KP cabinet approves ordinance seeking three-year jail term for hoarders
Anyone found hoarding items will face a jail term of up to three years and fine of 50% of the goods stockpiled
April 21, 2020
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Tuesday passed an ordinance against the hoarding of 32 essential items amid the coronavirus crisis, announced Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information Ajmal Wazir.
As per the ordinance, anyone found stockpiling 32 basic food items will face a jail term of up to three years and pay a fine of 50% of the goods that were hoarded.
The adviser, in a press conference, also stated that the hoarders can be arrested by the authorities without a warrant.
Also read: Government approves ordinance against hoarding of goods
On Monday, it was reported that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law ministry had finalised a draft of the ordinance to tackle hoarding amid the coronavirus crisis.
The document states that the informant would be rewarded 10% of the funds in the treasury, noting that a special magistrate would hear cases of hoarding. The special magistrate will be bound to rule on the cases under 30 days.
It was also reported that the ordinance would be applicable on protective gear which includes medicines, surgical gloves, masks, and sanitisers, as well as on flour, vegetables, sugar, tea, rice, pulses, and various other items.
Speaking to Geo News, KP Law Minister Sultan Mohammad Khan had said the ordinance was aimed at bringing illegal profiteers into the ambit of the law. It would be sent to the governor should it be passed in the cabinet, he added.
