ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed for ensuring uninterrupted gas and power supply to consumers during holy month of Ramadhan.

He directed for provision of every possible facilities to private sector, local and foreign investors in exploration of gas and oil, refining and distribution of these natural resources. He issued these directives while chairing high level meeting on petroleum sector, PM Office Media Wing said in press release.

Addressing participants, he said that government was not meant for doing businesses rather its responsibility was to extend all kind of facilities to private sector and ensure protection of rights of consumers, especially vulnerable segments of society.

He asked for taking steps for promotion of global investment in exploration of Tight Gas and undersea oil and gas reserves, regretting that Pakistan’s maritime area was huge in size when compared with Balochistan province but no steps were taken to explore its hidden natural resources.

Emphasising to enhance petroleum refining capacity of country, he sought formulation of comprehensive strategy to do away with circular debt of oil and gas sectors and work out durable solution to issue.

PM Shehbaz instructed to reduce gas sector losses through smart metering and identify and take strict action against thieves of gas and oil. Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to industrial sector, besides ensuring installation of energy efficient machinery in industries.

He called for encouraging domestic consumers to prefer using electricity instead of gas in their daily lives. He sought implementation report on steps taken during previous tenures for energy conservation, besides emphasising upon uplift of administrative infrastructure of energy sector at par with international standards.

He directed for presenting strategy on country’s mineral resources, their exploration and enhancement of exports.  Participants were briefed about energy consumption and mineral sector. Prime Minister instructed relevant authorities to implement energy sector reforms on priority basis.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 12 2024

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