Court observed that flour being packed in old cement bags was contributing to serious illnesses
Flour bags are being unloaded in Karachi’s Jodia Bazaar. PHOTO: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court on Saturday imposed a ban on the use of substandard sacks for packing food items, warning that the practice poses serious health risks.
In a written judgement issued by Justice Azam Khan, the court observed that flour being packed in old cement bags was contributing to serious illnesses, including cancer.
The court directed the federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the four provinces to coordinate enforcement of the ban. Chief secretaries and provincial food authorities have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the order within their respective jurisdictions.
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The IHC further ordered the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and the Ministry of Food to submit a comprehensive compliance report within three months.
The court directed authorities to launch a nationwide crackdown within 30 days against the manufacture, storage, and sale of substandard sacks used for food packaging.
It also ordered raids on factories, warehouses, and shops involved in producing or distributing such sacks, with instructions to confiscate the material. The court said that violators should not only be fined but also face criminal cases and arrests.
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“Law is not meant merely for display in books but for the protection of the life and property of citizens,” the court remarked in its decision.
Authorities have been tasked with ensuring immediate and effective enforcement to safeguard public health.
