PM Khan gives go-ahead for crackdowns against illegal gas connections

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed authorities to initiate country-wide crackdowns against illegal gas connections, ARY News reported.

The directives were issued in a high-level meeting held under the chair of PM Khan in Islamabad regarding prevention of gas losses.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary and others.

The premier was briefed that the gas companies were bearing loss of around Rs45 billion annually due to gas theft, leakage and other issues.

He was told that the system of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) was facing deficit of approximately 11 per cent and more than 16 per cent by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC).

The sector was receiving loss of Rs19 billion by gas theft and Rs11.25 billion due to leakage and Rs14.50 billion per year in term of other issues.

PM Khan said the deficit ratio and its burden on general public are unacceptable. Systematic faults and administrative negligence were major causes of hike in gas prices which directly increase burden on nationals, he added.

The premier directed authorities to take all possible measures in order to curb losses to the gas companies. He also ordered to initiate strict action against officials of the gas companies who were found involved in facilitating gas theft.