Govt to introduce Anti-Smuggling Ordinance to punish hoarders, says Naseem

• The ordinance has been sent to the prime minister and his office is vetting it at the moment: Law minister.
• As part of the ordinance, a summary trial against the culprits will be initiated after implementation of the legislation.
• Naseem says the ordinance is being introduced against those involved in smuggling through illegal routes.

(Karachi) Law Minister Farogh Naseem has said that the government has prepared an Anti-Smuggling Ordinance to curb smuggling of items and punish hoarders.

Addressing a media briefing in Islamabad on Sunday, he said, "The ordinance has been sent to the prime minister. His office is vetting it at the moment. We will release it by Monday or Tuesday."

He added that under the new ordinance, smuggling and hoarding will now be criminal offences.

He said as part of the ordinance, a summary trial against the culprits will be initiated after implementation of the legislation. "The judges for the summary trial will be appointed with the consultation of the chief justice," Farogh said.

He said the ordinance is being introduced against those involved in smuggling through illegal routes. "No one will be allowed to take benefit of the current situation."

He maintained that earlier, the government introduced an ordinance against hoarding and now stern action is being taken against the hoarders. He pointed out that the law ministry is introducing laws keeping in view the current situation and it highlights the vision of the PM to safeguard the interest of a common man.

Naseem mentioned that coronavirus is a global pandemic and it is need of the hour to work collectively to defeat the disease. "There is no treatment for COVID-19 and the only way to defeat it to taker precautions," he said.