‘Use of suction pumps major cause of gas scarcity’

Increase in exports and reduction of trade deficit is an important component of the present government’s strategy, said Sindh Governor Imran Ismail. Presiding over a meeting of Sindh Industrial Liaison Committee (SILC) at the Governor House on Tuesday, he discussed the issues being faced by industrial areas of Karachi, particularly the suspension of gas supply.

“The government is committed to improve the economic structure of the country and promote ease of doing business,” underlined the governor. In the threadbare discussion on gas shortages, its equitable distribution and supply to the industries of Karachi, Ismail extended assurance of pursuing the issue of gas shortage with the federal government.

Officials from the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) informed the meeting that approximately 189 industrial units in the city were acquiring gas illegally through the installation of suction pumps which was also a major cause of gas shortages for the remaining industrial units. Taking strong notice of illegal installation of suction pumps in industrial units of Karachi, Ismail directed the gas utility to cut all such connections besides taking legal action against the involved parties.

The industrial associations of the city also pledged to cooperate in this regard. “Investment facilitation is among the top priorities of the government and the leadership is removing impediments hindering industrial growth in the country,” he said. He emphasised that the government had prioritised exports and it would provide every possible facility to the industry to aid it in increasing production