Commissioner Mardan Division Syed Muhammad Ali Shah has announced plans to introduce a Punjab-style One-Bid System in fruit and vegetable wholesale markets across the division to ensure transparent pricing, fair trading practices and public relief.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the commissioner with officials from the Food Department, Halal Food Authority and Livestock Department.
The commissioner directed District Food Controllers to develop an effective mechanism for implementing the system within three days in consultation with commission agents, commonly known as arhtis, operating in the markets. They were also instructed to submit a report on the proposed arrangements.
Syed Muhammad Ali Shah said the One-Bid System would help ensure fair and transparent price determination for essential commodities, improve transparency in wholesale trading and provide relief to consumers. He also directed the Food Department to ensure strict enforcement of official price lists throughout the division.
Slaughterhouses to Be Made Fully Operational
The commissioner directed the Livestock Department to make slaughterhouses in Mardan and Swabi fully operational within three days and enforce a complete ban on animal slaughter in streets and unauthorised locations.
He instructed officials to ensure that animals were slaughtered only at designated facilities under veterinary supervision. The measures are intended to prevent the slaughter and sale of meat from sick, underweight and underage animals and ensure the supply of hygienic meat to the public.
The commissioner also ordered action against butchers selling meat without the official stamp of the Livestock Department and called for strict measures against the use of counterfeit stamps. Relevant officials were directed to submit a report on the action taken within three days.
Crackdown on Substandard Food Products
The Halal Food Authority was directed to ensure the availability of safe and quality food in markets, intensify inspections against sellers of substandard milk and take strict action against plants manufacturing substandard bottled water.
The commissioner further instructed authorities to monitor the quality of meat and milk supplied to Mardan Division from Punjab and other cities. Substandard products must be disposed of immediately, while those responsible should face legal action.
He also stressed the need for effective monitoring of chicken meat quality and prices.
Daily Inspections of Petrol Pumps
The commissioner directed the relevant inspectors to conduct daily inspections of petrol pumps across the division to ensure compliance with prescribed fuel prices and the accuracy of dispensing measurements.
He ordered action against petrol pumps found violating official standards.
The directives form part of a broader administrative effort to improve market regulation, food safety, meat hygiene and consumer protection across Mardan Division.