Violating pricelists: 104 arrested, dozens penalised by city district administration

Additional assistant commissioner urges drug inspectors to do their job properly

PESHAWAR: The district authorities raided shops selling substandard or outdated items and banned drugs. Around 104 people were arrested from different areas of Peshawar, including shopkeepers selling items at rates higher than those notified by government pricelists. Some individuals were selling naan (bread) which was lighter than the officially notified weight.

Dozens of shops were sealed and several people were penalised on the spot in Hayatabad where Peshawar Additional Assistant Commissioner Fazilat Jahan found people involved in illegal activity.

Officials said their burden would reduce greatly if drug inspectors did their jobs properly.

“We have been doing our job and whenever we find someone involved in illegal activity, we don’t spare them,” Jahan told The Express Tribune. She confirmed penalties were imposed on the spot and some suspects are even arrested.

The additional assistant commissioner did point out the district administration was overburdened since as it had to deal with multiple offenders at a time.

The official revealed authorities personally visit areas as they have to keep a check on prices of different items.

“There are certain things we can check on the spot like cleanliness and the weight of bread, but there are other aspects for which the expertise of food or drug inspectors is required,” she said. “We are not experts and those with authorised lists of banned drugs can make our job much easier,” Jahan added.

She said the authority received complaints on a daily basis on the citizens portal and via text message on 8333. However, the additional assistant commissioner disclosed complaints were sometimes based on personal enmities and people try to sabotage their rivals’ businesses. “I receive eight to 10 complaints daily from Hayatabad alone and every complaint is acted on as all officials are accountable for proceedings,” she stated.

The district management raided different popular food outlets and a five-star hotel in the provincial capital. They sealed dozens for failing to take cleanliness measures. Some of the managers were also arrested and penalties were imposed on them.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th,  2016.