RAWALPINDI: A covert survey of illegal banquet halls has been directed by the provincial government. At least 250 banquet halls have been established in Rawalpindi district over the last few years. Some of these were inaugurated after illegal conversion of plazas into banquet halls.
The construction of these banquet halls is against the rules and regulations. It is worth to mention that the security arrangements at these halls are inadequate including emergency exits, equipment for fire extinguishing, installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of security guards. The administrations of these halls have displayed immense negligence as the lack of these security arrangements is a compromise over the safety of the people.
Massive disorder of vehicles is witnessed outside these halls since the parking lots have not been arranged. Motorists quarrel to acquire a safe parking for their vehicles. Yet another issue is unhygienic environment. Insufficient cleanliness of the premises is a threat to the health of the people.
According to sources these halls are making money with the backing of influential people and senior government officers. These officials invested a large amount of capital from the government exchequer in the establishment of these halls by corrupt means and to safe their illegal money.
The Punjab government has taken serious notice of the situation giving directives to the intelligence agencies to submit a report regarding these banquet halls. The report will be examined by the provincial government and strict action will be taken against the officers who are involved in the establishment of these halls and neglected the rules and regulations.
INP
