PHC asks officials to ensure those supplying to domestic markets are not harassed. PHOTO: FILE
These officials are said to be allowing illegal export of poultry and livestock to Afghanistan in spite of ban.
The order was issued by a two-member bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan while hearing a petition filed by Zareen Khan, a resident of Badhaber.
Counsel of the petitioner, Advocate Abdul Fayaz informed the court that police officials use the 2011 suo motu notice on unchecked smuggling of livestock and poultry to Afghanistan as a pretext to stop those with legal permits. The officials then expect to be bribed in exchange for allowing legal suppliers to function properly.
Suppliers with permits sell livestock and poultry lawfully, in accordance with the demand of the domestic market. Harassing the suppliers causes problems for both them and the consumers, added Fayaz.
Licences to export livestock and poultry to Afghanistan have been suspended; even those with legit permits cannot supply across the border till after Eidul Azha, remarked the bench.
However, the court ordered the police to not create any problems for those who supply on domestic level.
The court then ordered the IGP, CCPO and ACE director to conduct raids to catch officials facilitating smuggling. It further ordered immediate action be taken so locals do not face any issues in procuring livestock for Eidul Azha.
A court in Islamabad slapped a ban on animal exports on Wednesday and summoned officials of the Ministry of Food Security and Research, and Animal Husbandry Commissioner to explain why the government has issued licences despite a shortage of livestock in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2013.
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