Fuel shortage: ‘Swabi devoid of natural gas despite abundant production’

Lawmaker blames federal govt for depriving K-P of its natural resources.

PESHAWAR:

National Assembly member Aqibullah Khan of NA-13, Swabi on Monday claimed the federal government is not allowing gas connections to his constituency despite supply being approved five years ago.

People of Khan’s area protested outside Peshawar Press Club followed by a news conference. Addressing journalists, Khan said household connections were approved by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in 2009 and pipelines for the purpose have already been laid. He, however, claimed supply has not yet started because the federal government has not taken any steps for it.



The MNA said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has a surplus production of natural gas, but many parts of the province including his constituency are waiting for gas which has already been supplied to Punjab.

Khan added he has also lodged a case in the court which had passed a decision saying gas should first be provided to areas where it is produced.



He maintained gas should first be provided to homes and factories, but is instead directed out of the province due to the wrong policies of previous provincial governments. “The former provincial government never raised the issue on any platform. The PTI-led government will work to secure the rights of the province.”

Also present at the conference, elders from Swabi said the province produces 500mmcf of gas but only consumes around 200mmcf.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2014.