A report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged involvement of 29 legislators in the illicit trade of Iranian fuel within Pakistan. This report unveils a disturbing link between fuel smuggling and the funding of terrorist activities. Astonishingly, it implicates both politicians and government officials in the smuggling of a staggering 2.8 billion liters of Iranian gasoline each year, resulting in an estimated annual financial loss of Rs. 60 billion for Pakistan.
The report brings to light an extensive network of 995 petrol stations scattered across the nation engaged in the illegal sale of Iranian fuel. What’s even more distressing is the reported involvement of approximately 90 government officials and 29 politicians in these illicit smuggling operations. Equally troubling is the revelation that the contraband fuel is being transported using vehicles belonging to Pakistan State Oil (PSO).
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Interestingly, there has been a conspicuous lack of response from the PMO in the face of these damning allegations. The potential implications of this issue extend to high-ranking politicians throughout Pakistan, rendering it a matter of utmost national importance.
In a recent media exposé, it was disclosed that certain individuals have established unauthorized gasoline distribution networks, frequently peddling Iranian gasoline in plastic containers. This illicit trade not only poses significant hazards to public safety but also severely undermines legitimate businesses operating in the fuel sector.
What is even more disheartening is the revelation that instead of cracking down on this unlawful trade, some police officers have been found procuring gasoline from those engaged in these illicit activities. This issue has come to the forefront repeatedly in recent days, yet the government’s response has been conspicuously absent.
The seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated. It is imperative that immediate and resolute action is taken to quell this illicit trade, hold those responsible accountable, and safeguard the integrity of the nation’s fuel industry. The entire nation is now eagerly awaiting a determined response from the PMO to address these deeply troubling revelations.
