MARDAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Revenue and Estate Tariq Mahmood Aryani conducted a surprise visit to the Service Delivery Center (SDC), District Secretariat, and Sub-Registrar Office in Mardan following public complaints regarding service delivery and administrative issues.
The visit was carried out alongside Senior Member Board of Revenue Zahir Shah and the Deputy Commissioner of Mardan. During the inspection, officials reviewed public facilities, administrative procedures, and service delivery standards in the concerned offices.
Inquiries Ordered Against Officials
During the visit, the provincial minister directed authorities to initiate inquiries against certain officers and officials over alleged shortcomings identified during the inspection.
He also instructed the relevant departments to improve cleanliness at the District Secretariat, enhance transparency at the Service Delivery Center, and ensure better public facilitation at the Sub-Registrar Office.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Corruption
Speaking to journalists at the Mardan Press Club after the visit, Tariq Mahmood Aryani said the provincial government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
He stated that Revenue Department officials had been clearly instructed to improve their conduct and performance, warning that legal action would be taken against those found violating rules and regulations.
Revenue Department Reforms Underway
The minister acknowledged that the Revenue Department receives a significant number of public complaints compared to several other government departments.
However, he said the provincial government had initiated a reform process aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery within the department.
Aryani added that efforts were also being made to reduce certain government fees to provide relief to citizens while maintaining and improving revenue collection.
Call for Release of KP Dues
The provincial minister urged the federal government to release what he described as Rs4.758 trillion in outstanding dues payable to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He further called for special concessions in electricity and gas tariffs for the province, citing the challenges faced by communities affected by terrorism and security-related issues.
According to Aryani, additional financial support and relief measures would help address economic challenges faced by residents of the province.
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