Baloch crisis leading Pak into darkness

The most tangible consequence of the Balochistan insurgency is Pakistan’s deteriorating energy situation. The country’s main source of energy — natural gas — is sourced from 98 fields, 80% of which are located in Balochistan.

The most tangible consequence of the Balochistan insurgency is Pakistan’s deteriorating energy situation. The country’s main source of energy — natural gas — is sourced from 98 fields, 80% of which are located in Balochistan. There has been no major new gasfield discovery for five years. It has resulted in a shortfall between supply and demand.

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One of the factors to blame is the lack of exploration activities in Balochistan because of the law and order situation.

If the present scenario continues, the gap will reach an untenable 3.02 bcf/d by 2016. Already the country's exports have been affected by power cuts. Protests against the blackouts have become a regular feature. Given that Pakistan has one of the highest number of CNG driven vehicles in the world, the country's transport sector has also been adversely affected.