Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar presided over the fifth session of the committee established by the Prime Minister to formulate a comprehensive action plan for tackling the difficulties confronting the exploration and production sector in Pakistan.

The committee achieved a preliminary consensus to present a long-anticipated framework to the executive committee of the national economic council on the sale of 35% of the unallocated gas volumes to external purchasers.

The committee resolved to commence a bidding process for accessible onshore exploration blocks by the following month.

The committee received an update on the current digitalisation initiatives of the Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions (DGPC). A competitive procedure has commenced to facilitate this digital transformation, which will optimise operations and improve efficiency in the sector.

The committee deliberated on a proposal to adjust petrol selling prices monthly or quarterly. The committee instructed the petroleum division to do a more thorough analysis of the idea and present it again at the next meeting.

The committee addressed the security concerns encountered by exploration and production companies, underscoring that the establishment of robust security measures is crucial for fostering investment in the E&P industry to ensure Pakistan’s energy security.

A few cases were returned to the ordinary bench by the newly established constitutional bench on Tuesday, raising doubts about its constitutionality.

In the name of the Ministry of Petroleum, Saeed Khosa’s case was heard by a seven-member bench presided over by Justice Amin-ud-din Khan.

Only cases that fall inside the purview of the constitutional bench should be sent to it, said Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar.

Notably, on October 23, the matter was referred to the constitutional bench by a three-member panel headed by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.

Additionally, a different housing society case was returned to the regular bench as well.

Tuesday saw a slight improvement in Punjab’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI), but the smog-choked atmosphere continued to affect residents of Lahore and Multan.

Multan had an AQI of 286 whereas Lahore’s was reported at 252.

All divisions of the educational institutions that the government had shuttered last week owing to the worsening pollution conditions in the province—with the exception of Lahore and Multan—reopened.

The teacher and children were instructed to wear masks by the Environment Protection Department, which also prohibited outside sports and activities.

Additionally, as things started to improve, the government relaxed regulations, permitting all hotels and restaurants to stay open until 10 p.m. with both dine-in and takeaway options available. In the meanwhile, home delivery services won’t be prohibited.