Govt dumps plan to import gas from Iran
Energy security steps aimed at personal welfare
Chief Justice asked to save masses from LPG mafia in winter
Islamabad: [October 30]
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday said that government has decided to dump plans to import gas from Iran to combat severe energy crunch in country.
The decision will not be announced to avoid hue and cry over it and prevent questions regarding spending billions on the project, it said.
Government has planned to reduce the gap by using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which has raised some serious questions, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President of the PEW.
It is yet to be ascertained that it was US pressure or some other motive to abandon the multi-billion-dollar project in which India and China were extremely interested, he said.
Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that LPG producers will enjoy an enhanced role in the newly planned energy mix of the country despite the fact that government hasn't been able to contain its objectionable business practices, he said.
Officials of petroleum ministry and distributors have often dubbed bottled gas producers as LPG mafia in national assembly standing committees, ECC meetings and on other forums.
The strong mafia led by an influential businessman from Lahore is known for bribing politicians and creating artificial shortages to transform miseries of masses into their bonanza, he said.
LPG cartel comprising 25 companies are connected to an influential politician has made around 350 billion rupees illegally through artificial shortages in last six years. They have generously distributed profits among stakeholders, Dr. Murtaza Mughal said.
Onset of winter has provided an opportunity to the mafia, supported by top lawyers, bureaucrats and generals, to make millions per day through black marketing.
He said that it is amazing that the Thar coal is not utilised to produce energy and controversial steps are being taken in to name of energy security which are moves aimed at personal welfare.
Dr. Mughal asked the Chief Justice Pakistan to take note of the situation, take action against all elements discouraging LPG imports and take steps to safeguard the rights of poor masses of remote areas who have no other alternative but to use LPG in the biting cold.
He demanded of the Supreme Court to investigate the secret meetings between top politicians and God Father of LPG mafia and secrets visits of an influential American Tycoon to Islamabad.
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Dr. Murtaza Mughal
Cell: 0321-5157671
President Pakistan Economy Watch
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