Islamabad: The government has
finalised the draft of the ‘COVID-19 (Prevention of Hoarding) Ordinance, 2020’;
which incorporates strict punishments for individuals found to be involved in
hoarding and causing artificial price hikes of 32 consumer items, according to
news sources.
The newly promulgated ordinance includes a maximum punishment of imprisonment for three years and a fine that amounts to half of the seized goods’ value. Presently, the punishment for hoarding is reported to be three months with a maximum fine of PKR 99,000.
The ordinance will empower authorities to arrest hoarders without a warrant – provided they had credible information. Reportedly, it will also enable the Islamabad deputy commissioner or his authorized officers to seize suspected hoarded items and search any premises. The ordinance applies undiscriminatingly to both corporations and individuals alike.
As per the publication, this ordinance
has been circulated in the cabinet before being submitted for President Arif
Alvi for his approval – after which the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)
administration will bring this law into enforcement.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
