SSGC removes 1,500 illegal gas connections in Karachi, arrests four suspects

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has removed over 1,500 illegal gas connections and arrested four suspects during a series of raids across multiple localities in Karachi, as part of its expanded crackdown on gas theft.

According to SSGC, joint teams from the Security Services and Counter Gas Theft Operations Department, Customer Relations Department and Recovery Department conducted coordinated operations in Malir, F.B. Area and Bin Qasim.

In one raid at Dhani Parto Goth, Malir, the team recovered an underground PVC pipeline used to illegally divert gas to a local bakery. Police arrested Barkat Ali Lashari, and an FIR was filed.

A second raid at New Quetta Bismillah Hotel in the same area found gas theft being carried out by directly puncturing SSGC’s service line. Suspect Dildar Ali was taken into custody at the scene.

In a larger operation nearby, two individuals, Zameer Hussain and Shahzado Mastoi, were arrested for tapping into a 6-inch main distribution line. The line was supplying illegal connections to around 1,000 households, with the accused reportedly collecting Rs8,000 in advance and Rs2,000 per month from each consumer. 

SSGC said a mob attempted to obstruct the disconnection, but the intervention of the assistant commissioner allowed the team to complete the operation.

At Kashan Nimco & Bakers in F.B. Area, the company found a tampered meter designed to reverse consumption readings. An FIR was registered against Muhammad Kashan Kalam.

In another crackdown at Ali Muhammad Jokhio Goth, Bin Qasim, a direct underground connection from a 63mm distribution line was discovered supplying gas to around 500 households, with charges of Rs25,000 in advance and Rs1,500 monthly per consumer. FIRs were registered against Muneer Ahmed Soomro, Pehlwan, and Aijaz.

SSGC said all illegal connections were removed on the spot and reiterated that gas theft is a criminal offence. The company stated it will continue its zero-tolerance policy and urged consumers to report violations to help curb the practice.