KARACHI: Mayor of Karachi Wasim Akhtar on Tuesday ordered action against gutka manufacturers within the remit of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

He ordered this while presiding over a meeting of the KMC departmental heads at his office.

Mayor Akhtar asked municipal commissioner Hanif Mohammed to first immediately put a ban on consumption and spitting of betel nut, pan, and gutka in the KMC building.

He warned that action would be taken against the head of a department if any of their employees was found eating or spitting pan and gutka in the building, while the employee involved in the act would be suspended.

Pan, gutka banned in KMC building

Officials in the KMC said the municipal commissioner, accordingly, had issued an order saying the KMC’s building was a historical and beautiful structure situated in the heart of Karachi.

“To maintain its dignity and historical image it is the prime responsibility of all employees of the KMC not to indulge in spoiling its beauty and impressive look.

“The KMC administration has taken serious view of the issue of eating and spiting of gutka, pan, etc, as due to this undesirable habit the KMC building and its premises is getting ugly look and suffering from unhygienic conditions.”

The order asked all departmental heads to take necessary measures to discourage such activities in their jurisdictions.

“Kindly note that if any employee of the KMC is found eating or spitting gutka, pan, etc, on the building premises, the departmental head will be held responsible and disciplinary action shall be initiated against him,” it said.

Officials said the mayor also ordered the food and quality control department to take action against gutka manufacturers in the city.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2017