KMC’s Sealing of Petrol Pumps “Illegal”, Says PPDA
Karachi: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has termed the sealing of multiple petrol pumps by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s Enforcement and Implementation Department as “illegal” and has urged Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab to immediately order their de-sealing.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh, along with Vice Chairmen Tariq Hassan and Anwar Kamal, said that KMC had issued a 7-day notice directing dealers to rectify fire-fighting extinguishers and implement other safety measures. However, within 24 hours of the notice, several stations were sealed without giving dealers the stipulated time to comply.
“What is the meaning of sealing several petrol pumps in one day, despite a 7-day notice, without giving an opportunity to complete the required actions?” the PPDA leaders questioned.
They demanded an immediate inquiry into the circumstances leading to the sealing before the expiry of the compliance period, and asked KMC to provide justification for the urgency.
The PPDA named three specific stations sealed by KMC: Plot No. 1036 near M.A. Jinnah Road opposite Hyderabad Colony, M.A. Jinnah Road opposite Islamia College, and Siddiq Wahab Road, Bhimpura Police Lines Quarters. The association called for their immediate de-sealing.
“PPDA, as the representative body of petroleum dealers, is committed to protecting the legitimate rights of its members and ensuring they are given reasonable opportunity and due process,” the statement said. The association added that it supports the Mayor’s initiatives on public safety, fire safety and regulatory compliance, but insisted dealers must be given a fair chance to meet requirements through proper notice.
Vice Chairman Anwar Kamal said relevant authorities should be directed to de-seal the stations immediately under applicable rules and allow dealers reasonable time to address deficiencies related to fire-fighting equipment noted in KMC’s notice.
The PPDA leaders warned that continued closure of petrol stations was causing significant financial losses to dealers, leading to loss of regular and credit customers. “This action is also damaging the dealer’s business reputation, goodwill and standing, and poses a threat to their long-term operations,” they said.
The association expressed confidence that the Mayor would intervene promptly and ensure both public safety and the redressal of dealers’ legitimate concerns.