Muhammad Suhail Khan Afridi has written a formal letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan, demanding immediate restoration of gas supply to the CNG sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and warning that continued suspension could trigger economic disruption, unemployment, and law-and-order concerns across the province.
According to details, the chief minister stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of Pakistan’s largest natural gas-producing provinces and should not be deprived of its constitutional rights. He argued that the ongoing gas suspension for the CNG sector is creating serious concern among transporters, business owners, and workers linked to the industry.
The letter stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces nearly 494 MMCFD of natural gas, while its own consumption remains around 120 MMCFD. The provincial government maintained that the CNG sector requires only 36 to 40 MMCFD gas, which has allegedly been diverted to the fertilizer sector.
The chief minister emphasized that under Article 158 of the Constitution, provinces producing natural gas have the first right over its usage. He warned that ignoring this constitutional provision could intensify public resentment in the province.
The letter further noted that the Peshawar High Court had previously termed the closure of CNG stations unfair, adding legal weight to the province’s stance on the issue.
Officials also expressed concern that continued suspension of gas supply could affect thousands of livelihoods connected to the CNG business. The provincial government argued that the transport sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heavily relies on CNG, and prolonged disruption would force people to shift to expensive fuels, increasing financial pressure on the public.
The chief minister urged the federal government to immediately intervene and restore gas supply to the CNG sector. He also called for a meeting of the Council of Common Interests and demanded that the CNG gas issue be formally included in its agenda for discussion.
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