ISLAMABAD:Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan informed the Senate on Friday that tenders will soon be opened for twenty new oil and gas exploration blocks in order to cope with the energy requirements.
Winding up discussion on gas and power crisis in the Senate, he regretted that the previous governments did not pay attention to explore new wells.
The Minister said the government is taking steps to check power and gas pilferage from the country. Regarding the recent power breakdown, Omer Ayub said a committee has been constituted to investigate the matter and action will be taken against those found responsible.
Omer Ayub said such issues are cropping up as the previous governments paid no attention to upgrade the transmission and distribution system. He said the present government is according priority to the up gradation of transmission system.
The Minister for Power said the government is also working to explore the potential of renewable energy. Earlier, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan said that no one is above the law.
Responding to a point raised by the Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla in the Senate, the Adviser said that this house has the authority to summon anybody here.
Dr Babar Awan said that everyone should respect the state institutions and appear before the courts to prove their innocence. The adviser said that government is working to introduce reforms in state institutions. The House will now meet again on Monday at 3: 00 p.m.