LAHORE Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has observed that ever-increasing encroachments in the provincial metropolis have made life of the people miserable resulting into the difficulties of the business community and the citizens and serious traffic problems. An operation should be conducted for elimination of encroachments and no influence should be considered. However, the poor vendors, who are earning livelihood for their children should be provided alternate places for the business, he directed the authorities, while asking to launch a vigorous media campaign for the awareness of the masses prior to operation against encroachments and special seminars and debates should be arranged for the benefit of the masses. He was chairing a meeting held in connection with removal of encroachments at CMs Secretariat here on Saturday, which was attended by Member National Assembly Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Members Provincial Assembly Khawaja Salman Rafique, Hafiz Mian Muhammad Nauman and Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Commissioner Lahore, Secretary Local Government and Community Development Department, DG PHA, DIG Operations, City Traffic Officer and the officers concerned. District Coordination Officer Lahore Ahad Khan Cheema gave a detailed briefing regarding encroachments on state land in the city, various highways and markets. The CM observed that the Qabza Mafia had grabbed state land and encroached various places and the departments were avoiding action against them. He maintained that elimination of encroachments was utmost necessary for vacation of state land, facility of the people and smooth traffic and the city should be divided into nine parts for this operation. He said while evolving a coordinated strategy, efficient and honest officers should be deputed for this operation. Prior to operation, people should be informed about the usefulness of this operation through print and electronic media. Special seminars and debates should also be arranged on electronic media in which people belonging to all walks of life should be invited, he said, while asking for involving people, who should be convinced to voluntarily eliminate their encroachments.