LAHORE: Following Supreme Court orders, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) sealed on Friday 22 petrol pump sites in Lahore.

These sites were situated in Gulberg-III, New Garden Town, Model Town (extension), Faisal Town, Johar Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Township, Sabzazar and Gulshan Ravi schemes.

According to a spokesman, the sites had been leased out to oil companies many years ago on nominal rents and lease period of these sites had concluded years ago.

“The occupants had not paid any rent to LDA since 2009. They were occupying these places illegally under the excuse of restraining order by the court,” the spokesperson said.

The LDA, the spokesman said, leased out these sites to Pakistan State Oil and Shell Pakistan for three years and these companies illegally sublet them to other dealers. In July, the Supreme Court directed the LDA to lease the sites through open auction. “The LDA held an open auction of these sites last month but no side could be auctioned at this occasion due to the cartelization of petroleum dealers,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2018

Opinion

In defamation’s name

In defamation’s name

It provides yet more proof that the undergirding logic of public authority in Pakistan is legal and extra-legal coercion rather than legitimised consent.

Editorial

Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...
ICJ rebuke
Updated 26 May, 2024

ICJ rebuke

The reason for Israel’s criminal behaviour is that it is protected by its powerful Western friends.
Hot spells
26 May, 2024

Hot spells

WITH Pakistan already dealing with a heatwave that has affected 26 districts since May 21, word from the climate...
Defiant stance
26 May, 2024

Defiant stance

AT a time when the country is in talks with the IMF for a medium-term loan crucial to bolstering the fragile ...