LAKKI MARWAT: The district administration has asked the roadside vendors to shift to the sasta bazaar in order to ensure smooth traffic flow on roads through the Bannu city.

An official said that the administration had established a sasta bazaar in the city area and allotted cabins to the vendors so they could run their business there. “But many vendors, especially fruit and vegetable sellers, are running their businesses on the roadsides, thus causing inconvenience to both motorists and pedestrians,” he maintained.

The official said deputy commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Afridi had ordered clearance of the roads of all encroachments.

He said AC Syed Abrar Ali Shah along with municipal officials and traffic police visited the area and asked the pushcart vendors to vacate roadsides and shift to the sasta bazaar. The official said the vendors were warned of strict action in case they did not comply with the directions.

Also, the deputy commissioner chaired a meeting the other day to discuss matters pertaining to setting up of sasta bazaars during Ramazan.

ADC Islahuddin, and office-bearers of flour mills association and traders’ bodies were in attendance.

Mr Afridi directed the authorities concerned to establish sasta bazaars in the old vegetable market and at Domel Link Road Chowk, and ensure availability of subsidised flour, sugar, ghee, fruits and vegetables, meat and other food items there.

He said his administration won’t tolerate hoarding and profiteering. He also directed price magistrates to visit bazaars regularly to check implementation of official price list and hygiene conditions.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2023