Punjab CNG closure contempt of court: Ghiyas Paracha

Lahore: The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Friday said authorities have hastened their efforts to destroy the Rs 450 billion CNG sector which is providing economical fuel to masses, cheap transportation to commuters and jobs to millions.

Prime Minister should take note of the situation as conspiracies are being hatched to hurt the sector which is contributing billions of rupees in taxes and reducing oil import bill as well as combating pollution, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA.

In a statement issued here today, he said that government has refused to fulfil promise to resume supply of natural gas to the Punjab CNG sector after biting winter while authorities have refused to obey orders of Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court, Multan Bench regarding resumption of gas supply.

The closure of CNG sector in Punjab is sheer violation of orders of the High Courts which amounts to contempt of court, he underlined.

Ghiyas Paracha said that the High Court has declared Government’s Gas Priority List as null and void observing that CNG sector has no alternative to gas and that the sector cannot be denied of it right to do business.

He said that CNG filling stations have been closed in the areas from where the ruling party got most of the votes while the areas that supported parties other than PML-N are getting natural gas without interruption.

Paracha noted that SNGPL and ministry of petroleum have been committing atrocities to benefit some sector on the cost of tens of millions of masses which is unacceptable.

He said that CNG association would continue to fight for its just rights and will be forced to take action against conspirators if supplies were not resumed within two days.