Islamabad, September 4, 2026 — Pakistan State Oil (PSO), in an intelligence-based joint action with Islamabad Police, foiled an attempted fuel theft on the Sihala–Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) pipeline in the early hours of Wednesday and arrested two suspects.
According to details, PSO’s monitoring systems at the Sihala Terminal detected an unusual pressure drop on the pipeline at around 4:30am. Acting on prior intelligence and real-time surveillance, the PSO security team immediately informed Islamabad Police. A joint raid was carried out within 30 minutes.
During the operation, the raiding teams caught the suspects in the act. An active theft clamp installed on the pipeline was removed, while two suspects were taken into custody from the spot.
The teams also recovered around 1,000 litres of High-Speed Diesel kept in drums and cans, a loader vehicle allegedly used in the theft attempt, and illegal tapping equipment.
The arrested suspects, recovered diesel and vehicle were handed over to Sihala Police for registration of a formal case and further legal proceedings. The affected site was secured and restored to safe operating condition.
A PSO spokesperson said fuel theft was not only a crime against national assets but also posed a serious threat to lives and communities. The spokesperson added that PSO had zero tolerance for illegal tapping and would continue to pursue those involved to the fullest extent of the law.
PSO said it remains committed to protecting the country’s energy supply chain and continues to work with federal and provincial authorities to safeguard critical infrastructure.
