Violations reported in TAPI gas pipeline project

PTI govt decides to launch investigation, while Hybrid Aviation maintains there had been no negligence in the plan

ISLAMABAD: Large-scale violations have been reported in the Lidar survey of multi-billion-dollar pipeline project TAPI (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan Pakistan, India) conducted by a private company for laying 200km pipeline from Multan to Indian border.

The government has decided to launch investigation into the matter, while Hybrid Aviation Private Limited Manager (operation) Mohsin Syed maintained that that there had been no negligence and the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Aviation division had been followed.

Syed said the company would respond to every question if the government conducts an inquiry.

Ministry of Interior Section Officer Saif Ali Khan said that a meeting was held in the interior ministry last Wednesday under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary-III Dr Tariq Sardar to review the violations by the company conducting TAPI survey in Pakistan but he was unaware of the outcome of the meeting.

Sources in the interior ministry said that the government had decided to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, according to a letter released by the section officer, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, a meeting under additional secretary III was called on Monday to discuss the breach. The meeting was attended by officials of interior ministry, aviation ministry and other concerned ministries and organisations.

It has been reported in the documents that the Hybrid Aviation conducted the survey without taking prior approval from the concerned quarters.

Hybrid manager Mohsin Syed said that no one from his side attended the meeting nor were they invited.

When contacted, Ministry of Interior Director Media Lala Rukh said she does not have details of the meetings held at additional or secretary level and was only aware about the proceedings held at ministerial level.

Section officer Saif Ali said it was an internal meeting but refused to give any details.

Turkmenistan, Afghanistan Pakistan, India had started the project named TAPI that costs more than $9.60 billion and was meant to fulfill the energy needs of the four countries.

The energy companies of these four countries are the owner of the project. Under the plan, 33 billion cubic meter (BCM) gas was meant to be supplied to fulfill the energy needs of the four states.