LNG being redefined

While rejecting definition of LNG tailored by the former government, Minister for Law and Justice, Barrister Dr Farogh Naseem has decided to define LNG afresh, sources close to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources told Business Recorder. He gave his comments at the first meeting of Council of Common Interests (CCI) held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The Additional Secretary (In Charge), Ministry of Petroleum, Mian Asad Haya-ud-Din stated that the CCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2017 advised the provincial governments to convey their concerns on the import of LNG/ LNG Policy 2011 to the Petroleum Division for submission of a consolidated report to the CCI.
It was also advised that Petroleum Division will respond to the concerns of the provinces. The matter was further discussed in the CCI meeting held on February 26, 2018, wherein the CCI reviewed the progress of the decision taken in the last meeting and directed the provinces to expedite their comments.
It was also decided that if response of a province is not received within 45 days, it will be deemed that the respective province has no objection to the proposal. So far, only Government of Sindh has forwarded its comments, which along with the replies of Petroleum Division are attached with the summary. The matter is placed before CCI for its consideration and further directions.
According to sources, Minister for Law and Justice stated that as per Article 154 (1), the Council shall formulate and regulate policies in relation to matters in part II of the Federal Legislative list and shall exercise supervision and control over related institutions. Mineral oil and natural gas at entry No.2 of FLL (part-II) makes it a federal subject. Whereas, entry 27 pertaining to import and export across customs frontiers is the domain of the federal government.
It was further discussed that in strict technical sense of the existing law, the LNG is a natural gas whether locally produced or imported. The argument that its well-head is situated outside the territorial boundaries of Pakistan is not tenable. The Law Minister did not agree with the opinion of Petroleum Division given earlier and intends to review the opinion and desires to give fresh views.
The Minister for Petroleum assured that the concerns of Government of Sindh and KPK will be taken care of in his continuous discussions both at the technical and political levels. He also gave assurance to the provincial governments that the federal government will abide by the constitutional provisions pertaining to oil & gas in letter and spirit especially Articles 154, 158 and 172.
After a detailed discussion, the CCI decided that the LNG Policy along with observations of government of Sindh may be placed before CCI in its next meeting.
The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources will also have meetings with the Chief Ministers of Sindh, Balochistan and KP in the next one month to review issues in the oil and gas sector faced by the respective provinces. All issues related to post-18th amendment (oil and gas) will be brought to the CCI after meetings with concerned Chief Ministers.