Lahore Demolishes Bhati Chowk Pet Market Near Data Darbar in Redevelopment Drive

Overview

• LDA and TEPA used heavy machinery to level the decades-old market of roughly 150 shops this week at Bhati/Bhaati Chowk near Data Darbar.
• Shopkeepers report little or no notice, say belongings and caged animals were trapped, and allege deaths during the operation.
• The LDA rejects claims of animal fatalities, says multiple notices were served and agencies helped traders remove goods, and calls circulating images inaccurate.
• Videos and photos posted online showing dead animals prompted public outrage, which officials dispute as misleading or unrelated to the site.
• Auqaf officials say about 16 kanals of government land were cleared for the Data Darbar expansion, with the Lahore Heritage Authority planning new commercial centres that could allot shops to affected traders, who report no relocation or compensation plan so far.