Ordinance to tackle artificial shortage of commodities enforced in KP

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s information adviser Ajmal Wazir on Tuesday said that the officials have enforced an anti-hoarding ordinance to tackle artificial shortage of essential commodities in the markets.

While talking to media the provincial information adviser said that the ordinance will be applicable across the province, adding that hoarders will be apprehended without warrant if they involve in hoarding.

He said under the new law, the hoarders will be given jail sentence up to three years besides imposing fine, he added.

Responding to a question, he said that 520 people have been shifted to quarantine facility on their arrival from Afghanistan. All quarantined people are being looked after properly, he said. He also urged people to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On April 19, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Dr Farogh Naseem had 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, 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.”

On the directions of PM Imran Khan, the law ministry had prepared an ordinance on hoarding to control the shortage of basic commodities during the COVID-19 outbreak, he added.