SHC seeks OGRA, SSGC’s replies on gas shortage

Counsel says Sindh produces 68 per cent of Pakistan's gas

The Sindh High Court sought on Thursday replies from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and others over the shortage and suspension of gas across the province - and particularly in Karachi.

The petitioner's counsel told the court that 68 per cent of Pakistan's gas production is extracted from Sindh, while Balochistan produces 19 per cent, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa nine per cent and Punjab four per cent.

He pointed out that as per Article 158 of the Constitution, Sindh, as the largest gas producer, should be given preference in terms of gas supply. But, he went on, it was still facing a gas shortage.

"The gas suspension has left stoves cold and people are forced to cook food on wood fires," he argued. "The relevant authorities should therefore be ordered to put an end to the gar shortage in Sindh."

The court issued notices to OGRA, SSGC and other authorities, seeking replies by January 13.

Inter-city buses

Another bench, led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar sought replies from the Sindh government and transporters on petitions regarding the barring of inter-city buses from entering the city.

The Karachi Bus Terminal counsel argued that all major transporters wanted to operate from bus stands in the city, but a bus 'mafia' had set up their own illegal stands in Karachi. He claimed his client did not want to pay bribes and so their buses were not being allowed to enter the city but others were. He added they had requested the Traffic DIG several times to remove illegal bus stands, but in vain.

The lawyer pointed out there were only three legal bus stations in Karachi, namely the National Highway, Super Highway and Yousuf Goth stands, adding that citizens preferred to travel on buses that were accessible within the city.

Asking why the Sindh government was discriminating against transporters, the court sought comprehensive replies on the matter from the Sindh government and transporters.

Detention after acquittal

Separately, the court directed the prosecutor-general to present arguments today (Friday) on a petition filed against the detention of Abdul Hameed Bugti, who was earlier acquitted in the PIDC bombing case.

Advocate-general Salman Talibuddin stated that Bugti belonged to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army, adding that releasing an anti-state actor could be dangerous. "We are in a state of war against terrorism since the Army Public School attack," he maintained, adding that in such a scenario, action against anti-state elements could not be done in court.

He further presented a report on Bugti compiled by security agencies.

Reinstating 'corrupt' officials

The court adjourned another hearing of a petition filed by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Kanwar Naveed Jameel, challenging the reinstatement of officers who had pleaded guilty to corruption and entered plea bargain agreements with the National Accountability Bureau.

The court stated that only emergency applications should be heard.

The petitioner contended that such reinstatements were illegal, adding that around 500 such officers had been allowed to resume their duties in Sindh. The plea further stated that the Supreme Court had earlier barred the reappointment of such officers to government posts and ordered them to be removed from office.

The MQM-P has requested the NAB chairperson to provide a list of all officers who have entered plea bargain deals.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2020.