RAWALPINDI: The amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dhok Mangtal, Rawalpindi City, has urged the authorities to allow the laying of approved gas pipelines in Union Council No 4, Dhok Mangtal, warning that residents may approach the court if the work is obstructed.
In a press statement, he said gas pipelines had been laid in UC-4 Dhok Mangtal about 50 years ago. He said the lines were suitable for the population at that time, but with the passage of time the area had become densely populated and the old pipelines, particularly the very thin lines laid inside the streets, had become inadequate.
He said approval had been granted some time ago to replace the old lines with better pipelines, and work had also started in the area. According to the statement, larger gas pipelines were being laid as a requirement of the time.
He said gas pipelines on the main roads had been laid earlier, apparently in 2025, while a line had also been laid inside the locality, particularly in Street No 27 of Mohallah Farooqia.
However, he alleged that in some areas, former PML-N vice chairman of UC-4 Haji Riaz, in coordination with a WASA contractor, suddenly started laying sewerage lines in some streets, including Street No 39 and Street No 34. He claimed the sewerage lines were protruding above the streets and rough gravel had been placed over them to make the lanes usable, describing it as part of a “fund-consuming” exercise.
The statement said that in the streets where sewerage lines had been laid, gas pipelines, which according to the contractor were approved by Sui Gas, were not being allowed to be installed. It quoted the contractor as saying, on behalf of Haji Riaz, that gravel had already been placed in those streets.
The JI leader said the gas pipeline work had already started and the lines were being changed after 50 years. He said residents were facing serious difficulties without replacement of the old gas lines.
“We strongly demand of the authorities that the gas pipelines be allowed to be laid. Otherwise, we will be compelled to approach the court,” the statement said on behalf of the residents of the area.
