Islamabad’s Big Marts to Become Cashless Soon

Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has decided to promote a cashless system in major marts of the federal capital, making its implementation a condition for reopening in case of closure. The decision was taken in a review meeting chaired by Director IFA Irfan Memon and attended by Deputy Director Operations, Deputy Director Admin, and ADC East. Officials resolved that no mart sealed for violations would be de-sealed without ensuring cashless payment facilities. The meeting also reviewed the authority’s overall performance for the past month. Deputy Director Operations Dr. Tahira Siddiq briefed the participants, revealing that 1,025 restaurants and food outlets were inspected during the period. Out of these, 81 restaurants were fined more than Rs 1.3 million over poor food quality. Additionally, 83 outlets producing hazardous food items were sealed. According to the briefing, Islamabad Food Authority also took immediate action on 30 public complaints regarding food safety and hygiene standards. The authority issued 359 new licenses to restaurants and shops in the same period. Officials noted that the licensing process would be further expedited in the coming months to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. During inspections, a significant quantity of harmful food products was destroyed. The authority disposed of 992 kilograms of unsafe meat, 262 liters of beverages, 120 liters of expired liquid items, and 1,814 liters of unsafe dairy products. These actions were aimed at preventing the supply of substandard food to consumers across the capital. Director Irfan Memon emphasized strict measures against substandard food and directed that no compromise be made in this regard. He instructed officials to accelerate licensing procedures and ensure swift enforcement based on citizens’ complaints. He reiterated that the authority would continue to act promptly against violators to safeguard public health.