CM also demands federal support for allocation of dormant gas fields to strengthen industries
KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday held a comprehensive meeting to review important energy-sector issues affecting Sindh, including the grant of Hidan Block to Sindh Energy Holding Company Ltd (SEHCL), allocation of dormant gas fields, gas supply from Soho and Kandhkot fields and pending matters relating to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
During the meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House, the CM underscored the need for timely federal decisions on several longstanding matters, adding that Sindh’s energy resources must be leveraged effectively to support industrial growth, employment generation, energy security and economic development.
Discussing the Hidan Block, it was noted that SEHCL had submitted an application in February 2025 following the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision and under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Policy 2012. The CM pointed out that despite repeated correspondences from the Energy Department, the CM Office and the DG Petroleum Concessions, the matter remained unresolved.
Shah stressed that Sindh had fulfilled all procedural and legal requirements and was entitled to the block under the existing policy framework. “Sindh has completed all formalities and has a clear policy-based right to the Hidan Block. An early decision will enable the province to contribute more effectively to the national energy landscape and attract further investment,” he said.
The chief minister also sought federal support for the allocation of dormant gas fields to Sindh for industrial utilisation. He noted that the provincial government had repeatedly advocated for the productive use of untapped gas reserves to strengthen industrial activity and improve energy availability for businesses.
“Industries across Sindh are facing significant energy constraints. Bringing stranded and dormant gas reserves into the economic mainstream can provide immediate relief to the industry, create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” he remarked.
Shah also spoke of gas allocation from the Soho discovery in the Sujawal Block and the surplus gas available in the Kandhkot Gas Field. Referring to Article 158 of the Constitution, he emphasised that provinces producing natural gas should receive priority in its utilisation.
“Sindh is the country’s largest gas-producing province. Constitutional provisions regarding priority utilisation of gas by producing provinces must be implemented in true letter and spirit. Timely allocation from the Soho and Kandhkot fields will help address energy shortages and support industrial expansion,” he said.
