ISLAMABAD, Dec 25 (INP): The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Thursday demanded discontinuation of supply of natural gas to the textile sector throughout winter to provide relief to masses. The gas loadshedding which started with the advent of winter has now worsened making life of common man difficult, it said.

Gas is not available in many cities and villages of the country where people leave for work without breakfast while parents find it difficult to feed their children, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that government and other always blamed the CNG sector for gas shortages but now that sector has been closed since months they have no one to blame.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that after disconnection of CNG sector, government has started providing gas to textile sector negating its own claim of preferring common consumers over all other sectors. The LPG sector continue to rob masses by increasing prices to a level that is unfrequented in the history of Pakistan while Ogra is playing role of silent spectator.

Many tandoor operators have started using LPG cylinders due to extremely low pressure to charge masses more than the officially agreed rate for a roti while authorities have turned a blind eye to it.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that government has been planning to jack up price of natural gas even if it is not available which is a conspiracy.

INP