The rising mercury levels have encouraged a large number of vendors to set up stalls on the footpaths and alongside major roads in the capital city.

The increasing health problems like stomach and throat are being caused by substandard and adulterated ice creams, beverages, milk and other confectioneries.

Residents complained that these ice creams and beverages are locally manufactured which are very harmful for the health of the children.

They also pointed out that there are some fake factories in suburb of Rawalpindi which produce very substandard beverages and ice creams.

A resident of Capital city Shabir Ahmed demanded that the concerned authorities must immediately impose a ban on the sale of unhygienic food and beverages especially outside schools.

He said if such a ban is not possible, the authorities should direct roadside vendors to adopt strict safety measures like using disposable utensils, paper glasses and proper covering of edibles.

Dr. Hasan Orooj Director Health Services (DHS) Capital Development Authority (CDA) talking to APP said that with the rise in temperature, the DHS has decided to take stringent action on the sale of unhygienic and substandard cold drinks and food.

He advised people to avoid eating food from roadside stalls and urged people to use only boiled, filtered or mineral water in summer.