11 touts detained outside Excise Office in ICT crackdown

ISLAMABAD, Jul 29 (APP): The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration teams have detained 11 touts during an operation outside the Excise Department office, as officials stepped up efforts to curb unauthorized agents and improve access to public services.

The action was carried out by the Assistant Commissioner Industrial Area, who urged citizens to use official service channels and report individuals involved in illegal facilitation activities.

According to the district administration, the operation targeted people allegedly acting as unauthorized intermediaries outside the Excise Department office. During the drive, 11 individuals were taken into custody and shifted to the lock-up for further legal proceedings.

Officials said the Excise Department has introduced additional service counters to facilitate citizens and reduce waiting times. The department has also expanded access to online services, allowing people to complete various procedures and obtain services from their homes without relying on agents.

The administration appealed to residents to avoid dealing with unauthorized individuals who claim to offer faster processing or special access to government services. Citizens were encouraged to use official counters and digital platforms for registration, tax-related matters, and other Excise Department services.

Authorities further requested the public to help identify and report agents operating outside government offices. Officials said public cooperation is essential to ensuring transparent service delivery and preventing exploitation of citizens seeking assistance.

The district administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining orderly service environments at public offices and said similar operations will continue against unauthorized agents involved in misleading or charging citizens for services that are available through official channels.