The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) has issued a clarification over the controversy involving Habib Jalib’s daughter and her roadside food cart in Lahore.
The clarification came after allegations that officials demanded money and ordered the closure of her food cart. The controversy quickly drew public attention and sparked discussion on social media.
PERA said it respects the daughter of renowned public poet Habib Jalib. However, its initial inquiry found no evidence that any PERA officer visited her food cart.
The authority also said its officials did not seek any money or allowance from her.
What Happened to Habib Jalib’s Daughter’s Dhaba in Lahore?
Tahira Habib Jalib, daughter of legendary poet Habib Jalib, recently established a homemade food cart near Model Town Market.
She reportedly sold biryani, pulao and dal chawal through the small food setup. The initiative aimed to help her support her family.
According to the allegations, authorities ordered her to dismantle the stall within 24 hours. The development subsequently triggered criticism and concern among social media users.
Tahira also alleged that officials demanded money from her. She claimed that she had previously approached the Lahore deputy commissioner for permission to operate the food cart.
However, she said her request received no response.
The allegations surrounding the food cart soon turned into a wider public controversy. Questions were raised about the treatment of small vendors and the process followed by authorities.
PERA Denies Involvement in Dhaba Controversy
PERA has now rejected the allegations against its officials.
According to the authority, its initial inquiry found that no PERA officer had visited the Habib Jalib daughter’s food cart.
The authority also stated that no PERA official demanded any money from Tahira.
The PERA spokesperson termed the claims against the agency as “prima facie baseless and fabricated.”
The spokesperson further clarified that PERA officials never handled the case involving the food cart.
The clarification therefore places the allegations against PERA in a different light. The authority maintains that its personnel were not involved in the incident.
PERA Calls for Evidence
Despite denying involvement, PERA said it remains open to investigating the matter.
The authority urged Tahira to submit any available evidence through its official complaint channels. It also assured that the complaint would receive a complete and impartial investigation.
Furthermore, PERA said it would take strict action if an officer were found guilty.
The authority’s position leaves the central allegation subject to further evidence. For now, PERA maintains that its officials neither visited the food cart nor demanded money from its owner.
What Happens Next?
The controversy now depends on the evidence surrounding the allegations and the outcome of any further inquiry.
Tahira’s claims have raised public concern, while PERA’s clarification has formally denied its officials’ involvement.
For the moment, the authority has maintained that the Habib Jalib daughter’s dhaba case was never handled by PERA officials.
The matter could therefore remain under scrutiny as the parties involved provide further information about what happened at the Lahore food cart.
