By Qasim Ali
LAHORE,: On the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a province-wide crackdown has been launched against hoarders and profiteers involved in stockpiling petroleum products.According to an official statement, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) has been mobilised across the province to take strict action against elements creating artificial shortages to earn illegal profits.Under the directives, petrol pumps found involved in hoarding or profiteering will be sealed immediately and their licences cancelled.CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authority to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hoarders and instructed field officers to ensure strict monitoring of petrol pumps throughout the province.The CM said a strong enforcement mechanism had been put in place against the so-called “petrol mafia,” adding that no one would be allowed to exploit the public by creating panic or artificial shortages.The CM also clarified that sufficient petroleum products were available across the province and urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours. She further warned that those spreading speculation or false claims about petroleum shortages would face strict action under the law.
