Bugti pushes for greater resource exploration

Meeting with PPL chief focuses on new oil, gas, mineral ventures

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the pressing need for new oil, gas, and mineral exploration in Balochistan during a discussion with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) CEO and Managing Director Imran Abbasi.

The meeting focused on maximizing the province's natural resources and addressing key social welfare issues.

Bugti stressed the importance of identifying new exploration blocks and ensuring the effective use of PPL's social welfare funds, particularly in the areas of Sui and Dera Bugti. He instructed the creation of a detailed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan that emphasises improvements in education, healthcare, and basic amenities.

The CM also directed PPL and provincial authorities to collaboratively resolve outstanding settlement issues and finalise a mutually beneficial agreement. He highlighted the shared responsibility between the provincial government and PPL in addressing public concerns in Sui and ensuring that welfare efforts directly reach the poorest residents.

Additionally, Bugti placed priority on providing gas to two colonies in Sui and resolving problems faced by engineers, wheel watchers, and line walkers. He underscored that rebuilding public trust in national companies depends on effectively tackling the challenges faced by local communities and delivering tangible public welfare results.

Earlier this year, the government has planned to set up a new dedicated Mines and Minerals Division as part of efforts to accelerate mining activities to give a big push to Pakistan's economy.

This was in line with the attempts made in the previous tenure of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, which strived to establish the Mines and Minerals Division to ramp up efforts for the exploitation of minerals in the country.

Balochistan is rich in mineral resources where all-out efforts are being made to expedite mining activities after an out-of-court settlement with a foreign firm in relation to the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project.