Punjab Food Authority prerogative to be extended to five more divisions: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore, January 06, 2017 (PPI-OT):Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif while chairing a meeting today reviewed work of Punjab Food Authority. While analyzing the progress of Food Authority, he accorded approval for the extension of prerogative of Food Authority to other five Divisions of Province and take immediate steps to establish it at the same lines like Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi and Murree. CM directed to launch indiscriminate crackdown without any pressure against people involved in adulteration business.

He said that the elements engaged in the adulteration business are enemies of humanity and just like spurious drugs culprits need to be held accountable. He said that dedication and honesty is needed at our part to root out this evil trade as citizen can’t be left vulnerable before these tyrants. He said that adulterator won’t be allowed to risk people’s life and will surely be put behind the bars with heavy fines being imposed. There is dire need of strict laws against these elements as only fine is not enough for their heinous activities.

He directed to arrest the owner of every such place where adulteration and poisonous food is found and legal actions to be carried out against him. He took notice of Rawalpindi food inspector who was guilty of supporting these elements and ordered to carry out strict legal action against him. Adulteration free food especially pure milk and ghee which is basic need of kids and others is necessary for constitution of healthy society. Substandard milk sellers playing with human lives are enemies of humanity and need to be uprooted as they don’t deserve any leniency.

They risk precious lives for their petty benefits so deterrent action will be taken against the elements supplying or selling unhygienic milk and no mercy will be shown to those mixing harmful ingredients in packed or loose milk. He said that lives of my citizens are very valuable for me and no one will be allowed to risk them at any cost. He directed for amendments in Punjab Food Authority Act 2011 to make punishments more severe and impose heavy fines along with imprisonments and qualified human resource at merit basis to be appointed to enhance authority’s capacity.

He expressed his indignation over delay in hiring process and directed to draft amended Punjab food rules 1960 as soon as possible. He endorsed that authority should take its internal decisions autonomously rather than forwarding summaries. He also extends his approval for the establishment of Intelligence System in Punjab Food Authority.

It will be convenient to keep an eye on Mafia of adulteration as well as working of PFA though intelligence system. He vowed to curb the menace of Adulteration Mafia and provide hygienic food to the public. DG PFA Noor-ul-Amin Mengal briefed the participants about activities and future plans of authority. Minister Food Bilal Yaseen, Provincial Secretary, Advisor Dr. Umer Saif, IG Police, Secretaries of concerned departments and seniors officers attended the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk