By SKM
November 18, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s multibillion-dollar Reko Diq copper-gold project is expected to begin production by the end of 2028, the Petroleum Ministry informed the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Tuesday — a briefing that dominated the opening of a meeting otherwise marked by sharp criticism over severe gas shortages, weak oversight, and stalled refinery investments.
Briefing senators on Reko Diq, the Petroleum Secretary reported that roughly 20% of ground work has been completed, reaffirming the end-2028 production timeline. The committee, however, expressed concern over the absence of a representative from Barrick, the project’s operator, and directed that a member of the operational team must attend future meetings. The ministry also invited the committee to visit the project site.
Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti sought details on Barrick’s CSR portfolio, including drinking-water and education initiatives. The chair demanded transparency in the criteria used to select 27 Baloch youth sent for international training and stressed that local hiring must be maximized.
Chaired by Senator Umer Farooq, the committee meeting also expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the Petroleum Minister, calling it unacceptable amid mounting public complaints and policy challenges. Senators Quarat-ul-Ain Marri, Abdul Wassy, Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Hidayat Ullah Khan, Jam Saifullah Khan, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, and mover Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan attended.
Lawmakers grilled SSGC and SNGPL over persistent low pressure and prolonged outages, particularly in Quetta, where the chair said gas is “completely absent even during daytime,” disrupting everyday life. Members reminded officials of Article 158, which grants priority to gas-producing provinces.
The Petroleum Ministry said a nationwide 10 p.m.–5 a.m. gas shutdown is being enforced as a load-management measure and cited ongoing pipeline rehabilitation in Sindh and Balochistan. Officials also highlighted widespread meter tampering and the use of suction compressors in Quetta, which limit supply to tail-end consumers. The chair ordered long-term corrective action.
The committee examined issues related to Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL) and requested a complete historical briefing for the next session.
Members also raised alarms over reports of kerosene, LDO and solvents being mixed with petrol — a practice they said poses hazardous environmental consequences. Unsatisfied with incomplete data from regulators, the chair directed OGRA and DG (Oil) to issue final warnings and cancel licenses of non-compliant companies.
On refinery investments, senators were briefed on Greenfield and Brownfield policies, but expressed concern that unclear sales-tax policies were discouraging investors. The chair ordered the Finance and Petroleum ministries to jointly craft an investment-friendly framework for the next meeting.
Responding to concerns raised by Senators Hidayat Ullah and Abdul Wassy, the ministry said roughly 70% of new gas-connection requests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been processed and meters installed.
The committee also directed OGDCL to resolve a pending employee-related matter and submit a report after completion. Ends
