CHITRAL: In a significant step toward providing clean energy to the mountainous region, Sui Northern Gas has officially moved to restart the long-stalled LPG air mix plant project in Lower Chitral district.

The SNGPL has issued a formal letter to the deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral, requesting the immediate demarcation of land for the installation of plants at three key locations, including Chitral city, Ayun and Drosh.

According to the letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn, technical work and the installation of the plants will commence immediately following the demarcation process, as per the directives of the federal government. Notably, the land required for these sites was already acquired in 2017 at a cost ofRs17.118 million, though the project remained in limbo for several years.

Speaking to local media, former MNA from Chitral Shahzada Iftikharuddin highlighted the environmental and social importance of the initiative.

He noted that the project was originally conceived and launched by the Nawaz Sharif-led government in 2016.

“The primary goal was to provide an alternative to firewood, thereby protecting our precious forests from being depleted for heating and cooking purposes,” he said.

The former MNA regretted the project’s delay, claiming it is nearing the installation phase when the government changed in 2018.

He alleged that the subsequent PTI administration abandoned the “highly useful” project, leaving the people of Chitral without promised gas facilities for years.

The revival of the project follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Chitral in October last year.

During the visit, the prime minister announced the resumption of the LPG air mix scheme to alleviate the energy woes of the local population.

Residents welcomed the move, noting that the provision of gas will not only reduce the burden of high fuel costs but also significantly contribute to the conservation of the region’s natural ecosystem.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026