Planning and Development Minister says government is also striving to reduce tax rates
Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the provision of regasified liquefied natural gas 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 the government was actively working to resolve the country’s energy challenges. “The government is making efforts to further reduce electricity prices as the economy continues to stabilize,” he said.
He added that the government was also striving to reduce tax rates and urged taxpayers to help identify cases of tax evasion. “The country’s development depends on increasing tax revenues,” Iqbal said.
The minister said the introduction of RLNG connections would help residents meet their fuel needs during winter.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the opening of new RLNG gas connections for domestic consumers.
Read more: Government paves way for new RLNG connections
The prime minister said the government took the decision in response to a long-standing public demand. He recalled that in 2022 there was immense public pressure for gas connections, but the government faces challenges.
He emphasized that with this historic decision, the public will now be able to access affordable and quality fuel.
Earlier, Federal Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed a comprehensive implementation plan to provide Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to domestic consumers.
To ensure effective supervision and timely execution of this huge public welfare project, the minister directed immediate creation 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 connection, ensuring that objectives are met and that any public complaints are addressed promptly.
In a big relief to consumers who have been waiting for connections, it was also decided that applicants who have already paid demand note can now submit the differential amount along with security fee to be eligible for an RLNG connection under this new initiative.
