Stop selling smuggled petrol, govt warns pumps

The country’s top security czar has asked all pumps selling smuggled petrol to stop this illegal sale within a week, warning that otherwise the government will take strict action.

“The authorities will launch a crackdown against those involved in selling smuggled and substandard petrol across the country,” Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid told the media on Wednesday after attending a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to APP, the meeting discussed anti-smuggling measures, specifically measures to curb oil smuggling. Ministers for finance and maritime affairs as well as the PM's adviser on commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman also attended the meeting.

“I am making my first political statement after taking oath as interior minister. Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Ministry of Interior to close petrol pumps selling smuggled petrol across the country.

“Within 7 days all pumps involved in sale of smuggled oil will face strict punitive action. Their licenses would be cancelled and they would not be allowed to operate any petrol station again,” Rashid said.

The minister said a media campaign would also be launched to create awareness amongst the masses and to encourage them to report sale, smuggling and use of petrol brought into the country illegally.

Rashid expressed optimism that this measure alone would help the government save around $2billion. “The premier has tasked the FBR to curb smuggling of goods worth $7billion. This smuggling is eroding the national wealth.”

The minister said the prime minister appreciated the role of the FBR in curbing smuggling of mobile phones into the country and saving revenue of $2 billion by putting a check on smuggled garments.

This not only led to a growth in revenue, but also boosted the country’s textile industry despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Rashid quoted the premier as saying

The minister also directed all the chief secretaries to provide all possible facilities to managements of churches on the occasion of Christmas.  

Addressing an event organized by the Christian employees of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the minister felicitated the community on Christmas.              

He said the Christian community has always played a due role in the progress and prosperity of the country. The minister acknowledged the loyalty of the Christian community with Pakistan.

“I was born in a hospital run by the Christian community and always got votes from the Christians throughout my political career. I urge the Christian workers to move forward with the same spirit to serve the nation,” he said.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP