Pakistan to impose strict penalties for oil and gas theft, including 14-year jail term and ₹3 crore fine

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Amid the oil and gas crisis, the Pakistani government has taken a tough stand and decided to classify illegal storage, theft, and smuggling as terrorism. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the National Assembly on Monday.

According to the Dawn newspaper, the government says that oil mafias attack oil installations and pipelines, then steal and sell the oil at high prices. The proceeds are used to spread terror in the country.

Against this backdrop, the government has decided to introduce stricter legislation to curb such activities. Under the proposed law, oil and gas theft, illegal storage, and smuggling will be considered serious criminal offenses, and if necessary, the accused could be charged under anti-terrorism laws.

Meanwhile, on Monday, news emerged of an attack on an oil pipeline in Balochistan, disrupting supplies to several areas, including Quetta. However, the government has not officially released any information on who was behind the attack.

Key highlights of the proposed law

1. Anyone caught stealing oil or gas will face a criminal case, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to ₹3 crore.

2. Smuggling or illegal storage of oil and gas carries a punishment of up to 10 years. Strict action will also be taken in cases of attacks on petroleum pipelines.

3. A warrant will not be required to arrest the accused; authorities will be able to take action on their own.

4. The law provides for these crimes to be dealt with as strictly as terrorism-related cases, where the minimum punishment can be up to 14 years.