KMC put on notice over petition against illegal slaughterhouses

The Sindh High Court on Monday issued notices to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the authority's veterinary department on a petition against illegal slaughterhouses operating in the city.

The Karachi Human Right Society, a non-government organisation, said in its petition that ill and feeble animals were being slaughtered in illegal abbatoirs situated at different areas of the city, including Nazimabad, Paposah and Garden, and the meat was being sold at exorbitant prices.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted that illegal slaughterhouses and sale of meat was being carried out under the patronage of KMC officials.

He requested the court to order inspection of the illegal abbatoirs and sale of meat in different areas of the city and to direct the KMC to take action against persons who were involved in running the unauthorised businesses.

Headed by Justice Mohammad Junaid Ghaffar, the SHC’s division bench issued notices to the KMC, the director of the authority’s veterinary department and others and called their comments. The court also directed the petitioner’s counsel to satisfy the court on maintainability of the petition.

Plea against ECL

The SHC issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau, the interior secretary and others on a petition filed by the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce president Goharullah against placement of his name on the exit control list.

Petitioner Goharullah, who was also director of the Fateh Textile Mills, submitted that his name was put on ECL on recommendation of NAB, which alleged that the petitioner was a beneficiary of fraudulent sales tax refund and custom rebate that caused a loss of Rs179.3 million to the national exchequer.

Goharullah submitted that he had nothing to do with any fraudulent activity and his company paid all taxes.  The court directed NAB and the interior ministry to file comments on the petition.