PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan paid a surprise visit to various areas of the provincial capital to review water drainage, traffic management and other arrangements after heavy rain and hailstorm on Saturday.

The chief minister visited Kohat Road, GT Road, Dalazak Road, Ring Road, University Road and other areas of Peshawar.

He expressed his displeasure over poor drainage arrangements in the areas and directed Water and Sanitation Services Company Peshawar (WSSP) and other relevant departments to take steps on war footing to ensure discharge of rain water and sanitation.

He also sought a report from the departments concerned over not making arrangements for drainage of water despite timely forecast of the meteorological department.

He directed the quarters concerned to fulfil their responsibilities in that regard.

He added that legal action would be taken against the relevant officials for their failure to perform duty.

The chief minister took notice of the absence of traffic officials at various spots in Peshawar and gridlock on Kohat Road.

He also sought a report from the chief traffic police and directed him to depute additional traffic wardens at busy squares and other routes to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

A traffic official said that the department was short of wardens and despite that there was no word of praise for the traffic police.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2022