Pakistan State Oil (PSO), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies (LEAs), has dismantled an organised fuel theft syndicate during a late-night operation targeting illegal activity on the Sihala–Attock Refinery Limited (ARL) pipeline.

According to PSO, the operation was launched after a sudden pressure drop was detected in the pipeline at 11:45pm on July 15, prompting immediate action based on prior intelligence and continuous surveillance of a suspected site along Kahuta Road. Joint security teams raided the location and apprehended the suspects at around 2:15am while they were illegally extracting petroleum products.

During the operation, authorities seized two vehicles used in the theft, recovered approximately 2,000 litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) from vehicles, storage tanks and containers, and confiscated equipment used for illegal pipeline tapping.

All suspects, along with the recovered fuel, vehicles and equipment, have been handed over to Sihala Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

PSO said the successful operation reflects its zero-tolerance policy against fuel theft and highlights the effectiveness of real-time monitoring, intelligence-led surveillance and close coordination with law enforcement agencies to safeguard Pakistan's critical energy infrastructure.