LAHORE – Instead of finding actual culprits in meter theft case, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) has registered a case against a private contractor in Hanjarwal. Some of the company’s officials are aware of the importance of case but they are overlooking actual culprits, the sources in SNGPL told Pakistan Today on Thursday.
The meter went missing from SNGPL Gulberg office about three weeks back.
A private contractor Muhammad Amir is being held responsible for installing a stolen meter in a house. The sources in the company reported that SNGPL officials using private contractors are involved in stealing meters from SNGPL offices. These officials used to install the meters after getting bribed by the consumers. They said that these officials have remained unchecked for the last many years as they are using private contractors as ‘front men’; whenever any person is caught, he is punished and SNGPL officials are not questioned.
In this incident, Amir along with three other associates went to install a gas meter in a house in Hanjarwal area, a week ago. They switched off the gas supply from the line to install meter but the locals mistook them as thieves and called police emergency. The police reached the spot, arrested Amir after initial interrogation and registered a case against him. However, no one questioned Amir on the origin of the gas meter and reason of installing it in a home.
“How is it possible a private contractor managed to get a gas meter from SNGPL Gulberg office installed it at a home without any fear,” said a source adding, “Only Amir is held responsible for theft while SNGPL officials involved in meter theft were not interrogated.”
The sources said if SNGPL top management take interest in this case and try to find actual thieves, this case would provide important information and real thieves can be exposed. The interrogation officer of Hanjarwal police station remained unavailable to Pakistan Today despite repeated calls.
