Gas tariff to remain unchanged until Dec-Jan: Musadik

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Masood Malik on Tuesday said the current gas tariff would remain unchanged until the winter months of December and January.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the gas tariff had not been increased and the government was striving to avoid placing any additional burden on people. “If the need arises to provide relief, we will make decisions in consultation with all provinces and move forward together. However, our aim is to avoid increasing gas prices,” he said and added that 98% of domestic electricity consumers, who used up to 500 units, were provided relief by the Punjab government. He said 86% of those consuming up to 200 units also received relief from the federal government. He urged other provincial governments to offer similar relief if they wish.

He urged political leaders to refrain from spreading chaos and participate in parliamentary committees meetings to contribute to the nation’s development. He said certain elements were attempting to create obstacles for the country’s progress. “These are the people who do not want to see the country progress,” he said and recalled that after the elections, the opposition was offered a chance to form the government, but they refused.

He said that on the one side, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was blaming the US for regime change and on the other, it was hiring the services of a US lobbying firm, the Fenton Group.

He alleged that the PTI lobbied for passing a resolution against Pakistan, and noted that David Fenton, who campaigned against Pakistan’s nuclear program for decades, was hired by the PTI.

Without naming, he said: “One has been arrested in the Top City corruption case, while the other is detained in a $190 million corruption case.” After the arrest of the PTI chairman, the party has become orphan.

He highlighted widespread corruption stories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and accused some elements of facilitating and supporting terrorists. He said those who criticised the ongoing operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must account for the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces, calling it an unfortunate situation.

Highlighting internal conflicts within the PTI, he pointed out that the party was disintegrating, with its members now fighting against themselves.