By Aamir Lashari
Islamabad: The illegal sale of flare gas continues unchecked at dozens of CNG stations across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, many of which are operating dangerously close to residential neighborhoods. This unlawful and unregulated practice not only results in massive tax evasion but also exposes innocent lives to the constant threat of catastrophic accidents.
Sources confirm that a well-connected network — from gas field operators to CNG station owners — is engaged in the undocumented sale of flare gas through gas cylinders. Meanwhile, OGRA’s Enforcement Department and the concerned district administrations have confined themselves to paperwork, showing no serious intent to crack down on this dangerous trade. Although OGRA has suspended licenses of certain stations, the action typically ends with a formal letter to the district administration — with no meaningful enforcement on the ground.
One private CNG station owner candidly admitted:
> “Almost every CNG station is selling flare gas in cylinders, so I’m doing it too.”
This statement alone reveals the scale of the illegal activity — and the near-complete absence of fear or accountability.
When asked for comment, OGRA’s spokesperson stated:
> “OGRA’s responsibility is limited to suspending licenses. It is the district administration’s duty to take enforcement action against illegal gas sales.”
Raja Basharat, former office-bearer of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad CNG Association, when questioned on the flare gas issue, gave a surprising response:
> “OGRA should allow flare gas to be sold at CNG stations. Some owners have even taken this matter to court.”
However, he offered no answer when asked how tax evasion would be prevented or how public safety could be ensured under such a policy.
What makes the matter even more serious is the fact that many of these gas-filling activities are taking place in or near densely populated residential areas. The ongoing filling of high-pressure cylinders with flare gas poses an imminent risk of fires, explosions, or mass casualties — yet the Islamabad district administration have taken no action. Their continued silence raises serious questions about their will.
The danger is not hypothetical. Pakistan has already witnessed several fatal incidents linked to illegal gas refilling. In one of the most tragic cases, a deadly blast occurred in Multan where multiple lives were lost due to illegal storage and sale of gas in a residential area. Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the country, underscoring the urgent need for preventive action.
The issue is no longer just administrative in nature — it has become a matter of public safety and financial crime. The failure of both OGRA and the district administration to act amounts to criminal negligence.
Citizens, safety experts, and industry observers are now urging the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Chief Commissioner Islamabad to take immediate action. The illegal sale of flare gas must be halted, tax evaders prosecuted, and the lives and property of residents protected before another tragedy occurs.
