Lahore: The government has prepared a legal draft for issuing licenses to street vendors operating in the country, a news source reported. Through the implementation of this measure, the government aims to control the spread of unlicensed businesses in Pakistan.
To this effect, the government will prohibit individuals
under the age of 14 years to set up business stalls. The draft also prohibits
selling goods from one place to another. The authority concerned will issue licences
to street vendors for a period of five years. Under this licence, the street vendors will be liable to paying
PKR 500 each month. Meanwhile, this licence will be non-transferable.
On the other hand, the legal draft states that the local government will have the authority to change the area of business of the street vendor. However, if the street vendor does consent to the relocation, the local authorities will have the obligation of paying for any resultant damages.
Additionally, the proposed bill also suggests punishment for
government officials found disturbing the vendors without reason. If found
guilty, the officer concerned will have to pay a fine worth PKR 20,000.
