RLNG Connections Pakistan Initiative Launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
In a significant move addressing a critical public utility shortage, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched the RLNG Connections Pakistan program on Sunday. This initiative marks the resumption of new household gas supply connections across the nation after a four-year suspension. The ceremony, held in Islamabad, signifies the government’s effort to fulfill a persistent public demand and alleviate the daily challenges faced by citizens who have been without a reliable and affordable energy source for cooking and heating.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister characterized the launch as the fulfillment of a major public commitment. He reflected on the immense pressure his previous government faced in 2022 over the public’s urgent need for new gas connections. The ban on new connections was originally imposed in 2021 due to the rapid depletion of the country’s indigenous natural gas reserves. This policy forced a large number of households to turn to more costly alternatives, primarily Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), significantly increasing their monthly living expenses.
Overcoming Past Challenges to Enable Supply
Prime Minister Sharif detailed the logistical and financial hurdles that had to be overcome to make the RLNG Connections Pakistan project viable. He acknowledged that ensuring a stable gas supply was a “big challenge” at the time. However, he outlined the subsequent steps taken, which included the release of necessary funds and the development of critical infrastructure. This preparatory work has now enabled the government to initiate the supply of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to a vast number of applicants who have been on a waiting list, effectively ending the prolonged moratorium.
In a gesture of political unity, the Prime Minister extended congratulations to all coalition government partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), among others, for their role in achieving the restoration of domestic gas connections. He emphasized that the success of this initiative was a collective achievement, underscoring a collaborative effort to address a national issue that directly impacts the populace’s quality of life.
Ceremony Attendance and Broader Economic Context
The launch ceremony was attended by a high-level gathering of officials, demonstrating the initiative’s national importance. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, secretaries, members of parliament, and senior officials from the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). The presence of key stakeholders highlighted the coordinated approach between the government and the utility sector in implementing this large-scale public welfare project.
Providing a broader context for the gas sector’s performance, Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik, in a pre-ceremony video message, shared positive operational data from SNGPL. He reported that the company had successfully reduced its line losses to an impressive 4.93% and had earned a substantial profit of Rs29 billion in the previous financial year. These metrics indicate improvements in the company’s efficiency and financial health, which are crucial for sustaining new service expansions like the RLNG Connections Pakistan program. Concluding the event, Prime Minister Sharif offered prayers for the nation’s progress and prosperity, stressing the continued need for hard work and dedication to overcome Pakistan’s challenges.
