Ayesha Mumtaz, has been reportedly removed, allegedly due to unfair behaviour with higher-ups
LAHORE: This is with reference to Kamal Siddiqi’s article, “Let her be damned” (January 16). It is with deep sadness to learn that the Director of Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Ayesha Mumtaz, has been reportedly removed, allegedly due to unfair behaviour with higher-ups. Sources privy to the development claim that the lady officer raised concerns with her officers after some sealed restaurants resumed operations.
It was a known fact that many senior government officials were unhappy over Ms Mumtaz’s fearless ways. She raided factories that many would not even dare to enter as well as high-end cafes, restaurants and roadside hotels. Ayesha quickly earned a reputation for being an unforgiving officer. She generally tried to respect everyone but when the PFA tried to seal a business, people acted rudely and tried to flex their muscles. She would then respond by conveying the message that no matter how big or small a business is, no one is above the law.
People questioned her but it isn’t necessary to be a good cook or a food technologist to implement hygiene laws. The PFA has a team of professionals qualified and trained for the purpose. Ayesha was visibly agitated when confronted by accusations that the PFA was imposing fines without proper inspection. One need not test food in a laboratory if it stinks. If food storage freezers are rusty or have congealed blood everywhere, there is likewise no need for a test. Ayesha insists that when required, proper sampling was tested in a laboratory before a penalty was imposed.
Her experience as director of operations taught her to be tough. During raids at bus stands in Badami Bagh, Lahore, she faced some very hostile transporters. They would misbehave and refuse to comply, forcing her to deal with them with an iron fist. After a 14-year career in civil service, she has earned an unceremonious reputation of being the lady who does not entertain requests for favours. Ayesha blames the casual attitude towards hygiene in the food sector as the root cause of most health problems. Hence, her unceremonious exit from the post is thought provoking for citizens who looked up to her as someone who questioned the status quo. She is being punished for merely doing her job, leaving the ‘who’s who’ disgruntled. Ayesha is a hero and a force to be reckoned with and instead of looking up to her, she is sadly being painted as corrupt and inept to carry out her duties.
Salma Tahir
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2017.
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