Sindh’s gas resource is being plundered: Imtiaz Shaikh

Sindh’s gas reserves are 12-years-old and petrol reserves are also gradually declining, said Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh during the question answers at the assembly session.

Sindh’s gas reserves are being plundered, maintained the provincial minister. According to him, the gas will be available for another 15 to 20 years while oil, which is still sufficient, will last for the next 15 to 20 years given its reserves.

The matter of regulating oil and gas reserves is with the federation, said Shaikh, adding that several letters have been written to federal minister, but they are not paying heed to the Constitution. “We say give us our gas, let us save what we want.”

Responding to allegations by federal ministers, Shaikh maintained that it is the incumbent government’s responsibility to resolve the problems being faced by the people and former governments can’t be blamed for everything.

The provincial energy minister also called on the Centre to investigate the massive power breakdown last week, which caused a nationwide blackout. The country was plunged into darkness and only a Grade 16 officer was suspended, said Shaikh.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2021.