The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has uncovered a large-scale crude oil theft operation and an illegal refinery in Tando Allahyar district, Sindh, in a major crackdown on energy-related crimes.
The theft involved illegal tapping of the Kunnar Pasakhi Deep (KPD)-TAY oil field pipeline near Tando Jam, close to the Machhi Hotel police check post. According to OGDC, the stolen crude oil was being transported to an illegal refinery, where it was processed and sold in the local market.
Coordinated Investigation and Surveillance Operation
OGDC initiated a comprehensive investigation in January 2026, working in close coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to trace the theft network.
After weeks of surveillance and technical tracking, authorities successfully identified:
- Multiple illegal tapping points along the pipeline
- The exact location of the illegal refining facility
A large-scale raid was conducted in the Siri area of New Hyderabad City, involving:
- Eight police vehicles
- Five OGDC vehicles
- Additional support from an intelligence agency
During the operation, authorities recovered refining equipment and a significant quantity of stolen crude oil.
FIR Registered Against Key Suspects
Following the raid, law enforcement authorities registered a case at Tando Jam police station against the alleged gang leader Wazir Daudani and his accomplices, including:
- Ghani Daudani
- Badshah Nizamani
- Mabaan Nizamani
- Six additional unidentified individuals
The FIR was lodged on the complaint of an OGDC security supervisor at the Pasakhi Oil Field. Authorities also seized three Suzuki vehicles and a Mazda truck used to transport stolen crude oil.
Call for Strict Legal Action Under Anti-Terrorism Laws
OGDC has called for strict legal action against those involved, including proceedings under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The company emphasized that the scale of the operation and its impact on critical energy infrastructure make it a serious national security concern.
Protecting Pakistan’s Energy Infrastructure
OGDC’s proactive efforts to identify and dismantle the theft network have prevented substantial financial losses to the national exchequer. At a time of rising energy costs and regional instability, such actions are crucial to safeguarding Pakistan’s energy resources.
The incident highlights the importance of enhanced surveillance, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and inter-agency coordination to combat illegal activities in the oil and gas sector.
Strengthening Energy Security Through Enforcement
This successful operation reinforces OGDC’s commitment to protecting national assets, ensuring transparency, and maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s energy supply chain. By tackling oil theft and illegal refining, the company continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s energy security.
