New Delhi: Amidst the oil and gas crisis, the Pakistani government has made a major decision on oil and gas theft. A bill was introduced in the National Assembly on Monday, March 30, regarding illegal storage and theft of oil and gas.
Upon passage, the bill will make it a crime to hoard, smuggle, and illegally store oil and gas in Pakistan. The government can also invoke a terror act against the accused. The bill is introduced in view of the energy crisis due to the conflict in West Asia. The Pakistani government also claimed that the Mafia attacked oil fields and then stored oil and ultimately sold it at a high price, Dawn newspaper reported.
The government accused terrorists of damaging the pipelines and then selling oil and gas through mafias. The money was then utilised in spreading terror in the country. By seeing all activities, the Pakistani government decided to introduce the crime amendment bill for stricter laws.
In Balochistan, oil pipelines were attacked, disrupting supplies in multiple regions, including Balochistan’s capital, Quetta, on Monday. However, the government didn’t provide any information about the accused.
What is the new energy bill?
Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar introduced the bill in the National Assembly, stating that if any individual is nabbed for stealing oil or gas, a criminal case will be registered against them. A fine of up to PKR 3 crore will be imposed, and a sentence of 14 years in jail.
Similarly, anyone caught smuggling or storing oil or gas can face up to 10 years in jail. According to the new law, officials wouldn’t need a warrant to arrest a person in connection with an oil and gas case. The government treated terrorists similarly, as they also face a minimum of 14 years of sentence in prison, and no warrant is required to arrest them.
Authorities can take action against the person suo motu in connection with an oil or gas case.