ISLAMABAD: Pakistan State Oil (PSO), in a coordinated intelligence-led operation with Islamabad Police, foiled an attempted fuel theft on the Sihala–Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) pipeline in the early hours of Wednesday, arresting two suspects at the scene.
According to details, PSO’s monitoring systems at the Sihala Terminal detected an abnormal pressure drop along the pipeline at approximately 4:30am. Acting on prior intelligence and real-time surveillance, PSO’s security team immediately alerted Islamabad Police, after which a joint raid was launched within 30 minutes.
The responding teams caught the suspects in the act and dismantled an active theft clamp fitted to the pipeline. Officials recovered approximately 1,000 litres of High-Speed Diesel stored in drums and cans, a loader vehicle allegedly used in the attempt, and illegal tapping equipment.
The suspects, recovered fuel and vehicle were handed over to Sihala Police for formal case registration and legal proceedings. The site was secured and restored to safe operating condition.
“Fuel theft is not only a crime against national assets, it endangers lives and communities. PSO maintains zero tolerance for illegal tapping and will continue to pursue perpetrators to the full extent of the law,” a PSO spokesperson said.
PSO said it remains committed to safeguarding the country’s energy supply chain and continues to work with federal and provincial authorities to protect critical infrastructure.
