KARACHI: August 28, 2026
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday demanded that the federal government immediately allot the ‘Hidden Gas Block’ to the Sindh Energy Holding Company Limited (SEHCL), stating that all legal and procedural requirements have already been completed.
In a meeting with Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik at CM House, the CM reviewed key pending energy issues including the allotment of abandoned and inactive gas fields, gas supply from Soho and Kandhkot fields, and unresolved matters with Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Secretary Energy Shahab Ansari, Secretary Petroleum Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh, Additional Secretary Petroleum Zafar Abbas, SSGC MD Amin Rajput and PSO MD Jawad Ahmed Cheema also attended the meeting.
The CM stressed that Sindh’s energy resources must be utilized effectively for industrial growth, job creation, energy security and economic development.
Hidden Block Allotment
A key agenda item was Hidden Block (2767-3). SEHCL had applied for it in February 2025 under CCI decisions and the Petroleum Exploration & Production Policy 2012.
Murad Shah pointed out that despite repeated correspondence by the Energy Department, CM Office and DG Petroleum Concessions, the matter remains pending.
“Sindh has completed all formalities and has a clear right to this block under the current policy framework. A timely decision will enable the province to play a more effective role in the national energy landscape and attract further investment,” the CM said.
Abandoned and Inactive Gas Fields
The CM also sought federal support to allot abandoned and inactive gas fields to Sindh for industrial use.
“Industries across Sindh are facing severe energy shortages. Bringing unused gas reserves into production can provide immediate relief to industries, create jobs and boost economic activity,” he said.
Gas Supply and Article 158
Raising the issue of gas allocation from the Soho discovery in Sujawal Block and surplus gas from Kandhkot Field, the CM cited Article 158 of the Constitution.
“Sindh is the largest natural gas producing province. The constitutional provision giving priority to producing provinces must be fully implemented. Timely allocation from Soho and Kandhkot will help address the energy shortfall and support industrial expansion,” he said.
SSGC Matters
Two SSGC-related issues were also discussed.
- Gadap Land: Leasing of government land in Gadap, Karachi to SSGC for a base camp. The Energy Department has issued an NOC after inspection. Further action awaits a joint visit by DC Malir.
- New Gas Connections: Updating the notified list of rural and urban areas in Sindh for new gas connections, following the federal decision to ease the ban.
The CM directed all provincial departments to expedite pending regulatory work and resolve both issues immediately. “Administrative procedures should not become hurdles in projects that directly benefit citizens and improve public service delivery,” he said.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik acknowledged the importance of the issues for Sindh and the national economy.
“We fully recognize the importance of these matters for Sindh and the national economy. We will review every proposal carefully and work together with the Sindh government,” he said.
