The draft of an ordinance to rein in profiteers and hoarders has been sent to the cabinet for approval.

It will be applicable in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) as soon the president signs it into law.

Under the law, the official will be empowered to deal with food mafia sternly and the guilty would be sent to jail for three years plus heavy fines.

The government promised reward for informer and his/her identity will be kept secret. The government will punish shopkeepers and vendors found involved in overcharging over tea, milk, sugar, milk, food for infants, eggs, bottled water, fruit, juices, vegetables, insecticides, poultry medicines, sanitiser, pulses, kerosene, wheat, matchboxes, masks etc

Informer will be awarded and his/her identity will be kept secret.

PM info aide Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan told the media two days ago profiteering and hoarding would be introduced very soon.

She was addressing a press conference after the Economic Coordination Committee.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had ordered a probe into the wheat and sugar crises earlier, had on April 5 vowed to take action against those responsible once a detailed forensic report of the preliminary findings was released.