The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken serious notice of diesel theft worth millions of rupees from the joint pipeline network of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pak-Arab Refinery Company (PARCO). The issue was raised during a subcommittee meeting, following a letter by MNA Jamshed Dasti, who highlighted large-scale oil theft at Mahmood Kot.

According to the letter, a significant quantity of diesel has been stolen from the pipelines over time, resulting in financial losses worth billions. The PAC has reacted strongly and is considering forwarding the case to NAB or any other independent investigative authority for further inquiry.

PSO Acknowledges Lapses, Action Taken

The Managing Director of PSO admitted that 17 vehicles involved in diesel theft have been recovered. Additionally, six employees were found responsible—five of whom have already been dismissed. Despite this, MNA Jamshed Dasti criticized the PSO management, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the situation.

He claimed that senior officials, including the MD, never visited the site to assess the ground reality. “Only junior staff were blamed, while the big names went untouched,” Dasti added.

A Major Administrative Failure

The Secretary of Petroleum Division called it a “huge lapse” in the system and stressed the need for an independent investigation. The committee also requested an environmental audit of the affected areas to determine any long-term impact caused by the leakage and theft.

What Happens Next?

The matter has now been handed over to the PAC’s subcommittee for a deeper investigation. Legal recommendations and possible actions will soon be presented in the full PAC meeting. The goal is to identify those responsible, recover financial losses, and prevent such incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The case has once again brought to light the systemic issues in Pakistan’s energy and petroleum sectors. Without strict monitoring and accountability, such incidents can continue to cause huge financial damage to the country. It is now up to PAC and other state institutions to ensure that proper action is taken, and those responsible are held accountable.