Low gas pressures, especially during peak hours, amid unprecedented cold temperatures are testing the nerves of the residents of the Hazara division.
According to locals, the entire division on Monday remained under the grip of a cold wave.
Sources said Abbottabad experienced freezing cold as the mercury dropped below one degree Celsius.
The extreme weather conditions also added to the miseries of the people in cities where owing to low gas pressure and extra consumption, a seven-hour-long load-shedding plan has been implemented for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations. Due to low gas pressures, citizens are compelled to use electric heaters and ovens for cooking and heating purposes which is costing them a lot of money.
Meanwhile, the upper parts of the Hazara division are facing the worst cold wave during the month of November which is unprecedented. Temperatures have reduced to minus three degrees Celsius.
Main road from Naran to Babusar Top has also been closed for all sorts of vehicular traffic owing to heavy snowfall.
According to the metrological department, the critical weather conditions would continue during the current winter season and the upper parts of the Hazara division would receive more snowfall and rain.
Lease agreements cancelled
The Local Government and Rural Development Department of KPK while taking notice of irregularities cancelled the allotment of the shops at the General Bus Stand and other locations.
According to sources, the local government took notice of irregularities in the Shimla Hill Park contract and shops located at the former Empire Cinema and ordered an inquiry into the issue. Meanwhile, the local government also formed a lease policy for Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) owned properties and buildings, which would be presented in the provincial cabinet for approval.
Following the new policy, the rents of the buildings and shops would be revised according to the market rates and preference would be given to the old leaseholders. In case old leaseholders were not interested in the extension of the lease then open bidding would be held.
On the other hand, after the cancellation of the lease, a thorough investigation began upon public complaint.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 22nd, 2022.
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