IT is very annoying to note that Balochistan, the major producer of gas in the country, is deprived of gas.
Gas was first discovered in Sui (the subdistrict of Dera Bugti) in 1953 and it was initially supplied to Punjab in 1962, but surprisingly Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, received Sui gas in 1986 and Dera Bugti in the 1990s.
Although Sui accounts for 40 per cent of Pakistan’s gas production, Balochistan receives only two per cent of it and the remaining 38 per cent goes to Punjab.
According to an estimate, every year the federal government earns Rs90 billion from Sui gas, out of which Balochistan receives Rs4 billion as royalty.
Moreover, out of 28 districts in the province, only Mustung, Qalat, Naseerabad and Quetta are supplied proper gas. As a result, Balochistan lags behind in development.
The prime minister should look into the matter in accordance with the Charter of Democracy, declared between the Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), in which provincial autonomy is ascertained.
FAHAD IQBAL
Turbat Kech
http://www.dawn.com/2008/05/24/letted.htm |
