Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to ensure fast-track issuance of licenses for domestic exploration of gas, terming it the cheapest source of natural gas. He issued the directives while discussing the current demand and supply of gas in the country.
The prime minister also instructed the relevant departments to remove hurdles in the process of installation of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and virtual pipeline projects by the investors.
According to Prime Minister’s Office Twitter handle, the premier chaired the high-level meeting to review the “gas situation in Pakistan”.
“The meeting was briefed about the demand, supply from the domestic reserves, shortfall and Import of LNG,” it added.
The meeting was told that the current constrained demand of gas in the country was 4,700mmcfd, which increases to 6,000-6,500mmcfd during the winter season. It was shared that the current domestic supply amounts to 3,300 mmcfd, which is decreasing every year. The resulting shortfall has to be managed by importing LNG.
The meeting was further informed that for the short term, the existing capacity of domestic terminals is being optimised and the process of issuance of virtual pipeline licenses is expedited.
In addition, the installation of two new LNG terminals is underway, with all bottlenecks being removed on a priority basis.
In this regard, the ministries of maritime affairs, petroleum, as well as Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) were directed to coordinate and also take all other stakeholders on board including the investors.
Emphasising the importance of the North-South Gas Pipeline, PM Imran directed officials to ensure its execution without further delay within the agreed timelines.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Shaukat Fayyaz Tarin, Hammad Azhar, Asad Umar, Ali Haider Zaidi, SAPM Mahmood Maulvi and officials of the departments concerned.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the federal government, government of Punjab and the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan for the implementation of the Sehat Sahulat Program in Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Secretary Aamir Ashraf Khawaja, Punjab Health Initiatives Management Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Razaq and State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan Chairman Shoaib Javed Hussain participated in the signing ceremony.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Faisal Sultan, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and senior officials were also present.
The prime minister had announced the Sehat Sahulat Program for all residents of Punjab in Lahore on December 13, 2021. Under the scheme, families can avail free medical treatment of up to Rs1 million per year.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday called for holding Pakistan’s diamond Jubilee celebrations in a befitting manner to highlight the country’s distinctive identity, culture and unique location.
“On the occasion of country’s 75th independence anniversary, there is a need to inform youth about the main objective of the creation of Pakistan,” Imran Khan said while presiding over a meeting held to review preparations for diamond jubilee celebrations, falling on August 14, 2022.
