KARACHI, March 31: The terminal operators have sent an SOS to the authorities, including Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Inspector Genera Police drawing their attention towards fast deteriorating law and order situation in the oil installation area at Keamari.

Apprehending major catastrophe the Terminals Association of Pakistan (TAP), the representative body of terminal operators dealing in haulage and exports of molasses, alcohol, edible oils and chemicals, has forewarned the authorities that the infighting between various splinter groups of All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association (APOTOA) was causing law and order situation.

In the SOS message the TAP has also quoted recent incidents in which the splinter groups of APOTOA ransacked, harassed and even beaten up staff members of two terminals.

The oil installation is very sensitive because the entire imports of POL products do not only pass through it but it also has the storage facilities of these products.

The TAP has further pointed out that as of today the area remains very insecure as the infighting of various groups for having control over the APOTOA keep the situation tense and at times it goes out of control.

The tanker terminals are playing a very significant role in economic development of the country on providing storage, export and collection of revenue.

Despite the fact that these tanker lorry owners are haulaging huge quantities of liquid bulk cargoes to and from the port but their infighting and absence of proper control on the law and order has turned the area highly sensitive and insecure.