Copyright dailytimes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sunday, formally unveiled the process for supply of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to the domestic consumers. Addressing a ceremony here, the prime minister said that restoration of gas connections for the domestic consumers had been a long standing demand of the people. During the year 2022, when the PDM government was formed, it faced immense pressure over the public demand for provision of gas connections, he added. At that time, gas supply was a big challenge. But afterwards, funds were released and the infrastructure was laid down and now the RLNG supply would be supplied throughout the country to large number of applicants. The prime minister termed it a continuity of public welfare oriented policies initiated by the former government of Mian Nawaz Sharif during 2013, adding that when Nawaz Sharif formed government for the third tenure, the country was facing 20-hour duration power load shedding. He also congratulated the coalition government partners including PPP, MQM, BAP and others over the restoration of gas connections to the domestic consumers. On the occasion, he also prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and stressed upon hard work and dedication. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, ministers, secretaries, officials of SNGPL and parliamentarians. Earlier, in a video message Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik apprised that the SNGPL had brought down its line losses to 4.93 percent while earning a profit of Rs29 billion in the previous year. PM to embark on Riyadh visit today for investment talks Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Riyadh from 27 to 29 October to attend the Ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII9), leading a high-level delegation to explore avenues for strengthening economic and investment cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. The FII9 will convene global leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore the theme, “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth”. Thematic discussions will address global challenges and opportunities, focusing on key topics such as innovation, sustainability, economic inclusion, and geopolitical shifts. “At the invitation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will lead a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as well as senior Cabinet Ministers – to Riyadh from 27 to 29 October 2025 to participate in the Ninth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9),” the FO statement said. “During his stay, the prime minister will engage with the Saudi leadership to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in the trade, investment, energy, and human resource sectors. The discussions will also cover regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern.” It added that on the sidelines of FII9, PM Shehbaz will also interact with leaders from other participating countries and heads of international organisations. “These exchanges will highlight Pakistan’s investment potential and its readiness to pursue collaborations in sustainable development, in line with the ‘Think, Exchange, and Act’ model.” According to the FO, the visit will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to advancing economic diplomacy and fostering strategic partnerships in investment, technology, and sustainable development. Islamabad and Riyadh have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, mutual economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage. These ties have encompassed economic assistance and energy supplies, with Riyadh being a significant source of financial aid and oil for Islamabad.
