Pakistan is a nuclear power state but we are facing power outages and load shedding for years and now a chronic gas crisis is affecting our economy. Domestic consumers are also severely affected and even in the modern era, people are burning wood while others are compelled to use expensive gas cylinders. Meanwhile, the government is giving flimsy excuses to console us.
Ever since the PTI government came to power, there is no sector where a crisis has not arisen. We have seen the closure of flour mills, petroleum dealers taking to the streets, medicines getting expensive, and labourers lamenting over the lack of job opportunities. The government is making lofty claims about improving the economy but has not bothered to take any steps to ensure economic stability. Karachi is currently experiencing a severe gas crisis which has adversely affected the general public and industries. Production activities have come to a standstill and it seems that the country’s jugular vein is being cut.
Many industries in Karachi have been shut down due to the closure of gas supply and industrial production has been severely hampered. The nation cannot afford the consequences as our economy lies in dire straits. The gas crisis has been brewing for a while as Sindh was not being supplied gas as required which is gross injustice and production activities have come to a virtual halt. Factories cannot complete orders and meet their target. In such circumstances, how will we fulfill large export orders?
This negates the government’s claims it is providing all-out facilities to increase exports. Bangladesh’s exports have reached $54 billion while our exports barely half their level and are declining instead. Those claiming economic recovery should realise that if the situation continues then it will have a negative impact on exports and our industries. Our exports could decline to $17bn from the current $22bn and all efforts will down the drain.
Pakistan is already suffering from economic hardships exacerbated by the closure of energy supply to industries.
This year billions of rupees have already been lost due to the shutdown of industries amid the pandemic. It has become impossible for businessmen to fulfill export orders due to the closure of production units. In the past, thousands of traders left Pakistan due to the unrest and security situation and shifted their businesses to Bangladesh and other countries and could take similar drastic decisions.
The government’s policies will completely destroy the industries of Karachi. It will create unemployment in the country’s financial hub and the economy will be severely hit. The government should not usurp the rights of Sindh as it will weaken the federation. It is the need of the hour that the government takes long-term steps to overcome the gas crisis that arises every year and immediately build new LNG terminals to deal with the worsening problem.
