PESHAWAR: Civil society activists from Karak district have demanded of the government to initiate probe against the foreign oil exploration company, MOL, for its alleged involvement in the theft of what they claimed Rs20 billion worth of crude oil from the main pipeline in the area.

Talking to Dawn here on Monday, they alleged that the MOL officials, including its vice president, chief operating officer, security in-charge and community in-charge, were directly involved in the oil theft.

They said that MOL, which wasa consortium of oil exploration companies, had only 8.5 per cent stakes in the oil exploration activities in the Thall block, while rest of the 91.5 per cent stakes were owned by Pakistan companies.

They wondered why the local companies were silent about the huge theft of crude oil in Karak district.

They said that the provincial assembly had also debated the issue and had directed the chief secretary to conduct inquiry and present a report to the House within one week, but to no avail.

The civil society activists said that the MOL community welfare officer had adopted a dual policy to oblige the local communities tocover the oil theft case.

They said that the MOL community in-charge, security incharge, chief operating officer and others were trying to silence the community voice by making false promises with the vocal activists that oil transportation and other contracts would be awarded to them.

They alleged that the MOL officials had also ignored the local educated youth in employments and awarded jobs to the people from other areas.

They alleged that recently a non-local youth, who had obtained 3GPA in his master degree from a private university, was employed in the company while those localyouth who had over 3.8GPA were ignored.

They alleged that the MOL officials were involved in selling out jobs to non-locals on huge payments.

Furthermore, they said that the Senate standing committee on oil and gas had also taken notice of the activities of MOL.

They said that the security agencies and police had also alerted the MOL company about the oil theft eight months ago, but they ignored it to make quick buck. They demanded of the government that a high level probe should be ordered into the affairs of MOL company and take action against its officials in Karak.