Tempers run high as gas pressure dips to zero

Protesters block Islamabad Highway to vent their anger over government

policy; All-Pakistan CNG Association demands resignation of Dr Asim Hussain

The All-Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) office-bearers, transporters and residents staged a protest against non-availability of gas to CNG stations and domestic consumers, by blocking the Islamabad Expressway for about one hour to press the government to review its decision.

The protesters threatened to go on hunger strike in front of the Parliament House if the government failed to resolve the gas crisis.

The demonstrators marched from Faizabad Chowk to Shakarparian Chowk along the Islamabad Highway. They also burnt tyres at the Shakarparian Chowk and blocked traffic for about one hour. Police diverted all kinds of traffic to the Kashmir Highway.

The protesters also used ‘tongas’, ‘carts’, ‘donkeys’ and ‘horses’ to reach the Shakarparian Chowk to denounce the government for pushing people to the Stone Age with its wrong policies. They demanded resignation Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain, who, they claimed, was behind the crisis.

The demonstrators, who were carrying banners and placards, chanted slogans against Dr. Asim Hussain and demanded the government to provide gas to CNG stations and domestic consumers. They urged the government to ensure uninterrupted gas supply and formulate a long-term CNG policy to facilitate commuters and people associated with this business on sustainable basis.

All-Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Supreme Council Chairman Ghayas Abdullah Piracha, during his speech, strongly criticised Dr. Asim Hussain and demanded his resignation. He said that the government closed down all gas stations for two weeks to provide sufficient pressure to domestic consumers, but people were getting zero gas pressure in their houses despite closure of all CNG stations. “Where has the gas gone,” he asked. He alleged that Dr. Asim Hussain was fully involved in gas theft in the country.

He said that the government has pushed people to the Stone Age, and it was all due to the wrong policies of the minister. He said that more than 100,000 employees working in CNG stations have become jobless, but the government was not feeling any kind of ‘shame’.

Muttahida Transport Union (MTU) President Malik Muhammad Sultan said that the government has failed to provide gas to motorists and domestic consumers. All compressed natural gas (CNG) stations were closed for two weeks but domestic gas pressure was zero in the majority of localities. He said that more than 60% of transports were off the road due to the absence of CNG for two weeks.

Hundreds of civil society members also participated in protest rally organised by the All-Pakistan CNG Association and transporters. They carried banners inscribed with slogans against the government and SNGPL officials.

They said that the low gas pressure has multiplied miseries of domestic consumers in most localities of the twin cities, compelling them to adopt alternative methods to cook food and keeping themselves warm in the chilly weather. “Our daily routine has been badly affected due to the low pressure of gas, especially in the early morning hours and in the evening when the pressure is reduced to zero and it becomes difficult for women to prepare food for their families,” said Shazia Khan, a female protester.

Another protester, Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi, said that they had been facing the severe problem of low gas pressure for two weeks. “We have registered complaints with the relevant department several times but to no avail,” he added.

Posted in: Islamabad