Dog, donkey meat on sale in Islamabad, reveals minister

ISLAMABAD: In a startling revelation a after assuming charge of his office, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi has said that donkey, dog and even pork’s meat is being sold in parts of Islamabad.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, the minister insisted clampdown on this practice. The Upper House body, as reported by the sections of media, discussed the draft of Islamabad Pure Food Authority Bill which seeks to set up a food authority in the capital on the lines of the Punjab Food Authority to check quality of edible items and curb their adulteration.

The bill makes it expedient to provide for the safety and standards of food and to establish the Islamabad Pure Food Authority so that to protect health of the people.

Click here for copy of the bill

Senator Azam Khan Swati of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had introduced the bill. He is of the view there is no check and balance on food outlets and companies in the capital and it was the need of the hour to set up a dedicated authority to ensure hygienic food. “There are 16 companies selling bottled water but nine of them are packing and selling water that is unsafe for human consumption,” Swati added.

Earlier this year, the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination had expressed serious concern over sale of substandard/unhygienic food items in Islamabad.