Summary Gas from Iran is not possible even if project gets completed, says petroleum minister.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Government has showed reluctance in stating the number of casualties in drone strikes during the last five years, adding that the statistics will be shared during an in-camera session.
During National Assembly’s session chaired by Deputy Speaker Murtaza Abbasi, Petroleum Minister Shahuid Khaqan Abbasi said import of gas from Islamabad was not possible even after the completion of infrastructure owing sanctions.
Stopping the smuggling of oil was the responsibility of the interior ministry and not that of the Petroleum ministry. The government has not issued any license for production of explosives for the last six years. No proposal was under consideration on fencing the Pak-Afghan border, he added.
The National Assembly was assured that LNG will be imported from Qatar at the lowest possible price.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the House during question hour that the government is currently negotiating the procurement of LNG and the import is likely to commence towards the end of current year.
The Minister said the price of the LNG has not yet been negotiated. This will be negotiated in a transparent manner after the firming up of all the modalities of LNG procurement. He said that the price of LNG in the country will be kept 30 percent below than the Petroleum.
About the construction of LNG terminal, the Minister said work on it is continuing and it is expected to be completed by November this year.
On Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, the Minister said the gas cannot be imported from Iran till the lifting of sanctions on the country.
He said the present government has amended 2012 Petroleum Policy to enhance exploration of oil and gas in the country.
The Minister said the government is continuously exploring all avenues to remove the gas supply side constraints. He said that schedule for CNG stations will be reviewed upon improvement in weather conditions and reduction in consumption by domestic sector.
He said Balochistan is being given priority in supply of gas. Though it is difficult to extend network for the supply of gas to the entire province due to scattered population and hilly terrain, yet 13 district headquarters and 25 tehsil headquarters have been connected with gas in the province.
Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Raja Javed Ikhlas told the House that the government has not signed any deal with Saudi Arabia for the provision of arms and weapons. He said reports about sending of personnel of armed forces to a specific country are also baseless.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad said that the government wants to give right of vote to the Overseas Pakistanis. He said currently a bill is being considered in this regard by Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice and the process will be forwarded after the submission of report by the committee.
On behalf of Minister for Communications, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad said work on Hassanabdal-Havelian Motorway will soon be started as the land has been acquired for the project.
He said the Prime Minister has issued directions for early completion of Islamabad Airport and work on the project has been expedited.
The House has been adjourned to meet again on Monday at 4.00 p.m.
