of years-old houses and historic buildings are being demolished without restraint, while the Department of Archaeology has failed to fulfill its legal responsibilities. He described the condition of Gorghutri Park as a living example of government negligence and demanded an immediate forensic audit of the recruitment of guards, their salaries, and the security funds.
Sethi said that due to the complete failure of the Peshawar Municipal Corporation and district administration, Gorghutri Park has become unsafe and a haven for miscreants. The lanes and alleys of the old city have turned into ruins, drains are broken, and electricity wires hang dangerously between homes and streets, posing a threat of a major disaster.
In conclusion, Akbar Sethi said that if this situation continues, history will never forgive the rulers and institutions for this crime.
