Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has raised urgent concerns over the increasing number of gas cylinder explosions across Pakistan, citing regulatory failures and demanding swift action. During a recent meeting at the Parliament House, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, the committee emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to ensure public safety and accountability.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session witnessed detailed discussions on public safety issues, regulatory gaps, and governance failures. Senator Aimal Wali Khan called for a detailed report on gas cylinder usage and explosion trends over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of transparency in investigations. He questioned the implementation of existing laws and called for clear accountability measures.

Concerns were raised regarding the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s (OGRA) enforcement powers, with debates on whether additional authority should be granted. The committee highlighted discrepancies in the sector, noting that while only 18 companies are officially registered, a single district reportedly hosts 150 cylinder manufacturers. Senator Aimal Wali proposed forming a joint committee with members from the National Assembly, Senate, and OGRA to address these issues.

Senator Saadia Abbasi criticized delays in legislative and executive actions, questioning enforcement against unregistered operators and highlighting market inconsistencies in cylinder pricing. She demanded detailed data on enforcement actions and called for practical steps from the government.

The committee recommended strict regulatory mechanisms to ensure safety and accountability in the gas cylinder sector. Additionally, the committee reviewed and decided against passing the “Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (Amendment Bill), 2025” due to its nascent stage. The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated action and enhanced regulatory enforcement to address public safety and governance gaps.