KARACHI: An alarming new route for the organized smuggling of Iranian diesel into Karachi has been exposed, posing a significant threat to the nation’s formal economy and domestic fuel market. Sources indicate that smugglers are now utilizing the ‘Band Murad’ corridor in Balochistan to efficiently channel vast quantities of illicit fuel into the metropolitan city.
Crucially, the smuggling operation reportedly continues unabated despite the presence of established security checkpoints along the Band Murad road and the Northern Bypass. Sources revealed that dozens of illegal nozzle depots have been set up at Band Murad, from where the diesel is transported into Karachi using heavy vehicles like trailers, trucks, and dumpers.
The illicit fuel reaches the Manghopir check post area via road, with illegal nozzle depots operating continuously up to Gulshan-e-Maimar along the Northern Bypass.
Regarding law enforcement efforts, Rangers officials recently reported a major crackdown, seizing millions of liters of diesel along with associated machinery and digital meters. However, in a statement that highlights a regulatory disconnect, the spokesperson for the West District Police claimed to have no knowledge of any ongoing diesel smuggling or illegal sales within their jurisdiction.
