LPG Tanker Explosion in Multan Prompts Parliamentary Scrutiny of Regulatory Lapses and Project Oversight
A recent explosion involving an LPG tanker in Multan has triggered intense debate within Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The Committee, convened under the chairmanship of Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani, criticized regulatory shortcomings that have exposed hazardous gaps in public safety and highlighted broader challenges in infrastructure project management.
The session opened with an urgent appraisal of the Multan incident, with Chairman Gillani condemning the increasing frequency of such disasters and the inadequacy of compensation provided to victims. “Such incidents are becoming rampant, and providing meagre aid to victims is not a solution,” Gillani stated, calling for the identification and accountability of those responsible. Committee members condemned the unchecked sale of LPG in plastic bags in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ongoing fuel theft in Sindh, underscoring systemic failures across multiple provinces.
A major focus of criticism was the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), which was faulted for lax oversight and enforcement in the LPG sector. Out of an estimated 2,000 LPG transport bowsers in operation nationwide, only 800 are reportedly registered with the Department of Explosives and a mere 247 licensed by OGRA. Committee members raised concerns about inadequate surveillance, infrequent inspections, and weak coordination between OGRA and the Explosives Department.
In response, OGRA officials reported steps including opening a regional office in Multan and launching public awareness campaigns, but admitted the current legal framework is inadequate for tackling widespread unregulated operations. OGRA appealed to the Committee for parliamentary support to strengthen penalties and enforcement through legislative amendments. Nevertheless, the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory response, especially criticizing the compensation of Rs. 600,000 for victims as grossly insufficient. The Committee demanded suspension of licenses for those under investigation and tougher inspection and safety protocols. Members resolved to revisit the issue with a detailed report on registration and enforcement in the following session.
The Committee also addressed infrastructure and development project oversight, with the presentation of a sub-committee report by its Convener, Syed Sami Ul Hassan Gillani. The report examined the implementation of projects formerly managed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and now overseen by provincial authorities. While the cooperation of federal ministries was recognized, serious concerns persisted about the capacity of the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) and chronic delays rooted in coordination challenges.
To address these issues, the Committee reconstituted its sub-committee under Mr. Gillani to review ongoing PWD-linked projects, with a thirty-day deadline to report findings. Discussions highlighted the insufficiency of personnel transfers from PWD to PIDCL as a reform strategy, given underlying inefficiencies and corruption. While some members advocated for strengthening PWD’s oversight, others called for the creation of a new, more competent institution. The Committee unanimously emphasized the need for capable implementing agencies and affirmed that elected representatives should have discretion in selecting project partners for their constituencies.
Further deliberations focused on the allocation of new Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects for the upcoming fiscal year. The Ministry of Planning was directed to provide detailed, district- and division-wise allocations in the next session. The Committee also voiced concern over recurring infrastructure losses due to seasonal floods, urging the establishment of a comprehensive national flood prevention and mitigation policy to shift emphasis from reactive relief to proactive disaster management.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and a prayer for the late father of Mr. Zulfiqar Bachani, MNA. Attendees included parliamentarians and representatives from key ministries and regulatory bodies, signaling the Committee’s resolve to address both regulatory lapses and development challenges in the public interest.
