PTA Directs Telecom Operators to File FIRs in Tower Diesel Theft Cases

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has directed telecom operators to ensure that First Information Reports are registered in cases involving the theft of diesel, equipment, or any other material from telecom tower sites, officials told a Senate panel during a briefing on internet issues and telecom infrastructure challenges.

The matter was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Convener Saadia Abbasi. The committee reviewed internet-related concerns across the country, including challenges faced by telecom towers that depend on diesel-powered backup systems.

PTA officials informed the committee that laws already exist to deal with diesel theft and that FIRs are registered in such cases. However, they noted that in many instances, telecom operators do not formally report such incidents to the police.

According to PTA officials, operators have now been instructed that whenever diesel, equipment, or any other item is stolen from telecom infrastructure, an FIR must be lodged. The regulator said the next important step is how telecom companies deal with such incidents after the theft has taken place.

Officials from the Ministry of IT told the committee that better coordination is needed with provincial police officials to address theft cases at telecom tower sites. They said telecom infrastructure faces difficulties in some areas due to security-related challenges, which can affect service continuity.

The ministry further said that PTA is the regulator responsible for telecom operators’ operations under the law. Officials warned that if telecom operators fail to comply with regulatory requirements, action can be taken against them, including possible cancellation of licenses.

PTA officials also briefed the committee that telecom companies are increasingly using cameras and monitoring systems instead of relying only on security guards to monitor theft of diesel or equipment at tower sites.

Diesel theft from telecom towers is a serious operational issue because backup fuel is often required to keep mobile sites functional during power outages. If fuel is stolen and the matter is not reported or addressed in time, it can affect network availability and contribute to service disruption for users.

The discussion highlighted the need for stronger coordination between telecom operators, PTA, the Ministry of IT, and provincial law enforcement agencies to ensure theft incidents are properly reported and telecom services remain stable across the country.

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