Islamabad [Pakistan], July 16 (ANI): Members of Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives have expressed grave concern over the “poor regulatory environment” in the petroleum sector after it was revealed that nearly half of the country’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bowsers are operating without registration or oversight, Dawn News reported.
Chairing the meeting, MNA Abdul Qadir Gillani cited the January 27 LPG tanker explosion in Multan, stating that such tragedies are becoming alarmingly frequent. “Providing meagre aid to victims is not a solution. This must stop, we must take action against those found responsible,” he asserted, according to Dawn News.
The committee was informed that of around 2,000 bowsers transporting LPG across the country, only 800 are registered with the Department of Explosives, and a mere 247 are licensed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). This glaring gap in regulation raised serious questions about public safety, Dawn News reported.
Committee members criticized the unchecked and hazardous sale of LPG in plastic bags in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and incidents of LPG theft in Sindh. Several lawmakers condemned Ogra for its failure to monitor and enforce safety measures effectively. The panel noted a lack of surveillance, infrequent inspections, and poor coordination between regulatory bodies, according to the report.
Officials from the petroleum regulatory authority acknowledged the lapses and admitted that existing laws were inadequate. They highlighted recent efforts, including opening a regional office in Multan and launching awareness campaigns. However, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the accountability process and called the Rs 600,000 compensation to Multan victims “measly,” urging stricter action and immediate suspension of licenses for entities under investigation, Dawn News reported.
In a separate agenda item, the subcommittee, led by Syed Samiul Hassan Gillani, presented findings on development projects previously handled by the defunct Public Works Department (PWD). Concerns were raised over the operational capacity of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (PIDCL), with members warning that merely transferring PWD personnel would not resolve systemic inefficiencies and corruption.
The committee reconstituted the subcommittee to review the status of ongoing projects and submit findings within 30 days, stressing the need for a transparent and effective federal-provincial coordination body, Dawn News reported. (ANI)
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