Rawalpindi:The prolonged closure of government offices for three consecutive days, coupled with staff shortage during working days, has severely disrupted public services, leaving citizens struggling to resolve routine matters.
The dwellers of Rawalpindi have complained that most government departments remained closed from Friday to Sunday, while during the remaining four working days, a significant number of officials -- particularly senior officers -- were unavailable, citing work-from-home arrangements.
Thus, the citizens have been left with no clear avenue to process essential tasks such as revenue matters, issuance of birth and death certificates, obtaining land records (fard), or securing school leaving certificates.
The situation has been further aggravated by a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities. The poorer segments of society are bearing the brunt of inflation, as both food and non-food items continue to witness steep increases. Profiteers and hoarders are allegedly exploiting the situation, charging exorbitant rates and placing additional financial strain on the public.
The residents argued that while the government has reduced operational days of many departments, it has failed to provide meaningful relief to people already struggling to meet basic needs as the LPG is reportedly being sold at around Rs400 per kilogram.
They expressed frustration over the rising costs of petrol, diesel, gas and electricity. The residents have voiced serious concern over the worsening situation, urging the government to take immediate steps to control inflation and provide relief.
