ISLAMABAD: Following public complaints against overcharging by vendors at Daman-i-Koh, the manager of the site has been suspended.

According to a notification issued by the Capital Development Authority, “Gohar Mehboob Malik, assistant manager presently posted as manager Daman-i-Koh, is hereby directed to the HRD Directorate and his services are placed under suspension until further orders on account of inefficiency and misconduct.”

During his suspension period, he will remain present at CDA’s nursery in Chak Shahzad during official working hours.

Not only Daman-i-Koh, but also in all other picnic spots vendors and kiosk holders have allegedly been involved in overcharging. They sell juices and snacks at high rates.

Official asked to report to CDA’s nursery in Chak Shahzad

Even in many areas, vendors in connivance with the Capital Development Authority and the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) have set up play areas for children where visitors often complain of overcharging.

The CDA and DMA without conducting any bidding have allowed several people to set up kids play areas in varies areas, including Shakarparian and Lake View Park.

“If these sites are auctioned, the CDA could earn millions of rupees on monthly basis, but there is a mafia which directly and indirectly operates such sites against nominal prices,” said an official.

When contacted, the chairman of the CDA said: “There were public complaints against overcharging in Daman-i-Koh. So I took action against the officers concerned.

“We will not tolerate any such practice. As far, as alleged overcharging issue at other picnic places, I will check it out. In case of violations, surely we will take action not against the vendors but the concerned CDA officials as well.”

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2023