Police fails to curb incidents of gas meters theft.

ISLAMABAD -- The residents of Islamabad have complained against a sudden surge in the incidents of gas meters' theft alleging that the activity was being carried out in connivance with the relevant department's racketeers.

Gas meters of government officials' houses have been stolen in residential areas of Islamabad. A resident of sector G-6 whose meter was stolen, said when his daughter woke up for preparing Sehri, there was no gas in the stove.

He said our family thought it was load-shedding but they were astonished to know that their gas meter was lifted in the darkness of night. He said 4-5 more meters in a day light were also ripped-off from the locality and one of the journalist in his neighborhood was also among the victims.

He also complained for police's sluggish attitude in tracing the culprits who only lodge report instead of making efforts to expose those involved in this crime.

Another victim of the gas meter theft, who resides near Melody, said he was not the only victim but many people are deprived of their meters in a quick succession of time.

He said people are now installing steel cages around their meters to lock them to ensure their safety. 'Once a meter is stolen it is herculean task to get a new-one installed to restore the facility', he remarked.

The victims said that they contacted relevant office of SNGPL to inform about the incident but of no use. They said that hefty fee is charged for re-installation of the meter and the consumers have to face the entire financial burden in case of such loss.

One of the gas consumer said that an ordinary thief cannot dare to sell the state's property because nobody is willing to buy it even a rag dealer. He termed it concerned department's black sheep's' activity, who he said, may be...