Pindi to crack down on illegal filling stations

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has directed to take strict action against illegal filling stations built by encroaching on public land as well as those which have been operating even after their lease agreement expired.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq has set up joint teams comprising officials from three departments - Anti-Corruption Establishment, Civil Defence Department and the Industries Department — with orders to initiate a grand operation against the illegal filling and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.

The team has issued notices to some owners of filling station across the district telling them to submit ownership documents of these businesses, officials at the DC office said. The team will visit each filling station and inspect proprietary documents.

All filling stations built on public land or with the expired lease will be sealed immediately. DC Haq has also directed the high-powered team to seal stations which have been in operation without proper NOCs or involved in selling smuggled Iranian petrol and diesel and adulterated fuel.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2020.