LAHORE (Staff Report) – A heated argument broke out between Punjab Food Authority’s Director Operations Ayesha Mumtaz and a Town Municipal Officer on Friday over who would take credit for a major substandard meat bust in a government Ramazan bazaar within the city.
According to details, TMO Gulberg Muhammad Sarwar raided a butcher shop inside the Ramazan bazaar in Ghalib Market and seized a huge quantity of substandard meat. Soon after the raid, Mumtaz, who made waves last year for an uncompromising drive against unhygienic and substandard restaurant food, arrived at the scene and claimed credit for the bust.
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The PFA director became furious when her claim was denied by the TMO and threatened him of dire consequences. However, the situation was diffused by other government officials who were present at the scene.
It is still unclear who receive official credit for the raid.
The shopkeeper involved in the sale of substandard meat was arrested by the police and sent to jail.
The reaction of Ayesha Mumtaz captured on video has come as a shock to many observers, who have long been impressed by her impressive service record.
Complete list of restaurants sealed, fined by Punjab Food Authority
After assuming charge as the PFA’s Director Operations last year, Mumtaz made headlines for cracking down against all restaurants and food stores selling unhygienic, expired or substandard food items. She also went after hotels, sweet shops and milk shops, including many famous brands that were found to be neglecting food safety standards.
Many outlets were fined or sealed for having washrooms in the production area and other hygiene-related issues.
Sources in the government believe that the Punjab bureaucracy feels threatened by Mumtaz’s rising popularity.
Read more: Bureaucracy clips the wings of Ayesha Mumtaz
Ayesha, these days, is also facing more than six departmental enquiries, while many traders have also challenged her work in various courts.
No authority concerned or higher-up has so far come forward to appreciate Mumtaz’s work.
