Pakistan heading towards huge energy crisis: Asim Hussain

Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain said gas resources are fast depleting in the country; therefore, Pakistan will suffer gas load shedding next winter. He said the nothing was done in the past 60 years of Pakistan for boosting energy, accordingly, nation is facing crisis owing to no advance planning. Earlier addressing the media at Governor house Lahore, he said it should be brought home to people that country is beset with crises at present, adding under short-term policy, various projects including LPG are being installed, which will help reduce the gas crisis. He said the government is making long-term and short-term projects to get over the gas crisis in the country. Asim said the government will import LNG next year, which will not create gas shortage problems in the country. Replying to a question, he said gas project in collaboration with Iran will be completed over next few years. Various steps to boost gas production in the country are afoot and he will soon go to a foreign trip in this connection; besides, foreign companies will also be persuaded to invest in Pakistan for exploring oil and gas in the country.