Pakistan has not developed its salt as a brand, panel told

PMDC MD says no pact exists with India over sale or export of rock salt at lower prices


APP July 30, 2019
Rock salt which was formed over time by water droplets containing salt. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID

ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was informed on Monday that no agreement existed to sell or export rock salt to India at lower price.

“The rock salt from Khewra mines is being sold at same prices to anyone whosoever comes to purchase it, however, it remains a fact that Pakistan has not developed its salt as a brand, which is resulting in low price of export anywhere in the world,” Pakistan Mineral and Development Corporation (PMDC) managing director apprised the committee meeting, chaired by Mohsin Aziz.

The body sought details from the PMDC about number of mines, workforce, safety measures and mine incidents which took place over the last ten years.

The committee was also informed that the law related to mining was made in 1923 and the country was still managing the affairs with an almost 100-year old law, which was not compatible with current needs.

The problems in dead grants, compensation, low wages and old methods of mining were also touched upon.

Regarding shortage of gas in Abbottabad and Quetta in extreme cold weather, the committee was told by Sui Southern Gas Company and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited that both the areas were at the tail-end, which resulted in low pressure. The companies are bringing new projects to counter this and at present the situation is better as compared to two or three years back.

On the matter of increase in price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the committee was told by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority chairperson that the prices kept fluctuating on the basis of the price of the crude oil imported by the Pakistan State Oil and the Pakistan LNG Limited.

Among others, the meeting was attended by senators Taj Muhammad Afridi, Quratul Ain Marri, Mir Kabeer Ahmed, Shammim Afridi, Saleem Zia, Sardar Shafiq Tareen, Bahramand Tangi, Lt Gen (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi, Dr Jehnazeb Jamaldini and Kalsoom Parveen, besides petroleum secretary and other officials concerned.

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