Pakistan, June 27 -- The Supreme Court has issued written orders directing the federal and provincial governments to take strict action in accordance with the law against hoarders of anti-virus chemicals, lifesaving drugs, oxygen cylinders and equipment used to detect, monitor and treat patients affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

The apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, issued the written orders in the coronavirus suo motu case on Friday.

Apart from ordering a crackdown against hoarders of anti-virus medicines and equipment, the order states, "We direct the relevant regulatory authorities, enforcement agencies and respective health ministries of the federal as well as provincial governments to ensure availability of ...