ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Division has prepared a roadmap for deregulating Pakistan’s gas sector with technical assistance from the World Bank, as the government moves to introduce major structural reforms aimed at creating a more competitive and transparent gas market. The development was discussed at an important meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, which was attended by the World Bank’s Country Director as well as representatives of SNGPL, SSGCL and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). According to an official statement, restructuring and unbundling of the state-owned Sui gas companies will be a key component of the reform programme. Under the proposed reforms, the transmission, distribution and energy-related businesses of the Sui companies will be separated. The government also plans to restructure the existing gas subsidy mechanism to ensure that targeted relief is provided only to deserving consumers. It will gradually move towards a market-clearing price mechanism in the gas sector. The World Bank has provided technical assistance and international expertise to support the preparation of the gas sector reform plan. The roadmap is expected to be presented to the Prime Minister for approval during the current month. Following approval, the reforms will be implemented in phases. Speaking at the meeting, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government was committed to establishing a competitive, transparent and efficient gas market. He said deregulation would be accompanied by a strong regulatory framework to ensure that market reforms were implemented effectively. The role of OGRA would also be strengthened to oversee the emerging competitive gas market. The minister said the reforms would create new opportunities for private-sector investment and participation in the gas industry. He added that the reform programme would help strengthen energy security, improve transparency in gas pricing and create a more sustainable financial future for the Sui gas companies. The programme is also expected to generate new employment opportunities. The meeting reviewed the overall reform roadmap and mechanisms for its phased implementation, with the government emphasizing the need to balance deregulation with effective regulation and consumer protection.