Islamabad: A Senate subcommittee has expressed serious concern over a two-decade delay in implementing Supreme Court orders to provide gas to localities within five kilometers of gas fields. The subcommittee, led by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo, is examining reasons for the delay and aims to assign responsibility for the oversight.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee convened in Islamabad to address the lack of progress in gasifying regions like Ghotki, a major gas-producing district. The committee was informed that approximately Rs. 670 million is needed to gasify areas in Ghotki. The Finance Ministry reported that Rs. 1 billion might be available for the project, pending confirmation, with funds to be released in phases.

The subcommittee plans to develop a phased implementation mechanism and has requested the Ministry of Petroleum to identify responsible authorities and establish a funding strategy. The committee also noted inconsistent information from the Director General (Gas) and emphasized the need for accurate data in future sessions.

The absence of the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority at the meeting raised concerns, prompting the committee to seek his attendance at the next meeting. The committee also addressed gasification issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, directing surveys of areas within the five-kilometer radius of gas fields.

The committee reiterated the necessity of a structured, transparent, and time-bound approach to implementing the Supreme Court's directives. The next meeting's date and time will be announced separately.