KARACHI: Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has launched a grand operation against the illegal petrol pumps located in different areas of the city.
Details reveal the special teams of IATF comprising of Pakistan Customs, Pakistan Rangers, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Pakistan Coast Guards, Maritime Security Force and Sindh police raided illegal petrol pumps in different areas of the city and demolished the petrol pumps while seizing thousands of litres of smuggled petrol.
Sources confirmed Customs Today that 32 illegal petrol pumps have been demolished by IATF during crackdown operation in Manghopir, Baldia, Orangi, Korangi and Malir areas.
They further said that the officials of IATF, who took part in crack down operation, have also arrested dozens of alleged persons during the crackdown.
To a query, the sources disclosed that the IATF will continue its crackdown on illegal petrol pumps and will further increase its ambit to other areas of the city in next phase.
“Crackdown on illegal petrol pumps would also be conducted at RCD Highway, National Highway, Super Highway and Northern By-pass”, they added.
Sources further revealed that the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) with collaboration of Inter Agency Task Force will conduct anti-smuggling operations against smugglers in deep sea.
It is pertinent to mention here that after the orders issued by Supreme of Pakistan in September, 2013 during the hearing of Karachi unrest case, the Inter-Agency Task Force consisting of all major Law Enforcing Agencies was being constituted by the Federal Government. It was authorized to keep a vigilant eye on movement of contrabands/smuggled items in and outside the country.