LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the sale of substandard and unhygienic meat will not be tolerated and the elements involved in this heinous trade will be dealt with an iron hand.
The chief minister said while addressing a meeting through video link at Civil Secretariat, on Friday, which decided to launch a crackdown in the province against the elements selling substandard, unhealthy and Haram meat.
Shahbaz Sharif also issued instructions to the law department for carrying out legislation for declaring the sale of Haram and substandard meat as well as that of dead and unhealthy animals as non-bailable offence. He said that besides imposition of fine, deterrent punishment should be ensured to those involved in this evil trade.
The chief minister expressed displeasure and reprimanded the concerned ministers, secretaries and heads of institutions for not taking timely action against those involved in this heinous business.
He also inquired from concerned ministers, advisors, secretaries and heads of departments about the measures adopted by them for curbing this evil trade and upon their unsatisfactory answers, the chief minister expressed displeasure over their failure.
“It is lamentable that Haram meat as well as that of dead animals is being sold and the concerned authorities have not taken notice of this matter. Curbing of this evil trade is a collective responsibility of the society,” the CM held.
Shahbaz Sharif also took strict notice of the use of poisonous waste of hospitals in the animals feed and ordered action against the elements involved in it. He further ordered that the persons involved in the sale of hospital waste be dealt with sternly.
The chief minister directed that digital mapping of all slaughter houses in the province be carried out and a dashboard should also be developed. He said that concerned departments and institutions would have to perform their responsibilities efficiently and adopt measures on war footing for elimination of this evil trade.
Shahbaz Sharif also issued instruction for setting up of a committee headed by the chief secretary to tackle this issue on war footing. He further directed that establishment of a new authority should be considered for dealing the issues regarding determining of responsibilities and evolving a future strategy under one roof and submit a report in this regard.