MANSEHRA: Traders in Mansehra have announced not to pay any tax to tehsil municipal administration until civic services are provided to them. They also decided to observe complete shutter down during prayer timings.

“There is no water in the city and heaps of garbage are scattered all around, but the TMA officials are involved in money-making business.

Henceforth we will not pay any tax to the TMA,” said Haroonur Rasheed, president of Anjuman-i-Tajran, while speaking at a meeting of traders here on Sunday.

He said that despite availability of large number of sweepers the TMA failed to ensure cleanliness in the city.

“It is unfortunate that over 140 sweepers have been receiving salaries without performing their duty, but this would not be tolerated anymore,” said Mr Rasheed.

Other speakers said that over 90 hand pumps had been installed in the city area for provision of drinking water to traders and citizens, but these dried up as they were not dug up to 200 feet deep.

The traders also decided not to pay water bills until supply was ensured in urban areas. They demanded of Peshawar Electric Supply Company to immediately change outdated wires, which were causing frequent faults and breakdowns otherwise the traders would also launch agitation against it. — Correspondent