PPL, Hubco, PMDC told to renew leases

Balochistan Minister for Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce Mir Ali Hassan Zehri has announced a decisive crackdown on over 40 industries, including Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Hubco Power Plant, and PMDC, whose lease agreements have expired. He warned that action would be initiated within a week against those failing to comply with the government's directives.

In a policy statement issued here, Mir Ali Hassan Zehri said that the lease agreement between PPL and the Government of Balochistan expired 15 years ago, yet PPL continues to operate unconstitutionally, earning billions from Balochistan without sharing the rightful revenue with the province. "This unconstitutional behavior is unacceptable," the minister stated, adding that the issue has been raised both at the provincial and federal levels, and it has also been debated in the provincial assembly.

The minister emphasised that the government would take the assembly into confidence to devise a future strategy. "As the Balochistan minister for industry and commerce, I am issuing a one-week notice to PPL officials to engage with the provincial government to address our concerns and finalise a new lease agreement. Failure to do so will result in the company being barred from operating in Balochistan," he warned.

Similarly, he announced that Hubco Power Plant and PMDC have also been served a one-week notice to resolve their lease issues. Additionally, over 40 factories in the industrial centre of Hub had earlier been given a 15-day notice, but their owners have shown no seriousness.

"This is their final warning. After one week, strict legal action will be taken, and no concessions will be granted," he declared.

Mir Ali Hassan Zehri affirmed that the provincial government would not compromise on Balochistan's rights. He highlighted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is committed to the province's development and the well-being of its people.

"Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is taking a personal interest in Balochistan's prosperity, understanding that Pakistan's progress is tied to Balochistan's development and the upliftment of its people," he said. The minister reiterated PPP's vision to eliminate backwardness and deprivation in the province, ensuring the protection of its rights. He added that under PPP's leadership, practical steps have already been initiated to fulfill this vision, the benefits of which will soon be visible to the people of Balochistan.