Karachi, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar has called on Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq to ensure the allocation of Sindh’s rightful share of natural gas, as mandated by Article 158 of the Constitution, to facilitate smooth industrial and business operations in the province.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, Justice Baqar expressed concern over the acute shortage of gas in all industrial zones of Sindh. The province experiences complete gas closure two days a week (Saturday and Sunday) and faces low pressure on other days. This shortage has severely hampered industrial and business activities in Sindh, impacting the province’s economic stability and the ability of exporters to meet deadlines, particularly in light of Pakistan’s dwindling foreign exchange reserves, which currently stand at $12.302 billion.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Article 158 of the Constitution clearly states the priority of gas usage for the province where it is produced. He pointed out that Sindh, which generates 65% of the country’s total gas, has not been receiving its fair share. He cited a past instance where 211 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas was allocated to SNGP instead of SSGC, a violation of Article 158, and called for this to be corrected.

Furthermore, Justice Baqar raised concerns about the allocation of gas from new wells and the practice of Sindh being compelled to purchase RLNG (imported gas). He argued that this arrangement is unconstitutional as Sindh should not be obligated to provide gas to other provinces beyond its surplus.

The Chief Minister appealed to the Prime Minister to eliminate the two-day gas closure in industrial zones and ensure uninterrupted gas supply with full pressure. He emphasized the need for Sindh to receive its due share of natural gas to support the flourishing of industrial and business activities.

In conclusion, Justice Baqar urged the caretaker Prime Minister to direct concerned authorities to address this critical issue in the larger interest of Sindh’s economic health and development.