Authorities in Muzaffarabad Division have launched a strict crackdown on illegal wall chalking, unauthorized banners, hoardings, and public advertisements in response to growing public complaints and ongoing civic beautification efforts. According to an official handout, Divisional Commissioner Badar Munir directed deputy commissioners in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Jhelum Valley to immediately remove all illegal posters, banners, and wall chalking from public spaces.

According to an official handout, Divisional Commissioner Badar Munir directed deputy commissioners in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Jhelum Valley to immediately remove all illegal posters, banners, and wall chalking from public spaces.

The directive stated that under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition of Wall Chalking and Affixing Hoarding Act, 2001, displaying advertisements or carrying out wall chalking without official permission is a punishable offence.

Authorities warned that no individual, organization, political party, or institution would be allowed to deface public or private property in violation of the law.

Violators could face up to six months imprisonment or a fine of Rs20,000, while authorities would also recover the cost of removing illegal displays from those responsible.

The commissioner instructed all relevant departments to strictly enforce the law and ensure continuous monitoring across urban areas.

The move follows directives issued two months ago by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore to launch a large-scale beautification and civic improvement campaign in Muzaffarabad and other urban centers.

Since then, civic authorities have renovated roadsides, planted seasonal flowers, upgraded monuments at roundabouts, and repainted public infrastructure to improve the appearance of cities and towns.

Despite repeated warnings, illegal wall chalking and unauthorized banners have continued to appear across markets and residential areas due to weak enforcement in the past.

Badar Munir warned that strict legal action would now be taken against all violators without discrimination, adding that no political, religious or commercial group would be allowed to damage the beauty of cities through illegal displays and wall chalking.

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