PESHAWAR: The Khattak Qaumi Jirga, a grouping of political parties in Karak, has complained about massive theft of crude oil from the main pipeline in the district and demanded action against thieves.

Accompanied by Farid Toofan of ANP–Wali and Mian Nisar Gul of JUI-Fazl, KQJ president Rehmat Salam Khattak, who is a senior PML-N leader, said some people stole thousands of litres of crude oil every night after damaging the main pipeline, while the relevant authorities were indifferent to the unlawful activity.

“We demand immediate inquiry into the theft by the National Accountability Bureau for action against thieves,” he said.

Flanked by Awami National Party –Wali provincial President Farid Khan Toofan and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Mian Nisar Gul, Khattak claimed that 75,000-100,000 litres of crude oil were stolen every night and thus causing huge losses to the kitty.

He said the stolen oil was supplied in tankers to illegal filling stations.

Jirga insists thousands of litres of oil stolen in Karak every night

“The theft has been underway for eight months. It appears all this is happening with the connivance of the administration otherwise it would have cracked down on outlaws,” he said.

Farid Toofan alleged some politically well-connected people were involved in the theft, so the government didn’t step in.

He said 75 per cent of the province’s gas was produced in the district but the government had yet to provide local residents with the relevant rights.

Toofan said Nashfa oil field should be named Khattak oil field and that oil royalty for Karak should be increased for the backward district’s development.

He said the KQJ won’t allow the shifting of the proposed oil refinery from Karak saying to other district.

“Amjad Afridi (adviser to the chief minister) is trying to relocate the refinery to his home district, Kohat. However, we won’t let him do it,” he said.

Mian Nisar Gul said it was unfortunate that the provincial government had kept mysterious silence on the matter.

He said despite tall claims of PTI chairman Imran Khan, the government had yet to reform the police in the province.

The JUI-F leader said crude oil was stolen at three points near road being constructed but the police had turned a blind eye to it.

He said the people of Karak were right in raising voice for own rights and that political parties would continue supporting them.

Published in Dawn, November 25th , 2014