ISLAMABAD – In a move widely seen as a major relief for Pakistani households, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the resumption of new gas connections for domestic consumers a step aimed at ensuring affordable and uninterrupted access to energy across the country.
The announcement came during a ceremony in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister described the decision as a “people-centric measure” designed to address one of the most persistent public concerns the availability of natural gas for homes.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, in a video statement following the event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to energy reforms and public welfare, saying that the move reflects the administration’s broader vision of improving essential services for citizens.
He revealed that Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) achieved a profit of Rs29 billion during the last fiscal year, attributing the performance to improved governance and operational efficiency within the company.
To ensure the plan is implemented smoothly, the Petroleum Ministry has established dedicated Project Management Offices (PMOs) within both SNGPL and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL). These offices will oversee every stage of the rollout from processing applications and managing installations to addressing public complaints.
Households that have already paid their demand notes can now proceed with their connection requests by submitting the remaining differential amount and security fee, the ministry confirmed.
In a bid to make the process faster and more transparent, the government is also preparing to launch an online application system, allowing citizens to track and manage their requests digitally without unnecessary delays or paperwork.
Officials say the initiative will not only expand access to clean and reliable energy but also help reduce reliance on costly alternative fuels, strengthening Pakistan’s overall energy infrastructure.
The government maintains that this decision marks an important step toward sustainable development and public welfare, with plans underway to further extend domestic gas networks to underserved communities in the months ahead.
