Pakistan faces a critical challenge with its depleting Sui gas reserves, intensified by illegal pipelines that divert resources from legitimate users. This illegal activity not only inflates costs for households and industries that synchronise with regulations but also hinders economic productivity, as prices are raised by businesses to balance increasing energy costs, forcefully.
To overcome this issue, the government must impose rigid fines on those engaged in gas purloining. Such penalties would deter illegal connections and help reclaim lost resources, which could then be reinvested into the energy sector to improve distribution and efficiency.
Additionally, a public awareness campaign is essential to educate citizens about the vast implications of illegal connections. By promoting a culture of compliance, the government can protect the interests of legal users, stabilise gas prices, and promote sustainable resource management for a more equitable energy future.
Huzaifa Talib Khety
Karachi
