National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Resources (P&NR) met on 17th November, 2014, today, in the Parliament House, Islamabad, to review the implementation status of Recommendations, made by the Standing Committee during 28th November, 2013 - 15th May, 2014; on M/o P&NR, SSGCL, PPL, PARCO & Geological Survey of Pakistan. CH. BILAL AHMED VIRK, MNA/Chairman, Standing Committee on Petroleum & NR presided over the meeting. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum & NR, was also present in the meeting
It was revealed by the Management of SSGCL that the Honoruable Supreme Court of Pakistan had declared the Implementation Agreement (IA) dated 12thAugust 2003 between Sui Southern Gas Company Limited and M/s JJVL, as “null and void”; vide its judgment dated 04 December, 2013. Consequent to the said Judgment, an opinion was solicited from Company’s Legal Advisor, on guidance/implications of the Judgment. In view of the same, it was suggested that, till a permanent mechanism for the operation of the plant (to ensure continuous supply of LPG to end consumers) is put in place; the Parties may enter into an arrangement of their own, based on commercial consideration, subject to the approval of respective Boards.
In the event if such mechanism is not reached upon, SSGC should approach the Committee – formed by the Hon’able Court in the said Judgment, for resolution; and whereas, if the mechanism is agreed upon between the Parties it should be brought to the notice of the Committee, for information and compliance of the Judgment. The SSGC Management and the Board, both are looking into the options in this regard, Sr. Official of SSGCL further told.
While responding to a question put forth by a Committee Member, Secretary P&NR told that Prime Minister’s Office has given go – ahead signal for the completion of halfly - completed projects of Gas, pending in the Constituencies of Parliamentarians. OGRA has already given its approval in this respect. Issue of LNG was also discussed, and Committee was told that 1st LNG Terminal would be operational in the 1st quarter of 2015.
The meeting was also attended by Malik Ihtebar Khan, Syed Muhammad Saqlain Bukhari, Mian Tariq Mehmood, Rana Muhammad Ishaq Khan, Mr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan, Chaudhry Khalid Javaid Warraich, Mr. Nawab Ali Wassan, Mr. Nasir Khan Khattak, Mr. Abdul Waseem, Mr. Sajid Ahmed & Pir Bux Junejo, MNAs; and Officers of Ministry of Petroleum & NR, PARCO, SSGCL, GSP and PPL.