Gas Crisis Intensifies in Balochistan; Production Has Fallen From 80 Percent to 15 Percent: Dr Abdul Malik Baloch
QUETTA (Daily Qudrat): The Balochistan Assembly session discussed the severe gas shortage in the province, unannounced load-shedding, obstruction in the transport of LPG and heavy bills, where various Assembly members expressed concern over the gas crisis and demanded immediate steps from the federal and provincial governments.
Addressing the session, former Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that Balochistan’s gas was looted in such a manner that its production fell from 80 percent to 15 percent. There is a gas shortage in the country, while LPG gas from the borders has been stopped in the name of smuggling. He said that until the borders are opened, the gas problem will not be resolved.
Provincial Minister Bakht Kakar informed the House that the Chief Minister of Balochistan has summoned a meeting on the gas issue, in which Sui Gas officials will also participate next week. In the meeting, the procedure and mechanism regarding gas supply will be determined.
MPA Asghar Ali Tareen said that both gas and electricity are scarce in his area. If the government cannot provide electricity and gas to the people, it should shut them down. He demanded that a committee be formed and the General Manager of Sui Southern Gas Company be summoned to the Assembly session. He said that gas disappears as soon as winter begins, while the people need gas to save their lives.
MPA Rahmat Saleh Baloch said that 80 percent of the LPG gas used in Balochistan is coming from outside. If gas is purchased from Iran, the gas shortage in the province can be met.
MPA Noor Muhammad Domar, raising the matter of non-supply of gas in Ziarat, said that Ziarat is the coldest area of Balochistan, but gas is not available there in winter. Due to the lack of gas, local people have been forced to cut juniper forests, while some people are also migrating. He demanded that more gas be provided to Ziarat during the three winter months.
MPA Syed Zafar Agha said that the Federal Energy Minister betrayed on the gas issue, and despite the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Federal Minister did not come to Quetta. He said that gas load-shedding is extremely dangerous and incidents have also occurred because of it. He said that if Punjab’s factories are shut down for two months, the gas problem in Balochistan can be resolved.
Provincial Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani also raised the matter of heavy bills along with the non-supply of gas. He said that the people are being sent over-bills and paying additional bills is beyond the means of the poor. He demanded that whether or not gas is provided to the people, at least in the matter of bills they should be shown mercy.
