Staff Reporter
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government should immediately issue an executive order for the restoration of the closed CNG sector, and funds should be released for the education system, which the provincial government has taken responsibility for. Due to the non-payment of salaries, the teaching and non-teaching staff of the University of Peshawar are on strike, and the university should be provided funds without delay. These views were expressed by Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Central Ameer Abdul Wasey, Provincial General Secretary Sabir Hussain Awan, and District Ameer Bahrullah Khan Advocate during a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday.
They said that at present, the province’s own produced CNG (liquefied gas) is being deprived of its rightful share, and more than 600 CNG stations remain closed. As a result, the national exchequer is suffering a loss of 6 billion rupees, as millions of rupees in tax revenue are collected daily from CNG stations, while domestic consumers are deprived of the cheapest gas. On the other hand, business and working-class individuals associated with the CNG sector are facing unemployment.
They added that approximately 500,000 vehicles depend on CNG stations, including taxis, rickshaws, flying coaches, buses, and trucks, and around 550,000 families connected to this sector are facing severe difficulties.
They said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government repeatedly claims that CNG will be restored, but no date is being given by either the provincial or federal government.
They further stated that the total natural gas production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is 550 MMCFD, while the province’s requirement is only 120 MMCFD, and the consumption of 600 CNG stations is only 50 MMCFD.
They said that under Article 158 of the 1973 Constitution, the province where gas and minerals are produced has the first right over them, but here an opposite system is being followed.
They demanded that the government wake up and immediately issue an executive order for the restoration of CNG.
They warned that if CNG is not restored within three days, they will come onto the streets with public support.
They further announced that if CNG is not restored after May 1, Jamaat-e-Islami will launch a full protest campaign.
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