PESHAWAR—The Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan raised concerns today regarding the lack of oversight in the gas cylinder industry during a high-level committee meeting.
While addressing the media, the senator stated that the 1973 Constitution provides an excellent framework, yet the lack of implementation reveals a troubling picture of the country’s safety standards. He noted that although gas cylinders have been in use for decades, regulatory authorities only recently began formulating the necessary laws to control them.
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The Scale of Illegal Manufacturing
The gas cylinder industry currently operates with a massive deficit in legal registration. During the committee proceedings, officials revealed that only 18 companies hold legal registration in all of Pakistan. Senator Khan, on the other hand, pointed out a startling distinction between lawful and illicit activities. Specifically, he pointed out that while only 18 firms are legal, reports suggest that a single district—Gujranwala—houses approximately 150 unregistered factories.
The senator therefore questioned the licensing requirements and the government’s failure to take action against these unlicensed organizations. He described the situation as tragic, noting that laws in Pakistan often target the weak while the powerful remain untouched. Furthermore, he argued that the state only addresses these safety hazards after fatal tragedies occur.
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“Walking Bombs” in Public Spaces
Aimal Wali Khan categorized substandard and expired units within the gas cylinder industry as “walking bombs” planted in homes, cars, and factories. He expressed shock at the prevalence of illegal refilling shops in every neighborhood. According to Khan, these shops operate without any regulation regarding gas pressure or cylinder integrity.
Additionally, the senator shared a briefing from a Ministry of Law representative who admitted to witnessing the open sale of substandard cylinders in rural areas. Khan characterized this as an admission of a crime. He argued that when law-making representatives openly observe such illegalities without taking action, it proves the state remains blind to the danger.
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Demands for Accountability
Ultimately, the committee deferred the current bill, stating that the government must present a more robust and comprehensive version for discussion. Senator Khan called for the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to take full responsibility for the current state of the gas cylinder industry.
He warned that without strict enforcement and registration, these “time bombs” would continue to cause explosions in homes and factories across the country. As a result of these findings, the committee has demanded a ten-year record of cylinder-related incidents to identify those responsible for this negligence.
