Karachi, In a crucial move to address the gas crisis in Sindh, Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir has written to Prime Minister Anwar Haq, urging the allocation of Sindh’s rightful share of natural gas as per Article 158 of the Constitution. This request aims to facilitate uninterrupted industrial and business activities in the province.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, Justice Baqir detailed the severe gas shortages in Sindh’s industrial zones, primarily due to a complete shutdown for two days every week (Saturday and Sunday) and low pressure on remaining days. The Chief Minister conveyed in his letter that the current situation is significantly hindering industrial and business operations in Sindh, with the industrial and business community demanding an uninterrupted supply of gas at full pressure.

The Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister that Sindh, which produces 65 percent of the country’s total gas, is not receiving its due share, leading to further economic strain as Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have dwindled to $12.302 billion. The situation has become more challenging as exporters are struggling to meet their deadlines.

Justice Baqir emphasized that the allocation of 211 million metric cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of gas to SNGP instead of SSGC is a violation of Article 158 of the Constitution, and he insisted that this allocation should be reverted to SSGC. He further pointed out the unconstitutional nature of Sindh being compelled to purchase RLNG (imported gas), stressing that no province should be bound to supply gas to others unless there is a surplus.

The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to end the two-day weekly gas shutdown in all industrial zones and ensure a continuous gas supply with full pressure. He emphasized that Sindh should receive its constitutional share of natural gas to ensure the smooth functioning of its industrial and business sectors.

Concluding his letter, Justice Baqir called upon the caretaker Prime Minister to direct the concerned authorities to address this pressing issue, which is of paramount importance for the economic well-being of the province.