Attacks on Balochistan gas installations cost Rs3,315b
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Senate was told Wednesday that attacks on national gas installation and pipelines across Balochistan province cost the government Rs. 3315 billion during last three years.
Minister of state for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Mir Naseer Mengal mentioned to 43 such incidents of sabotage with two occurring in 2004, 10 in 2005 and 31 incident occurring during current year.
Answering the queries of the members during question hour, the minister described the local and external elements responsible for these attacks on the gas pipelines.
He said the services of FC Balochistan have been provided for the security arrangements in Balochistan and patrolling has been enhanced.
He further stated that security personnel of Balochistan Police and Levies are also looking after gas pipelines besides employing private security guards for the protection purposes.
To a question of Dr Ismail Buledi, the minister told the House that his party was a coalition partner of the Balochistan government and he must have been well aware of as to who was behind these sabotage activities.
He said action is taken against those involved in these activities and said, sometimes these acts are committed on the behest of external elements.
About cutting down the petroleum prices, the minister said, the government has been bearing extra charges due to oil prices escalation and provided subsidy worth Rs. 80 billion during the period.
The government had capped the petroleum prices including reduction in Petroleum Development Levy to benefit the consumers that made it to bear extra burden, he added.