Court summons HDIP, CNG associations’ representatives

SHC informed of new rules regarding CNG cylinders in school vans, public transport

The Sindh High Court summoned on Tuesday officials of the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) and representatives of CNG associations to court. A bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, was hearing a plea against the installation of CNG cylinders in school vans and public transport.

During the hearing, the government lawyer informed the court that the HDIP and other agencies issue fitness certificates for CNG kits.

The explosives department director-general maintained that fitness certificates are not issued for substandard CNG cylinders since the new rules were made.

Justice Mazhar inquired how installation of substandard CNGs in vehicles can be stopped. At which the explosives DG informed that new staff members are being appointed in his department and they will be trained.

Contracts between the HDIP and CNG associations have been made in Punjab and K-P and these will positively impact the situation, maintained the explosives DG before the court.

The focal person of the transport informed the court that the subordinate committee of the provincial cabinet has made recommendations about new rules. Justice Mazhar observed that rules are already present but they aren't being implemented. The agencies should resolve the issue through mutual cooperation, remarked the judge.

Expressing annoyance at the absence of the HDIP representative, the bench directed the HDIP and CNG associations' representatives to appear before the court at the next hearing on December 24.

Bail denied

Another two-member bench, headed by Justice KK Agha, rejected the bail pleas of six accused in a money laundering and terror financing case pertaining to match fixing during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020.

The court rejected the bail pleas of accused Muhammad Faisal alias Chitta, Mahindra Kumar, Faisal Ghulam Hussain, Muhammad Sajjad, Naresh Kumar and Ahmed Hanif, who are already in jail.

The court also rejected a plea by the accused seeking conclusion of the case against them that is under trial in a banking court.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2020.