ISLAMABAD: The federal government has ordered an immediate nationwide crackdown to stop the illegal smuggling of petroleum products from Pakistan, directing provincial administrations and law enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring as regional tensions raise concerns over energy supply security.
In an official communication marked “Most Immediate”, the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control informed authorities that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed strict action to ensure that petroleum, oil and lubricants products are not illegally transported across borders. The directive was issued following a high level meeting on March 3 where the prime minister stressed the need for urgent preventive measures.
Officials said the move comes amid growing uncertainty in global energy supply chains triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East and evolving developments involving Iran. The government believes that illegal cross border movement of fuel could worsen domestic shortages and threaten Pakistan’s energy stability if not curbed immediately.
Under the new directive, provincial governments and law enforcement agencies have been asked to establish strong monitoring systems along border areas, transit routes, fuel storage facilities and distribution networks. Authorities have also been instructed to intensify surveillance to detect and prevent any attempt to smuggle petroleum products through land or maritime routes.
The communication was sent to several key institutions including the Federal Board of Revenue, the Petroleum Division of the Ministry of Energy and the chief secretaries of all provinces along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan administrations. Inspectors general of police across the country and the Islamabad Capital Territory were also directed to coordinate enforcement efforts.
In addition, the directive was shared with the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Islamabad administration to ensure coordination between civil and security institutions. Officials have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and take legal action against individuals or networks involved in the illegal transportation or smuggling of fuel in order to safeguard Pakistan’s energy reserves and maintain stable fuel availability across the country.
