CM orders a vigorous crackdown against the sale of dead and Haram meat

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has ordered a vigorous crackdown to check the sale of unhealthy, dead and Haram meat in the province and said that the elements involved in this evil trade should be behind the bars as they deserve no leniency.

He was addressing a high level meeting through video link at Civil Secretariat, here today. The meeting decided to enhance sentences for selling the meat of diseased, dead and Haram animals. He said that besides imprisonment of eight years, a fine of five lakh rupees will be imposed on the persons involved in this evil business.

The meeting also gave approval to enhancing punishment for the sale of substandard food and edibles and besides imprisonment of ten years, a fine of Rs.30 lakh will be imposed over the death of a person 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 offence.

Shahbaz Sharif directed concerned authorities that necessary amendments should be made in the law and the draft law should be prepared at the earliest and the concerned departments should work on emergent basis in this regard. He directed that concerned departments should work in a coordinated manner and indiscriminate action should be taken against those involved in this evil trade. He said that concerned institutions will have to deal with the enemies of humanity with an iron hand. He said that besides those selling diseased, substandard and Haram meat, the elements engaged in the trade of unhealthy and harmful edible items should also be brought to justice.

The Chief Minister said that he will not allow anyone to play with the health of people for his financial benefit. The meeting also decided that punishment over the sale of substandard food items and non-branded commodities will be enhanced 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.

Shahbaz Sharif directed that the committee set up under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary should ensure regular monitoring and implementation of the measures in this regard.

Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Special Assistant Livestock Arshad Jutt, Chief Secretary, Members Provincial Assembly Muhammad Waheed Gul, Muhammad Kashif, Muhammad Naeem Safdar Ansari, Inspector General Police, concerned secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.