Gasification of villages: SHC asks federal government to pay SSGCL Rs 4.912 billion in seven days

Sindh High Court (SHC) Monday ordered Federal Government to pay Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) an amount of Rs4.912 billion within seven days for the gasification of remaining relevant villages of the province, envisaged in the judgment of Supreme Court (SC).

SHC ordered Secretary Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources to appear in person in next hearing on February 17, 2020 to submit the compliance report about handing over of Rs4.912 billion to SSGCL for the gasification of villages in Sindh.

SHC also ordered SSGCL to commence the work for the gasification of villages within seven days of the receipt of the said funds from the federal government in order to complete the task in six months.

The completion of work within six months is also necessary so that Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources through SSGCL can comply with para 22(K) of SC judgment in the most cost effective, expeditious and efficient manner to the benefit of the concerned villages so that they may realise their fundamental rights to life in its full meaning, SHC order stated.

The order written by Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha came in a petition, seeking implementation of SC judgment dated 27.12.2013 wherein certain directions were given in para 22, which need to be implemented by the concerned stakeholders.

Para 22(K) of judgment of apex court reads, "The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources shall ensure implementation of Prime Minister's directives of 15.9.2003 and provide gas to "all the surrounding localities/villages falling within the radius of 5km of all Gas Fields on priority basis as directed in accordance with the law".

SHC suspended the show cause notice to Secretary Petroleum & Natural Resources, which was issued in early hearing by showing judicial restraint and giving the last and final chance to Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources to comply with para 22(k) of SC judgment.

If the federal government didn't pay Rs4.912 billion gas utility within seven days of this order the show cause notice issued to Secretary of Petroleum & Natural Resources shall stand revived and in next hearing on February 17, 2020, he shall appear before the court in person and explain why he should not be proceeded with contempt of court for violating the order of apex court's order, which has remained unimplemented for last six years.

In the order, court stated that according to SSGCL, 70 percent of gas produced in Pakistan comes from gas fields in Sindh and keeping in view the 18th amendment, which has aimed at giving more provincial autonomy there should be no shortage in provision of such gas to the villages in the province as the main issue addressed and discussed is not one related to cost and not availability.