The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, has ordered the federal and provincial agencies to launch a crackdown against pilferers of gas and electricity to prevent huge losses to the national exchequer, said an official press release. According to the press release, the authorities of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited had detected massive gas theft about a week ago and briefed the PM about both gas and electricity theft cases detected by the squad during the last fortnight in line with directions by Sharif and the Punjab chief minister. The prime minister appreciated the efforts of the squad and directed them to accelerate the drive and ensure that all those involved in gas and power theft were brought to book for plundering national resources. \"This is a serious crime and all elements involved must be dealt with an iron hand in accordance with the law. Criminal cases should be registered against them besides recovering detection bills,\" he added. The Federal Minister for Water and Power, Federal Minister for Petroleum and National Resources, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting and local National Assembly members also attended the briefing.