Islamabad: The Ministry of Law and Justice on Tuesday drafted a presidential ordinance envisaging punishment for hoarders and profiteers responsible for creating an artificial shortage of essentials – in a bid to provide relief to the public amid the going COVID-19 pandemic, according to news sources. The draft has been submitted to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan for approval.
The Ministry’s Spokesperson Farighna Mughal revealed that the task was given to Minister of Law Farogh Naseem by the PM. She also said the newly-drafted law would be promulgated through a presidential ordinance.
Additionally, a law official proposed that the punishment for
hoarding and profiteering be 3 years – same envisaged by the Price Control and
Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act 1977. However, he added that the
new law will simplify the process of making arrests and confiscation of the
hoardings. It will also empower the administration to auction off the
confiscated hoarding items.
Khan, in his public address, reiterated that hoarders and
smugglers will be facing strict legal consequences. He said that the new law
will empower the administration to punish the people involved without
discrimination.
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.
