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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's decision to approve 97 natural gas expansion schemes, a majority of which are meant for the ruling party’s political base — Punjab — is a "source of discontent" and may affect national harmony in the country, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the prime minister.
Shah was expressing his concerns about the approval of new gas schemes worth more than Rs37 billion for "politically selected areas".
The 97 schemes were all approved after the prime minister recently relaxed a moratorium on the expansion of gas supply schemes in Punjab. Out of the total, 77 schemes — recommended by lawmakers from the PML-N — were meant for Punjab.
"Expansion of new gas network in Punjab, which produces only about 3 per cent of gas but consumes over 42pc of the total gas produced in the country, is in complete disregard of Article 158 of the Constitution," reads Shah's letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com.
According to Article 158 of the Constitution, titled ‘Priority of requirements of natural gas’: “The province in which a well-head of natural gas is situated shall have precedence over other parts of Pakistan in meeting the requirements from the well-head.”
The chief minister said the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) has been denying requests for new gas connections in Sindh's urban and rural areas citing the moratorium imposed by the federal government.
"The company has even declined supply of gas to Khairpur Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which is Pakistan's first industrial park with SEZ status," he wrote.
Shah said SSGCL is still trying to complete gas schemes in Sindh's rural areas which were funded by the Government of Sindh in 2012, while thousands of applications for new connections are pending in the urban centres of the province.
He urged the premier to direct the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to implement Article 158 in letter and spirit and "refrain from diverting natural gas from Sindh".
The chief minister also requested Sharif to lift the moratorium on new gas connections and direct SSGCL to provide gas connections to all domestic, industrial and commercial sectors in Sindh.
Lahore-based SNGPL and Punjab in particular have been facing an acute gas shortage, particularly in winter months, Dawn newspaper reported.
This is because Punjab produces only 3pc or 121 MMcfd (million cubic feet per day) of the country’s total natural gas output and consumes about 42pc, or 1,154MMcfd to be precise.
Compared to this, Sindh produces 2,511MMcfd, about 64pc of all domestically-produced gas, and consumes around 1,256MMcfd, or 46pc. Likewise, Balochistan has a 17pc (680MMcfd) share in gas production against its 2pc (51MMcfd) consumption.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on the other hand, has a fairly equitable share both in gas production and consumption at 10pc and 9pc, respectively.
To know which lawmakers are beneficiaries of gas expansion schemes, click here.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (60) Closed
Mar 28, 2017 01:34pm
Grown up. Do not play Sindh card on every issue.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:36pm
Don't blame them when you had a government in Islamabad what you did for Sindh, even you have provincial government since last 8 years what you have done so far in Sindh except whining. My friend this will not work anymore.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:43pm
It is interesting how PPP politician have started targeting development projects of PML (N). Instead of doing their own job they have started politicizing others and thus trying to hide their incompetence. Who has stopped you to lay network in Sindh? or build Metro or provide drinking water or even clean?
CM should also tell public that provinces which produce gas are provided gas at much lower rate than it is charged to Punjab.
Public should bring the change and disown such politicians.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:44pm
My request to PM: He should consider himself as PM of Pakistan and fairly/equally treat all provinces accordingly
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Mar 28, 2017 01:41pm
There is no restriction to import the gas and right now all the industry and CNG sector of Punjab is already on RLNG which is directly imported to PORT and pumped in separate network called for LNG and is charged at higher rates. About the domestic consumers I would say being part of federation and being Pakistani all have equal rights.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:45pm
PPP Government has lost constitutional grounds to run the Government!!! Blame game to start yet again.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:45pm
Typical PPP, target vote from Punjab and sympathy from Sind. Somebody needs to tell PPP this is not 1970 & 1980.You may get a good reply again in 2018 by Punjab.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:46pm
mean mindset. please note LPG imported and pumped into system is meant for Punjab.... so don't you worry my leader.
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Mar 28, 2017 01:52pm
@IND, Mansha Sherazi.... My humble request: if these numbers are true then it is Neither Sindh Card nor Blame Game.....valid point to think about......
Punjab to receive 77 out of 97 Schemes (80%), produces only about 3 per cent of gas but consumes over 42 per cent of the total gas produced in the country.....
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Mar 28, 2017 02:00pm
@ahmed And who pays for the LPG? is it just Punjab or whole Pakistan.
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Mar 28, 2017 02:25pm
On the contrary, it is quite surprising that Sindh having much lesser area and population consumes 1,256 MMscfd whereas Punjab with much larger population base and area consumes only 1,154 MMscfd.
Well, quite explains the aboslute shut down of consumer gas in our home at Sargodha across whole winter season!
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Mar 28, 2017 02:33pm
Balochistan which has been producing natural gas ever since 1952, starting producing from 80% of total national consumption to 26% in the recent stats, out of 31 districts only 2 have gas facility. Ironically, Balochistan's share in its own resources is less than 1%. Gas from Balochistan is available in Sarghoda, a far fetched city that takes hundreds of miles from Sui but the very people of sui are deprived of it. The share of Balochistan in Reko Dik and Saindak is 2% and same is the case with CPEC projects which offers a meager amount for the developmental projects.
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Mar 28, 2017 02:36pm
@Mahrukh Real figure of population has always been controversial, there had not been any census to observe doubtless. So the question of lessor or larger here is meaningless.
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Mar 28, 2017 02:38pm
The Karak area of KPK which produces gas is still gasless as the pipe directly goes to Lahore. Most of load shedding in Peshawar is in the Warsak dam area ,they promised the people of warsak for free electricity in 1959.
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Mar 28, 2017 02:45pm
new gas connections are denied/banned in the country. At times the cities face loadshedding of gas when there is shortage in the winters. I yet have to understand, if Pakistan cannot increase its gas production then why doesn't Sui Southern/Northern devise a living system where they introduce economical smart living.
Why doesn't the government ban the manufacture and import of conventional gas water geysers which by default have to be installed in open cold and burn gas unnecessary when its not even in use. Replace them with efficient instant boilers which switch-off when not in use. (give incentive to manufacturers to acquire new production technology)
Introduce double glazed windows and doors which can retain inside temperature thus making less use of heater at high settings.
Introduce cavity walls and insulation for walls, ceilings and floors.
Govt along with Sui South/North have to take revolutionary steps to introduce modern living.
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Mar 28, 2017 02:50pm
@ahmedj this is not possible given the overall picture of per capita icocome
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Mar 28, 2017 03:02pm
This time he is right
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Mar 28, 2017 03:11pm
This is a matter of common interest and Federal Government would act according to the progress shown in utilising national resources already distributed. Sindh must start working on its Project and only seek assistance on the ongoing project with demonstrated work on ground. Sindh is equally a part of Pakistan like other provinces and must get its shares as per rules, without trying to blame unfounded pilferage of its shares.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:07pm
Following Mr. Murad's logic we would still be in the stone age.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:21pm
@Karachit: I would add that, PPP under Z.A. Bhutto had its Governments in the Center during 1970-77 period, then twice under Benazir during '1988 -90' and 1993-96. In addition, PPP ruled Pakistan for full 5 years under de facto presidential rule of Zardari. There was nothing achieved specific for Sindh during all those long periods of misrule.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:24pm
Either it is for Punjab or Sindh or any other province, I am always against burying huge sum of money underground just to supply gas. Why not go for gas cylinders, they don't require huge investment like laying gas pipelines. Just create efficient distribution companies (private/government) that can deliver to any part of the country on a simple phone call, this will also generate employment for our unemployed youth. But the only problem is you will not get a vote for this.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:24pm
Looks PPP-Z has unleashed election campaign. PPP had been in power for two terms & PPP-Z had been in power for one full term in centre as well as Sindh yet they are blaming others of what PPP could not do it self while in power.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:31pm
PPP corrupt and destroyed Sindh. Now playing the Sindh card to hold on to their seats.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:31pm
Writing to the PM about greviences is the constitutional right of Sind Govt. let's how PM is responding.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:28pm
PPP back to its own dirty small minded trick....
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Mar 28, 2017 03:34pm
Sad to see that hardly anyone from Punjab have any objection against this biasedness shown by PMLN federal govt.
Constitution should be followed in true spirit and every province should get the share according to that. Sindh Govt must take this case to Supreme court.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:34pm
@Adnan Riaz please relates this to population statistics.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:39pm
Did you plan for something? did you give gas to people of Sindh or the very lands of the villages where gas originates. Tando Allahyar, Sangahr, Dadu and Badin are some of the top districts where huge reserves of oil and gas are located but look at the people there. They live in abject poverty and have nothing like called gas in their homes.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:41pm
@traveller: Even a mother favors the child who is more obedient.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:46pm
Why is letter not written in Urdu?
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Mar 28, 2017 03:49pm
That's true.There should be a fair deal.
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Mar 28, 2017 03:50pm
@Rashid false inormation
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Mar 28, 2017 04:02pm
@M.Saeed .... Dear, But a father favors and love a son who brings more money to family and contribute more to support the family .... not who consumes or spend more
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Mar 28, 2017 04:11pm
Facts speak louder than fiction.
The monopoly of few over the lot has to stop.
The resources should be distributed equitably.
When are the politicians going to learn, lost East Pakistan and now issues with Baluchistan!
Wake up pls before its too late
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Mar 28, 2017 04:13pm
these big positions can go to any length just for their own political gains. welfare and unity of the people of Pakistan is not their concern.
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Mar 28, 2017 04:16pm
The federal Govt should not provide any loophole to the opponents to complain of depriving of provincial rights. The provincial Govts should stop weeping on every issue and put up your observation to the relevant forum...
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Mar 28, 2017 04:31pm
@M.Saeed Sindh will only get its share when a true census is undertaken. Unfortunately the census since the independence have only shown inflated rise in one province population.
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Mar 28, 2017 04:38pm
The logic he gives every time for Sindh rights, why he does not apply the same when it comes to Karachi rights?
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Mar 28, 2017 04:44pm
@Mahrukh What makes you forget that Karachi alone produces more than 60% of Pakistan's GDP? Most gas in Sindh is being consumed by industries that supply the country with its bloodline...
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Mar 28, 2017 04:47pm
Nothing is wrong in the letter.
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Mar 28, 2017 04:50pm
That is the precise reason why Punjab is arranging LNG to get over with these taunts of consuming all the gas.
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Mar 28, 2017 05:00pm
No one commenting here looks at the fact that the point raised by Sindh CM is a genuine, legal one. All are attacking him for issues other than this particular step. Typical Pakistani mindset. Why don't we learn to appreciate a good step even if it's taken by a bad individual or party and condemn a bad one by a good individual or party? The raised issue is as per the constitution of Pakistan.
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Mar 28, 2017 05:01pm
PML has brightened their province Punjab what has PPP done for Karachi and Sindh during their tenure. Karachi has become a garage city,a city once known for its beauty and called city of lights.
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Mar 28, 2017 05:12pm
When in trouble, play ethnic card!
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Mar 28, 2017 05:42pm
Sind C.M anxiety about gas consumpion is very genuine, PM has to be careful.
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Mar 28, 2017 06:11pm
@awan Here gas pipe lines are laid in major cities and rest are supplied LPG in cylinders and there is no shortage you may book the refill 24 hrs on phone and the refill is delivered same day or next day.
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Mar 28, 2017 06:51pm
Some people will never learn and Sindh politicians are one of them
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Mar 28, 2017 07:26pm
Please go home and take some rest.. we have many worth seeing places in Pakistan, pay some visit there, may be you will find some peace there.
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Mar 28, 2017 07:33pm
It's seems like we did not learn any think from east Pakistan debacle this is a serious issues if we follow constitution than there are no issues unfortunately the way small provinces are being ignored is not good this is not good governess it's a very bad governess this may create huge problems in future
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Mar 28, 2017 07:28pm
per capita consumption of gas in Punjab is the lowest of the all, and he is talking about expansion threatening them. Needs to overcome his own inefficiencies and complexes
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Mar 28, 2017 07:36pm
@Nomi Goraya
a fact check for you
RLNG is only being used by industrial / power and CNG sectors.
Domestic consumer are still enjoying local gas at local rates, which are fairly low.
For other provinces, Federal govt is not allowing new connections, since Sui Southeren and Sui Northern are both federal gas companies. In Punjab, They are being paid from Federal reserves to issue gas connections. This money is owned by all provinces.
Secondly, all three provinces other than Punjab produces gas more than their need, and they have first right to use as per article 158 of the constitution. So this is double 'dhandli' by PM and his family
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Mar 28, 2017 07:39pm
right never late. Mr shah! your stance is bold but you have to tread a long distance to prove your mettle .Merely rhetoric and writing letters have not fetched some thing in the past. you have to move forward by taking punitive administrative steps to make feel them burn.
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Mar 28, 2017 07:48pm
First correct Singh then talk about Punjab. You even cannot collect Garbage from city.
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Mar 28, 2017 08:11pm
Sindh Chief Minister is finding excuse to cover his own shocking failure. The fact is Punjab has over 110 million population, majority of people live in fertile Punjab. Therefore most resources would be their democratic right. There is huge progress as lot of good work is being done, which people are appreciating.
Sindh Chief Minister has not stopped corruption. Money allocated to projects in Sindh, disappears. Not one project has been completed in last 9 years. If it has, its a disaster. Just check Thar Water Project, Rs. 112 billion spent with plants not functioning? See hospitals, roads, schools with 40,000 ghost teachers, drawing salaries? The list is endless. Supreme Court declared failure of Sindh government? Federal government must intervene to save Sindh's destruction.
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Mar 28, 2017 08:23pm
Then do something for Sindh beside corruption
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Mar 28, 2017 08:48pm
yess..Sindh and Balochistan resources utilized in Punjaab development.... only punjaab province is 90% Pakistan... win election in punjaab get federal govt ...whole federal budget utilitied in punjaab...remaining 3 provinces totally ignored
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Mar 28, 2017 09:33pm
@DR.MUSTAFA: Agreed sind should get its due share after census but when will the urban sind gets its due share? It is a fact which will be confirmed by new census that millions have migrated to Karachi from KPK and rural sind over the last 2 decades so when should karachi expect that the champions of provincial autonomy pass the same powers and share to the city government or we will still be ruled by a local bodies minister? The population of urdu speaking in Karachi is now only 40% and the PPP (rural sind) is punishing karachi (including 60% non urdu speaking for not voting PPP).Before asking Punjab for Sind rights PPP should look inwards to what they are doing with urban sind.
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Mar 29, 2017 04:04am
Nawaz Sharif runs his government on the basis of nepotism without realising what has been doing to national harmony. A very good point raised by Murad Ali Shah.
I do not like or agree with the PPP government as they have done almost nothing for the province of Sindh. But all said & done Murad Ali Shah is right.
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Mar 29, 2017 09:09am
When you take the whole amount to center from Sindh earning , how can the Government run the projects.
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Mar 29, 2017 02:19pm
Start delivering to the people sindh whom you have ignored to fill your own pockets!
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