Responsible citizen - the need of the hour.

• Author: Qureshi, Huda

Byline: Huda Qureshi

Every nation that has risen to great heights has done so because of its citizens' hard work and perseverance. Unity is imperative to develop a progressive state that provides for the welfare of its people. Take the examples of Malaysia, Indonesia, or Bangladesh. Their limited resources did not hinder their quest for progress and instead these countries are far more economically sound than Pakistan - despite the fact that Pakistan has abundance of natural resources. Why, you may ask? The answer is simple; it is the people of these nations that helped them grow into prosperous countries. Not only do their citizens act responsibly but take great pride in working hard for their countries.

Sadly, Pakistanis do not share the same passion, yet it should not be misconstrued that they do not love their country. Pakistanis need to become responsible citizen, since it is the need of the hour if we have to rise economically. It is the people who always make up a nation. And while Pakistanis are no doubt passionate about the wellbeing of their country, responsible citizenship is a phenomenon they appear to be rather unaware of. Take the example of gas consumption. SSGC and SNGPL are the two major gas transmission and distribution entities within Pakistan, havgas, ing a vast joint network of 175,000 kms, which is found to be unique, even in today's advanced world. However, irresponsibility on part of the citizens is what is creating immense difficulties for these two utility providers to enhance and further develop their distribution network.

One reason for this is because there is limited supply of gas that is available to these two organizations. And sadly, neither SSGC nor SNGPL are able to provide all the gas that they acquire, primarily due to gas thefts, and illegal tampering of the gas pipelines, that as per industry estimates comprise of 60% of line losses. Through the efforts made by SSGC team to curb gas theft attempts by...