UC Phagwari’s only utility store to shut down

The caretaker government has decided to close down the only outlet of the Utility Store Corporation of Pakistan that catered to the masses of UC Phagwari.

According to sources, this was the only store located in Phagwari Murree, one of the populous union councils of District Kohsar. The community had long depended on this particular outlet for procuring essential daily commodities at subsidised prices. However, the sudden government announcement to close the store has left them in shock and disbelief.

The notables of the area held a meeting on Tuesday to force the government to withdraw their decision to close down the only outlet in the area.

The meeting condemned the closure of the outlet and asked the authorities concerned to withdraw its decision. They were of the view that such decisions would compel masses to purchase daily-use items from the market at higher rates.

Speaking at the occasion, a notable of the society, Zahoor Ahmed Abbasi lamented the government’s decision to close down the only utility store and said the outlet does not only cater to the people of Phagwari but also to the adjoining areas.

He further said the daily sales at the utility store in the past consistently met the requirements of the Utility Corporation of Pakistan. However, over the past six months, a decline in sales was observed, primarily attributed to the lack of enthusiasm displayed by the incumbent manager.

Furthermore, it has come to light that the employees at this store intentionally refrained from requesting additional inventory or supplies from the government, resulting in a deliberate reduction in sales. A thorough examination of the sales records for the past six months should be conducted, he requested.

He said this utility store didn't just serve the needs of its designated union council but also extended its benefits to thousands of individuals hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir adding that the government's recent decision will compel these thousands of people to turn to the open market for essential food items, where prices are notably high in the current era of inflation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2023.