THE NATION....................................................................................................................OCT 15,2011
RAWALPINDI (INP) - Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain has said that due to shortage of natural gas, consumers will have to face problems of loadshedding and low pressure of gas during the winter season.
Speaking at a ceremony of employees of Attock Refinery here on Friday, Dr Asim Hussain said that due to gap between production and consumption, consumers were bound to face problems during the approaching winter season. He said that consumers should assist the government to overcome the gas shortage crisis and January would be critical for them in this regard. He said that every possible step was being taken to reduce the gap between demand and supply but problem would certainly remain.
The petroleum minister said that gas loadshedding for CNG stations would be reduced to two days in a week soon, which would help in lessening the miseries of transporters, commuters and CNG station owners. Dr Asim assured that Pak-Iran gas pipeline project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe to overcome energy crisis.
Staff Reporter adds: Speaking as chief guest at Attock Refinery Limited’s Long Service Awards Ceremony for the year 2009-10, Dr Asim Hussain said that Attock Group of Companies has a unique and exemplary status in the oil and gas sector of Pakistan.
ARL CEO Adil Khattak, management of Attock Oil Group of Companies, govt officials, staff and workers of ARL were also present on the occasion. Dr Asim Hussain further said that he especially included Shuaib A Malik, Group Regional Chief Executive, Attock Oil Group in the recently constituted “Think Tank on Integrated Energy Sustainability” in view of his vast experience, contribution and positive approach so that government was able to devise policies and strategies for streamlining the energy sector. He assured ARL of his complete support in its forthcoming refinery expansion and upgradation projects. He greatly appreciated peace and harmony and working relationship among workers and management of ARL.
He said that ARL was progressing in its production and standards and was an example for others to emulate.
The Federal Minister said that education was right of every Pakistani as it changed the vision, philosophy and thinking of entire nation. He showed his great concern on non receipt of scholarships to workers children who were studying in different universities by Workers Welfare Fund.
He said that PPP considered workers as its heart, arms and ammunition. He said that he would take up this issue with the President and Ministry of Finance for early resolution. He said that environment friendly products were most important for us and our children.
“The long service awards ceremony is a source of inspiration and encouragement for the employees who have served major part of their life for the development of this organization. We are proud of them and pray for their health, prosperity and welfare. In the end he congratulated all award winners and prayed for progress of the company” he added. Earlier, ARL CEO Adil Khattak, in his welcome address, thanked the chief guest for gracing the occasion. He stated that we take pride in the fact that ARL like all other Attock Group companies, not only focuses on its core business but also takes due care of its human resource as well as the welfare of surrounding communities.
At the end, Shuaib A Malik, Group Regional Chief Executive, Attock Oil Group and Chairman, ARL thanked Dr. Asim Hussain for gracing the occasion despite his busy and hectic schedule.
He paid tribute to him for resolving long outstanding issues of oil & gas sector and expressed his confidence that Ministry of Petroleum under his leadership shall play a pro-active role in the development of Oil & Gas sector of Pakistan. He assured full support of Attock Oil Group of Companies to the Government of Pakistan.