Committee seeks early ECC funding, cost review and province-wise report on delayed gasification projects.
A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan. Senator Hidayatullah Khan also participated in the proceedings.
5-Kilometre Gasification Policy Reviewed
The committee examined progress on the 5-kilometre gasification policy for villages situated around gas fields. The review covered areas including Ghotki and Qadirpur, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Badin, Sanghar and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The convener stressed that implementation should not face further delays, particularly in view of directions issued by the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court. The committee focused specifically on the proposed Al-Badar gasification scheme in Ghotki.
ECC Funding Awaited for Al-Badar Scheme
The Special Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum informed the committee that the summary for including the Al-Badar project had already been sent to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). He said the necessary funds would be released after approval from the competent authority.
However, the committee raised concerns about a significant increase in the estimated cost of the project. Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) was instructed to reassess the revised estimates and verify material and construction costs.
The committee also sought details about the mechanism used for calculating cost escalation and verifying project estimates to ensure that the revised figures are properly justified.
Province-Wise Gasification Report Sought
The Sub-Committee directed the Ministry of Petroleum, SSGC and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to ensure that eligible gasification projects are completed within defined timelines. It also recommended that the ECC approve the required funding without unnecessary delay.
At the next meeting, officials will be required to present a comprehensive province-wise and project-wise report. The report will include approved, released and utilized funds, villages within the five-kilometre radius of gas fields, gasification progress and projects completed across the country.
The committee also wants details of gas extracted by OGDCL, villages receiving gas under corporate social responsibility initiatives and vocational training programmes for local communities.
KP Gasification and Ghotki Road Discussed
Senator Hidayatullah Khan highlighted difficulties faced by communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The convener ordered a detailed briefing on KP gasification to be arranged in Peshawar.
The committee also recommended priority repair of the Ghotki-Qadirpur road through the CSR programme and directed the relevant company to conduct a survey and submit its findings.
The Sub-Committee reiterated that approved gasification schemes must be implemented on a priority and time-bound basis in line with directions from the Prime Minister, Supreme Court and Senate committee.