The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has demanded that Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab order the reopening of petrol pumps sealed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) Enforcement and Implementation Department, calling the action illegal.

PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh, Vice Chairman Tariq Hasan, and Anwar Kamal stated that several pumps were sealed just one day after a seven-day notice was issued to rectify the fire-fighting extinguishers. They emphasized that dealers were not given adequate time to comply with safety measures.

Bakhsh called for an inquiry into the sealing actions and stressed that the PPDA, as the representative body, aims to protect its members’ rights and ensure due process. He acknowledged KMC’s focus on public safety but insisted on providing a reasonable opportunity for compliance.

Tariq Hasan highlighted specific petrol pumps that were sealed illegally, while Anwar Kamal urged the immediate desealing of the stations to allow dealers time to comply. The PPDA leaders expressed confidence that the mayor would intervene to address dealers’ concerns while upholding public safety standards.

The closure of petrol stations is reportedly causing significant financial losses and damaging the dealers’ reputation, adversely affecting their businesses.