Islamabad – In a decisive midnight operation, Pakistan State Oil (PSO), in close coordination with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), successfully intercepted an organized oil theft syndicate operating on the Sihala–ARL pipeline on the night of 15–16 July 2026.
The operation was triggered at 2345 hours following the detection of a sudden pressure drop in the pipeline. Acting on prior intelligence and continuous surveillance of a suspected location on Kahuta Road, PSO immediately alerted the LEAs.
In a swift joint response, the security teams moved in and at approximately 0215 hours apprehended the suspects red-handed while they were illegally extracting petroleum product from the pipeline.
Key Recoveries:
• 2 vehicles seized: Shahzore / Hyundai trucks used in the theft
• ∼800 litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) loaded in vehicles
• ∼1,000 litres of HSD recovered from storage tanks
• ∼200 litres of HSD found in drums and 20/50-litre cans
• Associated equipment used for illegal tapping also confiscated
All suspects, along with the seized vehicles, recovered product, and equipment, have been handed over to Sihala Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
This operation underscores PSO’s zero-tolerance policy toward fuel theft and its commitment to protecting national energy infrastructure. The successful interdiction was made possible through real-time monitoring, actionable intelligence, and the prompt action of our LEA partners.
PSO remains dedicated to safeguarding the country’s energy supply chain and will continue to work closely with law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks targeting critical infrastructure.
