Dissatisfied consumers: MNA’s house targeted in gas supply protest

SNGPL official says funds for new pipelines have been requested.

FAISALABAD:

Hundreds of women, children and the elderly staged a protest demonstration on Sunday against low gas supply.

The protesters gathered at the house of National Assembly Member Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari and chanted slogans against him.

Some of them also threw stones at the gates.

Some women threw sticks at the house.

Talking to newsmen, Talib Hussain, one of the protesters, said Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) had been ignoring complaints from consumer about low gas supply for over a month.



He said several political figures had been requested to look into the matter but they had not provided any relief.

Khabira Bibi, another protester, said it had become almost impossible to cook food.

Akbari Bibi, another protester, said “Is this is the good governance promised to us? Every day our problems are getting aggravated. No one is ready to lend an ear to the common man.”

She said her family had voted for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

“I cannot believe that they have closed their doors on us after they got our votes,” she said.

She then hit the gate with a stick and shouted, “Come out MNA and listen to us.”

On receipt of information, a heavy police contingent from Ghulam Muhammadabad police station reached the scene and forcibly removed protesters from the MNA’s house.

They also threatened them with baton charge if they did not disperse.

Some police officials met with the protesters and assured them that their problems would be addressed soon.

SNGPL Sales and Distribution Manager Shahid Iqbal told The Express Tribune gas lines in Ghulam Muhammadabad and its adjoining localities had been laid over four decades ago.

He said they the pipeline was inadequate in the wake of increasing population and demand.

He said CNG connections and a number of industrial units were also operating in the area which consumed a lot of gas and caused low pressure.

“We are fully aware of the situation and have sent a proposal to the headquarters about replacement of pipelines. As soon as we get funds, we will replace the four-inch diameter lines with six-inch diameter pipes,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2014.