Islamabad: In a sudden administrative move, the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has been placed under new additional charge after its Deputy Director, Dr Tahira Siddique, was made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
The decision has raised questions within official circles as it comes during an ongoing campaign against unsafe food practices in the federal capital.
According to details, Dr Tahira Siddique was removed from her post as Deputy Director of the Islamabad Food Authority and assigned OSD status. Following her removal, Anum Fatima, who is currently serving as the head of the Islamabad Municipal Corporation (IMC), was given additional charge of the Food Authority.
Sources said that over the past three years, the performance of the Islamabad Food Authority showed visible improvement under Dr Tahira Siddique’s supervision. They added that the authority remained active in enforcement actions, particularly against illegal milk supply networks and unhygienic meat businesses operating in different parts of the city.
Officials said these operations received public and media attention, as they addressed long-standing concerns related to food safety. The actions also helped build confidence among consumers who had repeatedly raised complaints about contaminated milk and substandard meat being sold in markets.
Sources further stated that the timing of the decision has caused concern, as the Food Authority was working on measures aimed at ensuring access to safe food for residents.
The reassignment of Dr Tahira Siddique, they said, has led to uncertainty among staff members who were engaged in field operations.
No formal explanation has so far been issued regarding the decision to make Dr Tahira Siddique an OSD or to assign additional charge of the Islamabad Food Authority to the IMC chief.