The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum narrowly approved the Petroleum Amendment Bill 2025 with a vote of three in favor and two against. This approval came despite strong objections from Balochistan senators, who warned that the bill would harm the livelihoods of people in the province.
According to news reports, the Petroleum Division explained that the bill introduces six new clauses designed to combat the widespread smuggling of petroleum products. The proposed measures include empowering authorities to seal filling stations selling smuggled fuel, confiscate equipment, and take action against vehicles involved in the illegal trade. Customs officials would also be authorized to seize vehicles transporting smuggled petroleum.
Additionally, the bill would grant deputy commissioners magisterial powers to manage confiscated goods and impose penalties on offenders.
Senator Umar Farooq, the committee chairman, stated that recommendations would be added to the legislation to minimize negative effects on the public. The petroleum secretary assured lawmakers that the bill was necessary to stop the smuggling of petroleum products worth billions of rupees, which undermines state revenue and benefits smuggling cartels rather than transporters. He clarified that the bill would specifically target large oil tankers carrying more than 40,000 liters of smuggled fuel, and not motorcycles or smaller vehicles.
However, Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey criticized the bill, arguing it would devastate the economy of Balochistan, where 5,000 to 6,000 small vehicles used for transporting fuel had already been seized. He warned that such enforcement could cause resentment in the province.
Senator Saadia Abbasi echoed concerns, urging further consultations with the petroleum industry and provincial stakeholders before rushing the legislation. She emphasized that the bill would directly affect the people of Balochistan and insisted that passing it without input from the province would be counterproductive. She also requested a meeting with Federal Board of Revenue and Customs officials for further clarification.
