ISLAMABAD: Over 20 high-profile government entities, including Aiwan-e-Sadr, Parliament Lodges, the Ministry of Finance, and the Foreign Office, collectively owe more than Rs200 million in unpaid gas bills to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), according to official communication from SNGPL’s management.
Key Defaulters and Dues
Parliament Lodges/MNA Hostel: Rs24,955,133 (including disconnected meters with Rs2,655,735 pending).
Cabinet Division Building: Rs23,075,733.
Aiwan-e-Sadr Facilities: Rs16,685,739 (main building, police barracks, and dispensaries).
Foreign Office: Rs53,309,209.
Pak Secretariat: K-Block owes Rs23,579,378, M-Block Rs24,482,408, and Q-Block Rs3,740,602 (disconnected meter).
The Parliament House Building also ranks high on the list, with Rs24,158,444 in pending dues. Smaller defaulters include the US Agency (Rs219,300) and the Masjid Pak Secretariat (Rs40,271).
Rising Tariffs and Limited Budgets
The unpaid dues are partly attributed to a sharp rise in gas tariffs—up 272% from Rs780 per MMBTU in January 2023 to Rs2,900 per MMBTU in February 2024. Meanwhile, annual budget allocations for these offices have seen only modest 10% increases, straining their capacity to clear dues.
Recovery Efforts Underway
SNGPL has sought intervention from the government and the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues (AGPR) to expedite recoveries. If payments are not made promptly, SNGPL may resort to filing recovery suits against the defaulting institutions, sources reveal.
The significant arrears highlight the pressing need for efficient financial management and adherence to utility payment obligations by public sector entities.
Story by Mehtab Haider
