Islamabad - A writ petition seeking ban on the import of Haram (prohibited by faith) food items from western countries was moved in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) here on Monday. M Kokab Iqbal Advocate, President Human Rights & Welfare Trust, filed the petition before the court in person and nominated federation of Pakistan through secretary cabinet division, secretary federal ministry of interior, secretary ministry of science of technology, and secretary ministry of commerce as respondents.
Referring to the news items published in newspapers, the petitioner maintained that imported edible items of food are being openly sold in the markets that contains Haram elements.
He stated that this has been stated before the standing committee of the parliament by an additional secretary of the federal ministry of science & technology and he has named the said items like chips, chicken etc that have been imported from America, Great Britain, Holland and some other European countries. Advocate Kokab contended that as per press reports, standing committee of the said ministry expressed shock and grave concerns in this matter and it was decided that action would be initiated in this connection.
However, the petitioner said that after a lapse of several weeks, no action has been initiated till yet.
He further maintained that the import of Haram elements is illegal and violative of injunction of the Holy Quran, Sunnah and of the constitution of Pakistan as well. Therefore, he prayed to the court that an order in the name of prohibition may be passed banning the import/distribution and sale of the said edible items containing Haram elements. He further requested the court that an authority like Halal food commission may be set up to check such irregularities.