senate slams 20year

Senate slams 20-year delay in gas supply to Ghotki villages

ByJustpaste.in

Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee on Petroleum has expressed serious concern over a delay of more than 20 years in providing gas to localities within five kilometers of Pakistan’s gas fields, highlighting administrative lapses despite directives from the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court. The Sub Committee, chaired by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo, called for accountability of the authorities responsible for failing to implement these binding instructions, particularly in Ghotki, one of the country’s major gas producing and densely populated districts.

During the session, MNA and subcommittee members reviewed the progress of gasification projects, noting that out of 57 villages identified in Ghotki, only 42 fall within the five kilometer radius of gas fields. Despite being included in earlier phases of the project in 2021, several schemes remain incomplete. Senator Haji Hidayatullah also raised concerns about ungasified localities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing that many eligible areas were still awaiting service.

Officials informed the committee that approximately Rs670 million is required to complete gasification in Ghotki, while around Rs1 billion may be made available in phases. The funding will be released as a grant and not through the PSDP, with the Petroleum Ministry responsible for preparing a phased implementation mechanism. The committee instructed the Ministry to present a comprehensive plan within a week, detailing timelines, responsibilities, and funding strategies to ensure full compliance with Supreme Court orders.

The Sub Committee criticized inconsistent and potentially misleading information previously provided by the Director General (Gas), Petroleum Division. The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Privileges to ensure future information is accurate, complete, and supported by official records. Additionally, the absence of the OGRA Chairman, despite prior directions to attend, was strongly noted. The committee decided to inform the Cabinet Division and request his presence at the next meeting to provide viable solutions.

The Managing Director of SSGC briefed the committee that Rs480 million had been used in accordance with existing subsidy and tariff provisions, but emphasized the need for a structured, transparent mechanism to ensure funds reach the intended localities. The Sub Committee also requested the Attorney General for Pakistan to attend the next meeting to explain the legal implications of Supreme Court judgments on gas provision.

Senator Abro underscored that the directions of both the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court must be implemented “in letter and spirit,” warning that no further undue delay would be tolerated. The Sub Committee emphasized the importance of a fully funded, transparent, and time bound strategy to ensure that all eligible villages in Ghotki, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other regions within the five kilometer radius of gas fields receive gas access without further postponement.

The next meeting date and time will be announced separately, with expectations that all relevant stakeholders, including the OGRA Chairman, SNGPL representatives, and the Attorney General, will be present to finalize implementation plans.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Khawaja Asif says Mir Raza case exposes compromise…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised the Sindh government over the investigation into the Mir Raza case. He said the developments emerging from the case suggest that the entire system had been compromised. In a social media post, Asif said continued attention was needed to ensure that the matter was investigated properly. He warned that any previous attempts to settle or cover up the issue should not be repeated. The defence minister also called for those who allegedly tried to conceal facts in the case to be exposed. His remarks came as questions continued to be raised over the handling of the Mir Raza case. The case has attracted attention because of conflicting information and concerns about the progress of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Sindh government has decided to establish a judicial commission to investigate the Mir Raza murder case. Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar said the provincial government wanted justice for Mir Raza’s family. He said a new committee had also been formed to examine the matter. Lanjar said the authorities would allow the judicial commission or the court to determine how conflicting reports should be dealt with. The government’s decision to form a judicial commission is expected to provide another forum for examining the circumstances surrounding the case. It may also help clarify conflicting accounts and determine responsibility based on the available evidence.

  • Pakistan discovers lithium in underground brine

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad – Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has achieved a major scientific milestone by confirming the presence of lithium in underground formation water (brine) in Pakistan for the first time. The concentration is reported to be comparable to that found in some of the world’s well-known lithium-bearing geothermal brines. According to sources, the discovery was made during advanced geochemical analysis of formation water obtained from a successfully tested high-temperature geothermal well under OGDCL’s pilot geothermal program. Senior OGDCL officials told The News that this is the first discovery of its kind in Pakistan. With this achievement, Pakistan has joined the list of countries exploring geothermal brine as a potential source of lithium. Lithium is considered a critical mineral in the global transition to clean energy. It is an essential component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, large-scale energy storage systems and a wide range of advanced technologies.

  • | | |

    13 militants killed in Balochistan operation: secu…

    ByJustpaste.in

    QUETTA: Security forces continued intelligence-based operations under Operation Azm in Balochistan, carrying out another targeted raid against suspected militants in Mastung district. According to security sources, the latest operation resulted in the killing of several militants, bringing the total number of militants killed during the ongoing operation to 13. Security sources said the operation was conducted in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung after intelligence reports indicated the presence of armed militants in the region. Troops launched a coordinated operation and engaged the suspects during the raid. According to the sources, several militants were killed during the exchange. Officials did not disclose the exact number of militants killed in the latest action but confirmed that the overall death toll in the operation has now reached 13. The operation also targeted militant infrastructure in the area. Security sources said multiple hideouts allegedly linked to the group referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan were destroyed. They added that dismantling these hideouts is part of broader efforts to disrupt militant activities and prevent future attacks. During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosives and materials allegedly used to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Officials said the recovered items would be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Sources further claimed that several militants were injured during the operation. However, the exact number of those wounded has not been confirmed, and no official details have been released regarding their identities. Security officials said intelligence-based operations are continuing across different parts of Balochistan to eliminate militant networks and improve the overall security situation. They added that such operations are being carried out on the basis of intelligence information to target suspected militant hideouts. According to security sources, the campaign against militant groups will continue until terrorist networks are dismantled and peace and stability are restored across the province. They reiterated the commitment of security forces to maintain pressure on armed groups through sustained intelligence-led operations.

  • | | |

    Pakistan clinches central Asian Volleyball champio…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Pakistan emerged as the champions of the Central Asian Volleyball Championship after defeating Bangladesh in straight sets in the tournament final held in Islamabad. The national team delivered a commanding performance throughout the competition, remaining unbeaten and securing the prestigious title with an impressive display of teamwork and skill. In the championship final, Pakistan outclassed Bangladesh in three consecutive sets to seal a comfortable victory. The final scores were 25-20, 25-16, and 25-20, reflecting Pakistan’s dominance from the start of the match to the final point. The team maintained control in all three sets, displaying strong attacking play, effective blocking, and disciplined defense to prevent Bangladesh from mounting a comeback. The tournament featured six participating teams from the Central Asian region. Pakistan enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning every match it played and finishing the event with an unbeaten record. Their consistent performances throughout the championship demonstrated the team’s growing strength and highlighted the significant progress made by volleyball in the country. The final attracted enthusiastic support from local fans, who cheered the national team as they secured another major international volleyball title. Pakistan’s players showed remarkable composure under pressure, while their coordination and tactical execution proved too strong for the Bangladeshi side. The victory further strengthened Pakistan’s reputation as one of the leading volleyball nations in the region. In the match for third place, Sri Lanka defeated Uzbekistan to finish the tournament with the bronze medal. Both teams competed fiercely for a place on the podium, but Sri Lanka ultimately emerged victorious with a solid all-round performance. Following Pakistan’s triumph, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the national volleyball team on winning the Central Asian Volleyball Championship. In an official statement, the Prime Minister praised the outstanding performances of the players, coaches, and team management, acknowledging their dedication and hard work throughout the tournament. He stated that the national team had made the entire nation proud by demonstrating exceptional teamwork, discipline, and determination. According to the Prime Minister, the players’ remarkable achievements reflected the immense talent present among Pakistan’s youth and proved that they have the ability to bring international recognition to the country in every field of sports. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sports across Pakistan and supporting young athletes. He emphasized that the development of sports remains an important priority and assured that the government would continue providing every possible opportunity and encouragement to talented players so they can compete successfully at regional and international levels. Pakistan’s victory in the Central Asian Volleyball Championship is expected to boost the popularity of volleyball in the country and inspire aspiring athletes to pursue the sport. The unbeaten title-winning campaign reflects the dedication of the players, coaching staff, and management, while also highlighting the growing standards of Pakistani volleyball. With this impressive triumph, Pakistan has once again demonstrated its strength in regional volleyball, ending the tournament as deserving champions and giving sports fans across the nation another memorable achievement to celebrate. The success is likely to serve as motivation for the team as it prepares for future international competitions and aims to build on this historic accomplishment.

  • |

    Sherry Rehman opposes debate on new administrative…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader and Senator Sherry Rehman has urged political stakeholders to avoid pushing the debate over the creation of new administrative units, arguing that the country currently faces more pressing challenges. Speaking on Geo News programme *Geo Pakistan*, Rehman said she had not seen any formal proposal or draft concerning the creation of new administrative units. She stressed that political leaders should focus on improving governance and resolving public issues through political means rather than opening debates that could further complicate the situation. “We should not take the issue of administrative units any further,” she said, adding that the PPP had yet to receive any concrete proposal on the matter. Rehman also expressed concern over the country’s rising debt and growing government expenditures. She said Pakistan needed to address its economic and governance challenges instead of diverting attention towards issues that lacked a clear and practical framework. Referring to the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PPP leader said the province was facing serious security and political challenges. She maintained that, in her view, this was not the right time to debate the creation of new administrative units. Discussing the broader regional situation, Rehman warned that the conflict in the Middle East continued to spread, with periods of relative calm followed by renewed fighting. She said people across Pakistan wanted diplomatic and mediation efforts to move forward in order to prevent further escalation and promote peace in the region. The senator also pointed to growing international efforts aimed at mediation and conflict resolution. She said those involved in peace initiatives were gradually forming a stronger “peace lobby,” which could counter the influence of groups favouring continued conflict. Rehman further remarked that the United States had initially expected Iran to give way quickly under pressure, but developments had shown otherwise. She said the situation demonstrated the complexity of the regional conflict and the need for sustained diplomatic engagement rather than relying solely on pressure or military options.

  • | |

    Pakistan plans digital system for private Hajj 202…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Ministry of Religious Affairs has decided to introduce a new digital system for the private Hajj operation in 2027 in line with Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk Masar system. Under the new arrangement, bookings for private Hajj will be processed through the Ministry of Religious Affairs instead of being handled directly by private Hajj operators. For the first time, both the government and private Hajj operations will come under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, according to sources. Sources said the private Hajj scheme will be operated through the ministry’s official Pak Hajj app, which will serve as the digital platform for managing bookings and related arrangements. The move is aimed at bringing greater transparency, centralised oversight and digital management to the private Hajj scheme. It will also align Pakistan’s private Hajj operations with the digital procedures being implemented by Saudi authorities. Under the proposed system, pilgrims seeking to perform Hajj through the private scheme will be able to access the relevant services through the official digital platform, while the ministry will maintain direct oversight of the process. The decision marks a significant change from the existing arrangement, under which private Hajj operators play a central role in booking and managing pilgrims. The ministry is expected to announce further details regarding registration, booking procedures, packages, payments and the role of private operators as preparations for Hajj 2027 progress.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *