ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Law and Justice Dr Farogh Naseem has said under the new hoarding ordinance, severe punishments will be dealt out to hoarders as the country’s fight against COVID-19 epidemic.
Addressing a press conference today, Naseem said “Anyone who is found involved in hoarding will face severe punishments.
He said as per new ordinance, it will be a criminal offence to be involved in hoarding. The perpetrator will face three years in jail, summary trials, heavy fines of up to 50 percent, confiscations and more.”
He said on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the law ministry has prepared an ordinance on hoarding to control the shortage of basic commodities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The law minister said “The ordinance has been sent to the prime minister. His office is vetting it at the moment. We will release it by Monday or Tuesday, and it will then be codified into law after legislation,” he added.
He also disclosed that an anti-smuggling ordinance will also be introduced in parliament soon.
“As per this anti-smuggling ordinance, we will primarily target undeclared routes for smuggling of foreign currencies and essential commodities such as wheat, medicines and sugar,” the law minister explained.
Naseem also said that the eventual parliamentary act will contain checks and balances to help the government in implementation of the law.
Earlier, PM Imran Khan had revealed that ordinances to criminalise hoarding and smuggling would soon be released.
He had also directed law enforcement agencies to seek assistance FIA in controlling the menace of hoarding and smuggling.
The Prime Minister had issued orders to take severe action against those involved in smuggling and hoarding of essential items.
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