Minister for Planning and Development says the government is also striving to reduce tax rates
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the provision of LNG regasification connections in Narowal, with the aim of improving energy access ahead of the winter season.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, Ahsan Iqbal said that the government is actively working to solve the country’s energy challenges. “The government is making efforts to further bring down electricity prices as the economy continues to stabilise,” he said.
He added that the government was also striving to reduce tax rates while encouraging taxpayers to help identify cases of tax evasion. “The country’s development depends on increasing tax revenue,” Iqbal said.
The minister said the introduction of RLNG connections would help residents meet their fuel needs in winter.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the opening of new RLNG gas connections for private consumers.
Read more: The government is paving the way for new RLNG connections
Prime Minister said the government took the decision in response to longstanding public demand. He recalled that in 2022 there was huge public pressure for gas connections, but the government faced challenges.
He emphasized that with this landmark decision, the public will now have access to high quality fuel at an affordable price.
Earlier, Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed a comprehensive rollout plan to provide Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to private consumers.
To ensure effective supervision and timely execution of this massive public welfare project, the Minister directed the immediate establishment of a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) at both SNGPL and SSGCL.
These offices, he said, will be responsible for closely monitoring the entire process, from application to linkage, to ensure that targets are met and that any public complaints are dealt with promptly.
In a big relief to consumers who have been waiting for connections, it was also decided that applicants who have already paid for a demand note can now submit the difference amount along with the security fee to become eligible for an RLNG connection under this new initiative.
