Unsafe filling: Illegal LPG decanting stations pose a threat

ISLAMABAD: Despite the fact that several lives were lost last year to the illegal lethal business of decanting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the business continues unabated in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The authorities have turned a blind eye to the issue, seemingly waiting for another catastrophe to happen before taking any action.

“The loss of lives and heavy damage to public property due to explosions last year could not shake the conscience of authorities concerned to take some solid measures to curb the menace," said Farrukh Shehzad a resident of Rawalpindi. Illegal filling points are located in densely populated areas — so as to cater to them. Some are even located near schools, posing a constant threat to human lives and property, said Babar Malik, another dweller of the city who had lost his cousin to an exploding gas cylinder in an illegal decanting shop.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2018.