ISLAMABAD, July 23: Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Chaudhry Nouraiz Shakoor Khan has asked the oil and gas companies engaged in exploration and production activities to expand their social welfare network for the betterment of the inhabitants in their respective areas.

According to a press release issued here, the minister expressed these views while speaking at a function organized by the Pakistan Oilfields (POL) on Friday.

The minister distributed 100 sewing machines among widows and handed over 15 computers for a boys college. The minister also laid the foundation stone of the boys degree college to be built by the POL.

The minister said the petroleum sector had made revolutionary development during the last more than four years and it witnessed a record investment in the short span owing to the investment-friendly policies of the government.

He expressed the hope that it would continue to grow and flourish in the days ahead. The minister said POL was playing a significant role for boosting this vital field of economy.

The minister asked the people to fully cooperate with the oil and gas companies engaged in the area in order to bring socio-economic uplift to the area which would help to alleviate poverty and backwardness.

He announced a donation of Rs50,000 for the welfare of the workers and assured his continued cooperation for the well-being of the people and resolving their problems.