How long such a situation will persist? The situation is grave in Sindh as compared to other provinces, although it is the main producer of gas.
The gas crisis is one of Pakistan’s major issues and it becomes severe during the winter season. Extended hours of load shedding or low-pressure gas put millions of people to the test across the country, especially in Sindh, as they are unable to carry out routine functions. Winter is quite difficult for people in terms of gas availability hence could be provided only “three times a day” that too is not provided in proper way because even in this “three times” schedule gas pressure is very low and household consumers face problems in cooking.
Every year, citizens voice their grievances and they fall on deaf ears. Even If the government acknowledges and listens to the rightly filed complaints, there is little it can do as its hands are tied behind its back. It seems as though we have been put into a corner and the best way out of it would have been to reduce dependence on gas entirely.
Right now we are at the precipice of an even bigger crisis of exhausting the gas supply entirely but there is still time to bring about change, should the government decide to. Of course this means that stringent measures are need to be taken, but the government has to be willing to step outside its comfort zone and assume responsibility to the matter.
Because natural gas is a treasure and holds a vital place for Pakistan’s economy, it is utilized for a wide range of purposes i.e. cooking, fertilizers, manufacturing, fueling vehicles, and electricity production, and contributes to more than half of the country’s total energy consumption.
How long such a situation will persist? The situation is grave in Sindh as compared to other provinces, although it is the main producer of gas. As per constitution and the court rulings, Sindh has the first right over the gas, but has been denied of its right.
Kashish Kukreja
Sukkur Sindh
