MARDAN: People piled up complaints to Mardan division commissioner Nisar Ahmad Khan against different government departments during an open kutchery convened in Katlang tehsil here on Monday.

Deputy commissioner Dr Azmatullah Wazir, district development advisory committee chairman Zarshad Khan, additional deputy commissioner (general) Eid Nawaz, additional deputy commissioner, relief, Iqbal Hussain Khattak, additional assistant commissioner Seher Anwar, and officials from all relevant departments were also in attendance.

Most complaints revolved around electric load-shedding, illegal housing societies, encroachments, National Database and Registration Authority services, blockage of irrigation channels, deteriorating road conditions, the need for hospital upgrades, lack of streetlights, shortage of textbooks, and drug abuse.

Commissioner Nisar Ahmad patiently listened to all concerns, had them officially recorded, and issued on-the-spot directives to relevant officers to resolve the issues within a week.

Speaking to the media, the commissioner emphasised that the vision of the provincial government was to bridge the gap between the administration and the public, ensuring relief at citizens’ doorsteps.

He stated that these forums were aimed to facilitate direct communication between the people and senior officials. He also warned that delays in addressing public issues would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Deputy commissioner Azmatullah Wazir reiterated that providing relief to the public was the district administration’s top priority, and that all necessary steps were being taken to address complaints. He highlighted that sustainable peace could only be achieved through mutual trust and cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2025