PESHAWAR: Gas worth approximately Rs4.294 billion was reportedly stolen in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the 2025-26 financial year, while the overall gas loss rate in the province also increased compared with the previous fiscal year.
According to official data, gas theft in the southern districts resulted in an estimated financial loss of around Rs357.8 million per month, equivalent to approximately Rs11.8 million per day.
Available figures further show that gas losses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased by around 3.5 percent compared with the 2024-25 financial year.
Gas Officials Allege Lack of Provincial Government Cooperation
Officials responsible for gas supply and loss control in the southern districts claim that efforts to curb gas theft have been hampered by what they describe as a lack of adequate cooperation from the provincial government.
Gas officials have also alleged that the reported increase in illegal gas use and theft is linked to the alleged patronage of certain political figures.
These claims have been attributed to the gas authorities and have not been independently verified.
Blast During Alleged Illegal Gas Connection in Karak
Meanwhile, an explosion occurred near Nishpa in Karak district while an alleged attempt was being made to obtain an illegal connection from a gas pipeline.
Several people, including children, were reportedly injured in the incident and were shifted to hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities are investigating the incident as well as the reported attempt to establish an illegal connection to the gas pipeline. Further details are awaited.
