The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) will require major supermarkets in the capital to adopt cashless payment systems. This mandate was announced following a performance review meeting led by IFA Director Irfan Memon. The gathering, also attended by the Deputy Director Operations, Deputy Director Administration, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (East), determined that any establishment closed due to infractions will remain shuttered until a cashless system is in place.
The monthly performance review revealed that the IFA inspected 1,025 food businesses. Dr. Tahira Siddiq, Deputy Director Operations, reported that penalties exceeding PKR 1.3 million were levied against 81 establishments for substandard food quality. Eighty-three eateries were closed for preparing unsafe food, while 30 citizen grievances received immediate attention. Furthermore, 359 food establishments received operating permits during the month.
The IFA confiscated and destroyed 992 kg of unsafe meat, 262 liters of drinks, 120 liters of out-of-date items, and 1,814 liters of dairy products. Director Memon urged officials to accelerate the permit issuance process and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe food. He also directed prompt responses to public complaints.