Locals come first in resource rights: CM Sohail

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Sohaib Afridi has reiterated that local communities hold the first right over the province’s natural resources, adding that the government will not compromise on peace and security to protect ongoing and future investments.

He was addressing a ceremony held for the transfer of shares of the Miran Block to partner organisations. The event was attended by Provincial Minister Riaz Khan, Special Assistant Shafi Jan, MNAs Shehryar Afridi and Shahid Khattak, MPAs and senior officials.

Officials briefed the participants that 49 percent shares of the Miran Block have been transferred to OGDCL, while 51 percent will remain with KPOGCL. It was further shared that OGDCL will lead the Miran Block consortium, with GHPL and PPL as partners.

According to the briefing, the consortium will also provide funding for KPOGCL’s 51 percent share, bringing an investment of nearly Rs22 billion into KP. The agreement has enabled savings of around Rs 12 billion for the provincial government and KPOGDCL.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Afridi said the project marks the beginning of a new era of oil and gas exploration and discovery in the province. He said the discoveries would create employment opportunities for local residents and contribute to the growth of business and industry.

He stressed that the rights and interests of local communities will remain the top priority in all resource-related decisions. The chief minister added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is moving rapidly toward energy self-sufficiency and exploring new revenue streams.

Afridi said the government will continue to facilitate investment and industrial development and assured that no compromise will be made on law and order for the protection of investors. He added that energy projects are progressing at an accelerated pace and that the provincial government will provide full support to strengthen investment and industrial activity across the province.