Section 144 imposed to combat viral outbreak

In response to the surge in viral diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and other stomach ailments, the Rawalpindi District Health Authority (DHA) has prohibited the sale of subpar fruits, vegetables, and ice creams.

According to officials, Section 144 has been imposed after the spike in diseases following monsoon rains and flooding in low-lying areas.

Stringent inspections and extensive operations targeting fruit and vegetable vendors, ice cream sellers, fruit chat stalls, juice outlets, as well as hotels, bakeries, restaurants, and ice shops have been initiated.

They said a comprehensive strategy has been formulated by the DHA, with a focus on swift response, including the immediate filing of cases and arrests for any violations.

To ensure the quality of food items, samples of fruit chat, juices, and other edibles will undergo laboratory testing. Any items found to be substandard will result in cases being filed, and those responsible will face fines ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs0.1 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2023.