MUZAFFARABAD: Deputy Commissioner Kotli Muhammad Usman Sarim has directed the relevant departments to take strict measures to control prices, improve traffic management, remove illegal encroachments and ensure the sale of safe and quality food items across the district.
The directives were issued during a meeting chaired by the deputy commissioner to review public issues relating to the prices of essential commodities, public transport fares, illegal encroachments, parking facilities, slaughterhouse inspections and the sale of substandard food products.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Chaudhry Niazakat Hussain, Assistant Commissioner Kotli Chaudhry Qaiser Aslam, Assistant Commissioner Sehnsa Ahmad Subhani, Assistant Commissioner Charhoi Raja Zahid Hussain, Revenue Officer Sardar Sohail, DSP Chaudhry Shehzad Ahmed, Tehsildar Fatehpur Thakiala Sardar Masood Khaliq, Municipal Magistrate Raja Gulraiz, DTI Madam Rozina and representatives of the Food Department.
The deputy commissioner directed all assistant commissioners to monitor daily market prices and issue official price lists, ensuring that these were prominently displayed at shops. Legal action would be taken against traders found charging prices above the officially prescribed rates.
He also ordered inspections of kitchens at marriage halls, hotels and hostels, along with daily inspections of slaughterhouses. The relevant authorities were directed to check the health of animals before slaughter and ensure that only healthy meat was approved and stamped by the authorities.
To address congestion and improve public access, the Municipal Magistrate was instructed to take action against illegal roadside vendors and encroachments. The administration emphasised the removal of obstructions from markets, roads and public passageways.
Regarding public transport, assistant commissioners were directed to determine fares in accordance with prevailing petrol and diesel prices. Action would be taken against transport operators charging fares above the approved rates or violating their designated routes.
To improve traffic flow and address parking problems within Kotli city, DTI Madam Rozina was instructed to prepare a comprehensive traffic and parking management plan.
The meeting also discussed concerns over food quality at pizza shops, milk outlets and vendors selling substandard snacks, including nimko, slanty and papad. The District Food Controller was directed to ensure effective monitoring of food standards and take legal action against the sale of substandard and unregistered food products.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Sarim said resolving public issues remained a top priority of the district administration. He directed all concerned departments to perform their responsibilities effectively to ensure price control, smoother traffic, the removal of encroachments and the availability of safe and quality food.
Additional Deputy Commissioner General Chaudhry Niazakat Hussain will oversee the overall implementation of the directives issued during the meeting.
The district administration also urged citizens to follow official price lists and approved transport fares, observe traffic regulations and report violations to the relevant authorities. It stressed that cooperation between the public and the administration was essential to improving civic facilities and safeguarding public interests.