Pak for expediting oil and gas exploration projects

Islamabad: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Khawaja Muhammad Asif has directed the ministry to expedite the Oil and Gas exploration in the country to meet the challenges of soaring international oil prices and reduction of oil import bill.

The minister expressed these views while taking a briefing from the senior official of the ministry. Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Farrakh Qayum briefed the minister about organisation, functions and on-going projects of the ministry.

The minister was pleased to know that Pakistan has a high success rate with regard to oil and gas exploration. Khawaja Asif also took note of the huge potential of development of mineral wealth ie coal and copper. He took special interest in all the projects aimed at developing mineral in the country.

The minister said the energy is the life line of the economy and stated that Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources would make consorted efforts for the development of energy resources in the country. He welcomed the indication that Indian petroleum minister is likely to visit Pakistan to discuss matters of mutual interest.

The meeting was also attended by Addl. Secretary, Director General (Mineral), Director General, (Oil), Director General (Gas), Director General (Admin), Director General (Hydrocarbon Development), Managing Director Inter State Gas System and other senior officials.