KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has restrained the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) from taking coercive action against petrol pumps following a petition filed by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA).
Constitutional Bench No. 2 of the Sindh High Court issued the stay order on Monday while hearing petitions filed by Madina Filling Station, Makkah Mobile Service and Naseer Gasoline Service.
According to the PPDA, the court order prevents KMC officials from forcibly shutting down or taking other coercive measures against petrol pumps.
PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh said the court had accepted the dealers’ position regarding KMC’s authority, adding that the corporation could not conduct raids or take forcible action against petrol stations in the manner being challenged.
Following the court order, petrol pump operators have been directed to resume their operations. Dealers have also been advised to inform KMC officials about the court’s order if they visit their premises.
PPDA Vice Chairman Tariq Hasan described the development as a major success for the association, saying the dealers had successfully presented their position before the court regarding the scope of KMC’s powers.
The stay order provides temporary relief to petrol pump operators while the underlying legal matter remains before the Sindh High Court.