PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Agency (KP-EPA) has declared a major oil terminal in Nowshera a “threat” due to environmental pollution and has issued notices to its operators, including the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Shell Oil Terminals.
The action was initiated by the EPA following a request from Taimur Kamal, a member of the Pabbi Tehsil Council.
An EPA notification states that action has been taken against the PSO Oil Terminal in Pabbi based on complaints regarding environmental pollution. A subsequent inspection conducted on November 7, 2025, confirmed violations of environmental laws at the site.
Consequently, the management of the PSO Oil Terminal has been summoned for a personal hearing scheduled for March 17, 2026. The EPA has specifically directed PSO’s Manager-in-charge, Arbab Ishaq, and the Shell Depot In-charge, Usama Yousaf, to appear at the hearing.
The notices have been issued under Section 17 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Act 2014. Under this law, violations of environmental regulations can attract substantial fines, ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70 million. In cases where the violation continues, an additional fine of up to Rs 100,000 per day can be imposed.
The EPA has warned that unilateral action will be taken if the terminal management fails to appear on the stipulated date. Furthermore, the EPA note alleges that the Shell depot is also illegally using public roads for oil supply operations.
Copies of the notice have been dispatched to the Deputy Commissioner of Nowshera and the EPA headquarters for further coordination and monitoring.
