Quetta (HRNW)- The Balochistan government has decided to permanently ban the sale and import of illegal Iranian petrol due to economic risks and security concerns. According to a government report, 2.8 billion litres of petrol and diesel are smuggled from Iran through Balochistan annually, causing a loss of about Rs 227 billion to the national exchequer.
Following a joint report by security agencies, the government has taken effective steps to stop the illegal import of Iranian oil and has tightened surveillance on the 900-km border with Iran. In this regard, the Quetta district administration has sealed more than 600 illegal Iranian petrol pumps in Quetta. Commissioner Quetta Division Hamza Shafqat has confirmed this action. On the other hand, opposition members of the Balochistan Assembly have strongly criticized the government’s decision and termed it harmful to the economic situation of the province.
The trading community has also expressed its reservations and said that this ban will increase unemployment and poverty in the province.
zv0p55