RAWALPINDI: The task force of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline (SNGPL) continued its crackdown on gas thieves, besides discovering a 1.5-km-long illegal gas pipeline on the outskirts of Federal Capital Territory.

As many as five consumers of Sui Gas were arrested by the police on charges of gas theft. A departmental proceeding was also initiated against them.

As per a spokesman for the SNGPL, the task force of the Sui Gas Department has initiated disciplinary action after taking possession of the illegal pipeline discovered in the Vani Gujran area of Islamabad.

He said the task force had launched a crackdown on gas thieves in Sectors F-8, G-15, G-16, Islamabad, Royal Avenue, Chatta Bakhtawar and Baga Sheikhan, and has also disconnected the connections of eight consumers involved in the commercial use of domestic connections and removed the meters.

Departmental disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated by filing an FIR against five more citizens involved in gas theft.

He said during the recent operation, a fine of Rs2.5 million had also been imposed on the gas consumers involved in gas theft.

The spokesman further said that the ongoing operation against gas thieves would continue until the last illegal connection is disconnected.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2023