21/07/2026
A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was held today in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad, under the convenorship of the Convener of the Subcommittee, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo to examine the persistent delay in implementation of the Prime Minister's directive dated 15 September 2003 and the binding directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding provision of gas to localities situated within a radius of five kilometers of gas fields.
The Subcommittee expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay of more than two decades in implementing the directions of the Prime Minister and the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The Convener observed that Ghotki, despite being one of the major gas-producing and densely populated districts, has still not been fully gasified. The Subcommittee decided to examine the reasons for the delay and fix responsibility upon the concerned authorities responsible for failure to implement the directions in letter and spirit.
While reviewing the progress on the directions issued in its previous meeting, the Subcommittee was informed that a meeting had been held on 17 July 2026. The Finance Ministry informed that approximately Rs. 1 billion may be available for the purpose, subject to confirmation. It was further stated that the required funds would be released in phases to facilitate implementation of the Supreme Court's directions. The Subcommittee was informed that the funding would be provided in the form of a grant and would not be routed through the PSDP. It was also apprised that approximately Rs. 670 million would be required for gasification of the identified areas of Ghotki district.
The Subcommittee was further informed that the Secretary Petroleum, along with all relevant stakeholders, would devise a comprehensive mechanism for phased implementation of the gasification programme. The Special Secretary Petroleum Division informed the Convener that detailed discussions had already been held with the Secretary Petroleum on the matter and assured the Subcommittee that a viable mechanism for funding and implementation would be presented in the next meeting.
The Subcommittee also examined the precedent of funding gasification schemes by gas exploration and production companies. The Director General (Gas) was asked to clarify the basis and precedent for such funding. It was informed that, in the past, free gasification had been undertaken in certain areas of Balochistan, including the Sui and Dera Bugti areas. The Managing Director, SSGC, informed the Subcommittee that funding had previously been provided by PPL and OGDCL for gasification in Dera Bugti and Sui areas.
The Convener expressed serious concern over the provision of what was considered inconsistent and potentially misleading information by the Director General (Gas), Petroleum Division. The Subcommittee decided that the matter regarding the information furnished by the DG (Gas) may be referred to the Senate Committee on Privileges for appropriate consideration. However, the Special Secretary assured the Subcommittee that, in future, complete, accurate and record-based information would be provided to the Subcommittee. The Convener categorically directed that all information furnished before the Committee must be candid, factual, accurate and duly supported by official record available with the Ministry and its subordinate offices.
The Subcommittee took serious notice of the absence of the Chairman, OGRA, despite specific directions for his attendance. It was decided that the Cabinet Division would be apprised of the matter with a request to ensure the attendance of the Chairman, OGRA, in the next meeting. The Convener observed that the personal participation of the Chairman, OGRA, was essential for resolving the outstanding issues and directed that he be requested to attend the next meeting and present a viable solution.
Regarding the issue of funding and tariff subsidy for consumers, the Managing Director, SSGC, informed the Subcommittee that an amount of approximately Rs. 480 million was being utilized under the applicable criteria.
The Convener further informed the Subcommittee that, according to information provided by the Deputy Commissioner, Ghotki, a total of 57 villages had been identified, out of which 42 villages fall within the five-kilometer radius of the relevant gas fields. The Convener observed that several schemes identified during the first phase in 2021 had still not been completed. The Subcommittee directed that complete and updated information regarding all gasification schemes in Ghotki district, including their status, funding, progress and reasons for delay, be furnished to the Subcommittee within three days of issuance of the minutes of the meeting.
The Subcommittee also decided that the Attorney General for Pakistan should be invited to the next meeting to brief the Subcommittee on the relevant judgments of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, their legal implications and the binding nature of the directions relating to gasification of localities situated within five kilometers of gas fields.
The Convener directed the Ministry of Petroleum to take the lead in determining responsibility for the prolonged failure to implement the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the Prime Minister. The Ministry was directed to present, within one week, a comprehensive implementation plan identifying the responsible authorities, timelines, funding mechanism and phased strategy for gasification of the eligible areas, particularly in Ghotki district.
Senator Haji Hidayatullah apprised the Subcommittee that a number of areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa situated within the five-kilometer radius of gas fields were still without gasification. He requested that a comprehensive survey of such areas be shared with the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to conduct and furnish complete surveys of the eligible areas. The representative of SNGPL informed the Subcommittee that surveys of certain major areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had already been conducted; however, implementation remained pending due to funding constraints.
The Subcommittee directed SNGPL to provide complete details of the surveys already conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the identified areas, number of villages, estimated cost, present status and reasons for non-implementation, for consideration in the next meeting.
The Subcommittee reiterated that the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the Prime Minister must be implemented in letter and spirit and that no further undue delay would be tolerated. It emphasized that a clear, transparent, properly funded and time-bound mechanism must be developed for gasification of all eligible localities falling within the five-kilometer radius of gas fields.
The date and time of the next meeting will be communicated separately.
