KHAR: The Utility Stores Corporation has decided to close down five outlets in Bajaur tribal district.

However, no reason has been given for the move. The other outlets of the region will continue operation, officials told Dawn.

Sources said the corporation’s central management had directed staff members of the five USC outlets, two located in Khar and one each in Inayat Killi, Sadaqbad and Regagan bazaars, to terminate operation and dispose of accounting work by August 31 besides handing over goods and equipment to the USC regional office.

They said first the closedown deadline was set for August 13 but it was delayed until August 31 due to the Eidul Azha.

The sources said the management had refused to extend the contract of the employees of those outlets.

Official says corporation’s financial crisis could be possible reason

Four of these outlets were established in May 2017 and the fifth in 2006.

When contacted, USC Lower Dir regional manager Riaz Ahmad Khan confirmed the move but said he didn’t know the actual reason for it. He said the corporation’s financial crisis could be the main reason for the outlets’ closedown.

The official said other USC outlets in Bajaur region would continue operation.

He said 18 USC outlets in lower and upper Dir districts also faced imminent closure. The residents resented the USC move and said it would deny them goods at subsidised rates. They complained that the last federal government and USC management had announced few months ago the establishment of 100 new outlets in tribal districts but ironically, those existing in Bajaur region were being closed down.

They asked the USC management to review their decision for the people’s benefit.

EID MARKED: Eidul Azha was celebrated in several areas of Bajaur tribal district on Tuesday. Among such areas were Mamond, Salarzai, Nawagai, Chamarkand tehsil and parts of Khar have. The people offered Edul prayers in mosques and open places before sacrificing animals.

The locals said around half of Bajaur population celebrated Eid with Saudis and that they had been doing so for one decade. They said a committee of local religious leaders supervised by the district administration had announced the marking of Eid on Wednesday and asked the people to act accordingly.

Meanwhile, the local administration has finalised security arraignments for Eid congregations at mosques and open places across the district.

An official said three Levies personnel would be deployed outside every mosque in urban areas and two outside those in rural areas. He said security of bazaars and trade centres had also been increased.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2018