Section 144 imposed on illegal cattle markets across Karachi

Karachi commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani announced on Tuesday the imposition of Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)- pertaining to unlawful assemblies- on illegal cattle markets. The restrictions on cattle markets are to remain in place until August 4.

Speaking on the matter, the commissioner said that any cattle markets found to be operating without the official approval would be considered illegal.

He pointed that illegal cattle markets mushrooming in Karachi did not just disrupted the flow of traffic in various areas but also resulted in piling of garbage and choking rainwater drains.

The commissioner directed all deputy and assistant commissioners to monitor cattle markets in their areas and identify any illegal ones, so that action could be taken against them for violating Section 144 of the PPC.

While Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah gave the approval for setting up cattle markets in the province earlier this month, they had been operational in various areas several days ahead of Eidul Azha.

The CM agreed for the establishment of cattle markets after he was told during a meeting that cattle market organisers had been persistently approaching relevant authorities, seeking permission for setting up the markets, after they were allowed elsewhere in the country.

At this, the CM had replied, "I am, as a matter of fact, against granting permission for cattle markets due to the pandemic, but since a religious aspect is attached [to the matter], they may be established in line with standard operating procedures that will be issued by the home department."

He had also clarified that the markets were only to be set up at designated locations after the government's approval and directed deputy commissioners and SSPs to ensure that sacrificial animals were not being sold in the streets and on the roads.

Later, a notification issued by the Sindh local government department reiterated that only selected cattle markets would be granted permission to function.

The permission is to be given by the relevant commissioner, on the recommendation of deputy commissioners (DCs).

Besides, the permission for running cattle markets will be conditional to compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for Covid-19 prevention and will be revoked if the directions are not followed, the notification stated, adding that any person found selling sacrificial animals elsewhere, such as on the roadside, under bridges and in residential areas, would face legal action.

However, in the wake of persistent non-compliance with these orders, Karachi commissioner imposed Section 144 on illegal cattle markets.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2020.