Pakistan's gas crisis worsens as Maritime Ministry meddles in Energy Ministry's affairs

A heap of problems have encased Pakistan as amid rising inflation and economic crises, country is also continuing to deal with worst gas shortage with onset of winter season. As per recent reports, gas crisis in Pakistan is being extended due to intervention of Maritime Ministry in Energy Ministry's affairs.

As per ANI report citing, News International said that a source informed that PM Imran Khan urged  Maritime Minister to not interfere in energy ministry affairs. "This was second time when maritime minister was asked to stop doing so when it comes to energy issues."

Pak sets own house on fire as Maritime Ministry puts hurdles in Energy ministry’s affairs

first time Energy Minister Hamm Azhar and -n Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Power and Petroleum Tabish Gauhar took up issue of intervention by Maritime Ministry in Energy Ministry's affairs when dry docking of FSRU on Terminal-1 owned by Engro took place during June 29-July 5, 2021.

Last Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan convened three meetings and instructed relevant authorities to use existing JJVL LPG facility and FSRU berd at Terminal-2 to enable delivery of LNG and LPG across country. subject of Maritime Ministry's continual engagement in Energy minister's affairs was discussed during conference.

According to ANI, Energy Ministry's issues were raised, which pointed out that delay in critical decision-making is creating problems. Prime Minister discussed Energy Ministry concerns, which have grown more complex as a result of constant intervention by Maritime Ministry, delaying decision-making on energy matters.

Both energy minister and n-SAPM became enraged and complained to PM Imran Khan about role of maritime minister, planning minister, and n-finance minister in Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE) meeting for forming committee heed by Azam Swati with mandate to investigate why dry docking was delayed and why it took place on June 29-July 5, 2021. This time, maritime minister's involvement in issues such as Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL) and opposition to developments at Gwar Port related to LNG delivery via trucks in both Balochistan and Sindh was highlighted, as per ANI.

Imran Khan also met with private sector stakeholders who want berths at Gwar Port for virtual gas pipeline projects. Right now, anyone looking to invest in Gwar faces a difficult situation due to a lack of energy and gas, which is why government is failing to industrialise port thus far.

With ANI Inputs

Image: Unsplash/ AP