Power crisis: Dr Malik hopeful of help from federation

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Malik says provincial govt has taken strict notice of gas and electricity problems.

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that the provincial government has taken strict notice of gas and electricity problems, and promised to address them soon.

He expressed these views on assembly floor on Monday. Dr Malik said he approached federal government and was assured by Federal Minister for Petroleum Jam Kamal Khan and directors of PPL and SSGC that they will address the issues during their visit.

He said the demand of gas increased from 150 MMCFT to 180 MMCFT which caused the crisis. “We are trying to repair the gas pipelines, where needed, to increase the gas pressure.”

Power crisis increased in the province as the power pylons were blown up in the province at various places, he said, adding that the government is trying to complete the Dadu to Khuzdar and Loralai to Dera Ghazi Khan Transmission lines as soon as possible.

Earlier the lawmakers gave unanimous approval to the motions tabled for formation of 15 standing committees of the house to deal with legislation pertaining to government departments and other affairs.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2014.