ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the resumption of new domestic gas connections across Pakistan, ending a ban imposed in 2021. The decision was announced by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Wednesday, alongside Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Malik said the move responds to strong public demand, particularly from residents of new housing schemes who had been forced to rely on expensive LPG. He assured that both Sui companies were ready to begin processing pending applications immediately, with applicants also given the option to convert to RLNG-based connections at reduced costs compared to LPG.
The minister stressed that the step would ease household fuel expenses, provide relief amid inflation, and gradually reduce reliance on costly energy imports by boosting local exploration efforts.
Meanwhile, the cabinet also declared climate and agriculture emergencies. Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally directed the enforcement of a climate emergency and tasked the climate minister with submitting a comprehensive strategy within 15 days.
He warned that poor forest management, encroachments on natural waterways, and worsening floods have caused widespread destruction, especially to agriculture. An agriculture emergency will allow assessment of farm losses and compensation measures for farmers.
Chaudhry emphasised that addressing climate and agriculture challenges requires close federal-provincial coordination, with an urgent meeting of all chief ministers and regional leaders convened to devise joint strategies.
