Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered a vigorous crackdown against the sellers of unhealthy, dead and haram meat in the province.
He was addressing a high level meeting through video link at the Civil Secretariat on Tuesday. The meeting proposed stricter sentences for sellers of diseased, dead and haram animals. He said that besides imprisonment of eight years, a fine of five hundred rupees will be imposed on the persons involved in this evil business.
The meeting also approved stricter punishment for those selling substandard food and edibles and besides imprisonment of ten years, a fine of Rs 3,000,000 will be imposed if a person dies due to substandard food. The meeting also gave approval to legislation and necessary amendments in Animal Slaughter Act under Punjab Food Authority Act and Punjab Local Government Ordinance and it was decided to declare such crimes as non-bailable offences.
The chief minister directed authorities concerned to make the necessary amendments in the law at the earliest. He directed that departments concerned should work in a coordinated manner and indiscriminate action should be taken against those involved in this evil trade.
He said that institutions concerned will have to deal with the enemies of humanity with an iron hand.
“Nobody can be allowed to play with the health of people for financial benefit, he said.
The meeting also decided that punishment for the sale of substandard food items and non-branded commodities will be made stricter while sentences for the sale of items with bogus labels will also be intensified. The meeting further decided that the proposed amendments in the Punjab Food Authority Act will be implemented in all districts of the province and the scope of Punjab Food Authority will gradually be extended. The meeting also gave approval to immediate steps for improvement in the system of slaughter houses.
The chief minister directed that immediate measures be taken to bring all issues relating to slaughter houses under one department or institution. He said that a vigorous campaign be initiated for curbing illegal slaughtering in the province.
The meeting also approved a business model to promote livestock and dairy development and payment to such cattle farmers whose animals are killed.
The chief minister further directed that a comprehensive plan be evolved for the provision of necessary facilities in slaughter houses and regular inspection of slaughter houses be ensured. He ordered that geo-mapping of all slaughter houses in the province be completed within seven days.