Peshawar: Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mehsud during his visit to the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) on Friday outlined key government initiatives aimed at curbing drug abuse, tackling environmental pollution, and improving civic management in the city.
He visited the PPC and congratulated the newly elected President M. Riaz and the cabinet.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, the commissioner said that effective and practical measures have been taken under the anti-drug campaign, resulting in the successful rehabilitation of 4,730 drug addicts so far.
He stated that all expenses of the ‘Drug-Free Peshawar’ campaign have been borne by the Social Welfare Department, adding that the fifth phase of the campaign will be launched soon to rehabilitate more affected individuals and reintegrate them as productive members of society.
Terming encroachments as a major challenge for the city, Riaz Khan emphasized that improving civic discipline and governance requires collective efforts from all relevant departments as well as citizens.
He urged traders to voluntarily remove encroachments to ease traffic flow and improve urban order.
The commissioner also expressed serious concern over air pollution, calling it an emerging threat for Peshawar.
He revealed that nearly 200,000 rickshaws are currently operating in the city, with evidence of multiple vehicles running on a single registration.
According to him, illegal and unregistered rickshaws are a major contributor to environmental pollution.
He informed that work is underway on an environment-friendly rickshaw scheme as a long-term solution to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the city.
Addressing the issue of organized begging, the commissioner said that such networks are damaging Pakistan’s image at the international level.
He disclosed that a list of 21 contractors involved in organized begging has been received, out of which 18 have been arrested, and further action will be taken strictly in accordance with the law.
Concluding his remarks, Riaz Khan Mehsud reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving civic issues, eradicating drugs, improving the environment, and promoting social reforms.
He congratulated the newly elected leadership of PPC and reaffirmed cooperation with the media.
Earlier, PPC President M. Riaz thanked the commissioner for visiting the press club and assured him of the journalists’ community’s full cooperation.