Faisal Garden Residents Stage Major Protest Against Lack of Amenities and Rising Taxes

Peshawar residents from Faisal Garden have organized a massive protest against municipal authorities, demanding immediate action on multiple civic issues including lack of basic facilities, rising property taxes, and deteriorating infrastructure.

The protest, organized by the Faisal Garden International Committee, saw hundreds of residents blocking key roads and demanding immediate intervention from municipal authorities. The demonstrators expressed their frustration over the continued neglect of their area despite paying substantial property taxes.

                Key Demands of Protesters:
                Improvement in basic amenities and civic facilities
Reduction in property tax rates which have seen sharp increases
Road repairs and infrastructure development
Resolution of long-pending service delivery issues
Regular maintenance of community spaces

            

According to eyewitness reports, the protest began early morning with residents gathering at the main entrance of Faisal Garden. The crowd gradually increased in size, with participants holding placards and chanting slogans against the municipal administration’s failure to address their concerns.

“We have been raising these issues for months now, but our voices have fallen on deaf ears. We pay our taxes regularly, yet we do not receive the basic facilities that we are entitled to,” said one of the protest leaders while addressing the gathering.

The protest comes in the wake of recent municipal crisis across Peshawar where government offices are facing severe funding shortages, resulting in deteriorating public services. Residents complained about the municipal administration’s inability to provide essential services despite collecting substantial property taxes from the area.

Infrastructure Concerns

The condition of roads in Faisal Garden has been a major point of contention. Residents point to numerous potholes and unpaved sections that make daily commute difficult, especially during rainy seasons. Several accidents have been reported due to the poor road conditions in recent months.

Water supply interruptions and frequent power outages have further added to the residents’ woes. The protest leaders emphasized that despite multiple complaints to the relevant authorities, no substantial improvement has been witnessed.

“Every time we approach the municipal office, we’re told to wait or come back another day. They cite lack of funds or staff shortage. How long can we continue to live under these conditions?” questioned a senior resident who has lived in the area for over two decades.

Rising Property Taxes

Another significant issue highlighted during the protest was the recent increase in property taxes. Residents claim that the tax rates have been raised substantially without any corresponding improvement in services or infrastructure.

The protest leaders demanded immediate revision of the property tax structure and insisted that any increase should be tied to tangible improvements in civic amenities and infrastructure development.

Impact of the Protest:

The demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions in the area as protesters blocked key intersections. Local businesses were also affected as the protest continued through the day. Municipal authorities eventually sent representatives to meet with protest leaders, promising to address their concerns within a set timeframe.

Municipal Response

In response to the protest, municipal officials have acknowledged the issues raised by the residents and promised to take immediate action. According to sources within the municipal administration, a committee has been formed to address the specific concerns of Faisal Garden residents.

A spokesperson for the municipal administration stated that funding constraints have indeed affected service delivery across various parts of Peshawar, but assured that essential services would be prioritized despite the financial challenges.

“We understand the frustration of Faisal Garden residents and are committed to resolving these issues as quickly as possible. We have already initiated discussions with relevant departments to address the infrastructure concerns on a priority basis,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Looking Forward

The protest leaders have announced that they will closely monitor the progress made by municipal authorities in the coming weeks. They have warned of more intense protests if their demands are not met within the promised timeframe.

Community leaders have also proposed the formation of a joint committee comprising resident representatives and municipal officials to ensure transparency in fund utilization and service delivery.

As the situation develops, frolo.online will continue to provide updates on this unfolding story and the response from municipal authorities.