ISLAMABAD, Oct 07 (APP): A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was held on Wednesday at Parliament House here, under the convener-ship of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan. Senator Hidayatullah Khan also attended the meeting.
The Sub-Committee reviewed the implementation of the 5-kilometre gasification policy for villages located around gas fields, particularly in Ghotki/Qadirpur, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Sanghar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Convener recalled the directions of the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court and emphasized that delays in implementation should not deprive the local population of their legitimate gasification facilities. The Committee particularly reviewed the proposed gasification scheme of Badar Gas Field, Ghotki.
Regarding the inclusion of the Al-Badar gasification scheme in the summary submitted to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), the Special Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, confirmed that the summary had been forwarded to the ECC and assured the Committee that the required funds would be released after approval by the competent forum.
The Sub-Committee expressed concern over the increase in the estimated cost of the Al-Badar scheme and directed SSGC to re-examine and rationalize the revised estimates, including verification of material and construction rates. The Committee also sought clarity on the mechanism for cost escalation and verification of project estimates.
The Sub-Committee directed the Ministry of Petroleum and SSGC to ensure time-bound implementation of eligible gasification schemes and recommended that the ECC consider and approve the required funds at the earliest so that work could commence without further delay.
The Committee directed that, at its next meeting, a comprehensive province-wise and project-wise report be submitted covering the status of gasification schemes by SSGC and SNGPL; villages falling within the 5-kilometre radius of gas fields and their gasification status; funds approved, released and utilized; gas extracted by OGDCL and villages provided gas under CSR; gasification projects undertaken across the country; and details of vocational training initiatives for local communities.
On the issue of gasification in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Senator Hidayatullah Khan highlighted the difficulties faced by local communities. The Convener directed that a detailed briefing on gasification in KP be arranged at Peshawar.
The Committee further recommended that the Ghotki–Qadirpur road be repaired on priority under the CSR programme and directed the concerned company to conduct the requisite survey and submit a report.
The Sub-Committee emphasized strict compliance with the directions of the Prime Minister, Supreme Court and the Committee, and directed all concerned authorities to ensure implementation of approved gasification schemes on a priority and time-bound basis.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
