Public forum: Commissioner asks officials to address people’s grievances

PESHAWAR: Pledging intensified efforts against drug abuse and sectarianism, Commissioner, Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mahsud on Thursday directed the officials concerned to address the grievances of the people on the spot.

The commissioner issued the directives while chairing an open forum under the Pakhtunkhwa Qaumi Jirga platform. Held at the Commissioner’s Jirga Hall, the forum was attended by over 150 Pakhtunkhwa Qaumi Jirga office-bearers, led by provincial president Khalid Ayub. SSP Operations Peshawar, deputy commissioners from all five districts, the general manager of Sui Northern Gas, WAPDA officials, and representatives from the Health Department were also present on the occasion.

The forum also resolved to restore public confidence in institutions, make the tree plantation campaign successful, and address key issues, including electricity and gas load shedding, inadequate healthcare and education facilities, and the rising influence of financial exploitation. Major unresolved matters are to be taken up with higher authorities.

Participants highlighted pressing concerns, including unannounced power and gas outages, the lack of basic healthcare and school facilities, difficulties faced by religious scholars, and the unchecked expansion of interest-based financial dealings.

Commissioner Riaz Mahsud directed authorities to take immediate action, ensuring that relevant officials addressed the grievances of people on the spot. He also announced that broader issues requiring policy intervention would be sent to the chief secretary and inspector general of police.

“Public participation is essential for effective governance. Sustainable solutions can only be achieved by involving the people in the decision-making process,” Riaz Mahsud said, reaffirming his commitment to bridging the trust gap between institutions and the public.The jirga concluded with a firm commitment to strengthening accountability, eliminating social evils, and ensuring decisive action against elements disrupting public welfare.