ISLAMABAD, Dec 15: Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Amanullah Khan Jadoon has said that steps were underway to ensure no load-shedding of gas by next year in any part of the country.

He was talking to a 9-member delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) led by its Chairman Ahmad Kuli Khan Khattak, who called on him here on Thursday and discussed matters pertaining to the textile industry.

The minister said the government had been giving special attention to enhance gas production in the country by intensifying exploration activities in onshore and offshore areas. The efforts are aimed at meeting the growing energy needs in the country.

He said a plan was underway to supply gas from the newly discovered Gurgari field to NWFP as soon as it becomes operational. SNGPL has already carried out survey of the project, he added. Amanullah Jadoon said the government had allowed industrial units to install power generating units, which would go a long way to help the industry meet their growing energy demand.

Chairman APTMA thanked the minister for taking keen interest in solving problems being faced by the industrial sector due to shortage of gas supply and the steps taken by the ministry to ensure uninterrupted gas transmission across the country.

He said the Textile industry was a backbone of our economy and APTMA would play a significant role in achieving the export target.

Additional Secretary, Shaukat Hayat Durrani, DG (Gas) Saeedullah Shah, and GM (SNGPL) Imdad Hussain were also present in the meeting.—APP