Despite the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) assurance of strict vigilance, most hotels and restaurants in Aabpara Market have reportedly been selling sub-standard and unhygienic food. The sub-standard food has caused complaints of gastric diseases among customers who cannot afford to eat at expensive restaurants. Customers have complained that these roadside restaurants have been fleecing customers as there is no monitoring system in place.
Waqas Akram, a visitor at Aabpara Market, said there were several good restaurants in the area as well, but they were too expensive, and poor people had to eat unhygienic food sold on stalls and small restaurants in the area. These owners are not selling over-priced food, but have also exposed customers to health hazards, he added. Citizens have requested the authorities to take action against these violators and to monitor the quality of food sold in the market. A CDA Health official said the authority checked food prices on a regular basis and took strict action in case of malpractice. He said special teams would monitor the sale points in Aabpara and fine those who served substandard food and beverages.