THIS is with reference to a picture carried recently (Sept 15) featuring a man selling petrol on a motorcycle-rickshaw along a road in Lahore’s Samanabad area.

Illegal petrol pumps have become a widespread menace in Pakistan, operating not only in remote areas of Balochistan, but also in major urban centres, including Karachi and Lahore. In fact, these unau-thorised fuel stations evade regulations, and pose serious safety and environmental hazards.

As such, the recent fire in a residential plaza in Karachi’s Shah Faisal Colony, which tragically claimed a life and caused significant property damage, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such illegal operations. Unfortunately, the fire originated from an unlicensed petrol pump located in the building’s basement, which is an alarming violation of safety codes.

The proliferation of illegal petrol pumps clearly highlights the lack of government control and enforcement mechanism. Despite existing laws and regulations, many fuel stations operate without the necessary safety measures or licenses, endangering the lives of residents and passers-by.

In the case of the Karachi incident, it raises troubling questions about how such a hazardous setup could exist in a densely populated area without being flagged by the relevant authorities. Disturbingly, the owner of the petrol pump claimed he had bribed officials to secure permission to operate in a residential area.

The lack of government authority in regulating these operations is evident, as inspections are either infrequent or easily bypassed through corruption. Many of these illegal petrol pumps are also connected to smuggling networks, further exacerbating the issue.

Moreover, they not only undermine legitimate businesses, but also contribute to the broader problem of fuel smuggling, which costs the country millions in lost revenue.

Despite having been proved deleterious to adjoining localities, the presence of these illegal small-scale petrol pumps in various locations, especially in cities like Lahore, has become a common sight.

The government must take immediate steps to address this growing threat. To cope with this menace, the measures should include cracking down on illegal petrol pumps through strict enforcement of laws, conducting regular inspections, and holding those responsible accountable.

A failure to do so will only result in further loss of life, and will continue to erode public trust in the government’s ability to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people. Some might even doubt sincerity.

Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2024