SARGODHA, July 18: Fake mobil oil is being manufactured and marketed in the packaging of international brands by an elected representative in connivance with the government department officials.

It is learnt that there are at least five factories in Sargodha city which are producing fake mobil oil.

One such factory is reportedly owned by councillor Sajid Qureshi. He has allegedly set up the factory in Bala Market where used mobil oil has been refined and packaged. He is supplying the oil throughout the Punjab under the label of Balal Mobil Oil.

It is learnt that the firm is reportedly misusing the colour scheme and design of Balal Mobil Oil Company registered at Karachi.

An oil dealer, Asif Qureshi, told this scribe that the firm applied for the registration of trade mark to the registrar of trade marks but awaiting reply for the last one year. The firm started supplying mobil oil as the trade name was not refused by the department, he added.

It is also learnt the Nazim of said area and an SHO of Sargodha police station are the partners of Mr Qureshi. The SHO reportedly collects used mobil oil from workshops and supplies to factory.

An international oil company some time ago launched a campaign against the fake mobil oil dealers, nabbed some dealers and reported the cases to police but no action was taken against them.

Police concerned and excise department officials allegedly receive their share to let the illegal business continue.

This scribe was told that these factories buy empty cans of Iranian oil from Afghans and package fake mobil oil in them.

Various social organizations and vehicle owners have demanded action against the fake oil dealers and police and excise officials involved in illegal trade.