Sindh protests Hidan Block approval delay

Dawn reported that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah pressed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday for federal decisions on several long-pending energy matters. Central to the talks was the Hidan Block (2767-3), whose allocation to Sindh Energy Holding Company Ltd (SEHCL) was requested through an application in February 2025. Shah argued Sindh had met every procedural and legal condition, so the province deserved the block. Letters sent by the Energy Department, the Chief Minister's Office and the Directorate General Petroleum Concessions have so far not produced a decision.

Shah also sought federal backing to hand the province stranded and dormant gas fields for industrial use, arguing these reserves could ease energy constraints and create jobs. He sought allocation of gas from the Soho field in Sujawal Block and surplus Kandhkot gas, citing Article 158 of the Constitution on priority for producing provinces. Sindh's pending matters with Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) were also on the agenda.

In a separate meeting, Malik met all five refinery operators, stressing that upgrades are essential for the sector's long-term sustainability. He said the five refineries are prepared to sign modernisation agreements worth $6 billion, supporting local Euro 5-compliant fuel output and cutting petrol and diesel imports. The refineries also reaffirmed readiness under the Refinery Upgradation Policy, with signing expected early next month, a press release said.