Power sector circular debts' issue to be resolved on priority: Deputy PM Dar 

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said the government was taking steps to increase foreign investment in the petroleum sector by resolving key issues of the sector.

The deputy PM, presiding over the first meeting of a committee, formed to consider the issues faced by the petroleum sector’s E&P companies and to resolve issues of the industrial sector, resolved to take every possible step to provide all facilities to the foreign companies that will help attract further investment in the country.

The meeting considered the recommendations to improve the financial system for off-shore exploration.

The deputy PM also directed to prepare a framework to implement the recent amendments made in the Petroleum Policy 2012.

Heads of local and foreign E&P companies, on the occasion, highlighted concerns about the security and stability of the sector due to increased circular debt.

The deputy PM directed the concerned authorities to resolve the issue of circular debts in the power sector on priority.

Private sector members of the committee also expressed their concerns regarding the downstream gas sector and stressed the need to open up the sector to private companies to improve its sustainability.

After detailed discussions, the forum directed the Petroleum Division to work closely with the industry and other stakeholders.

The forum also directed the Petroleum Division to suggest appropriate amendments to the Ogra Ordinance to introduce a mechanism for the adjustment of gas rates on a monthly or quarterly basis.

On security issues, the Forum directed the Interior Division to work closely with E&P companies and other stakeholders.

The Interior Division was also mandated to develop a dedicated one-window facility system at the federal and provincial levels to ensure security for operations in challenging areas.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik, Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and other members of the committee.