The provincial government had earlier expressed fear that the federal government would utilise the imported LNG by supplying it to power generation units and fertilizer manufacturing industries in Sindh. PHOTO: STOCK IMAGE
HYDERABAD:
The Sindh government has reiterated its opposition to the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) without the approval of the Council of Common Interests (CCI). “Such decisions are supposed to be made by the CCI but in the last two years, only three meetings of the CCI have been held instead of the mandatory four meetings every year,” said Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah at a press conference organised at the residence of provincial minister Jam Khan Shoro on Sunday.
The provincial government had earlier expressed fear that the federal government would utilise the imported LNG by supplying it to power generation units and fertilizer manufacturing industries in Sindh. The move would deprive the sectors from the supply of natural gas which is abundantly produced in Sindh.
“Sindh’s share in the total gas production in the country is said to be 70 per cent even though it is much higher,” said Shah. “We supply 40 per cent of our gas to other provinces and consume 25 to 30 per cent in Sindh.”
He hinted that the province’s share of consumption will drop further as vital industrial sectors will have to convert to LNG. “Shortage of gas supply causes shortage of electricity. Due to this, the rural parts of Sindh are suffering from up to 18 hours load shedding daily.”
Remembering Bhutto
The chief minister equivocated when asked to confirm the participation of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the April 4 commemoration of 36th death anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
Giving grist to the rumour mills suggesting differences between Bilawal and his father, Asif Ali Zardari, the CM avoided questions regarding the physical presence of the younger leader at the event. “He will be there in one way or another.”
According to Shah, unlike in the past, the commemorative ceremony and the public meeting will be held during the daytime. He cited the prevailing security situation in Sindh and the country due to which the event, which is usually held past midnight, was being rescheduled.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2015.
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