Punjab promulgates anti-hoarding law
41 price control magistrates had been inspecting various markets daily. PHOTO: FILE
The Punjab government promulgated Prevention of Hoarding Ordinance 2020 to discourage hoarding of essential commodities by traders aiming to create artificial shortages and raise prices.
Under the ordinance, the district price committees are being activated to control the hoarding and illegal profiteering. The Punjab Price Control Authority will be established soon.
These views were expressed by Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan while addressing a press conference during her visit to Punjab Food Authority (PFA) Headquarter on Tuesday. Chairman Punjab Food Authority Umer Tanveer Butt and Director General Punjab Food Authority Rafaqat Ali were also present on the occasion.
Dr Firdous said on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, the teams of PFA are actively working round the clock against adulteration mafia and strictly monitoring the food supply chains ranging from small vendors to luxury hotels. She said the presence of adulteration mafia was the biggest challenge in the way of healthy Punjab however, during the last two years the government had taken historical initiatives to ensure provision of hygienic food to the citizens.
She said the government was all set to take strict action against adulteration mafia. She said that milk testing labs have started their operation at the entry and exit points of the city whereby citizens are able to get milk tested for free.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2020.