The Ministry of Defence (Pakistan Navy) has shared grave concerns regarding the concentration of energy infrastructure at Port Qasim stating that it can become a potential target during war.
The matter was discussed during the meeting of cabinet where two terminal operators — M/s Energas Terminal (Pvt) Limited and M/s Tabeer Energy (Private) Limited were allowed to establish LNG plants at Port Qasim. Earlier the Pakistan Navy was hesitant to grant NOC stating that in the aftermath of enemy attack on oil installation Area Karachi in 1971, which resulted in heavy fire / collateral damage, DCC imposed a ban on oil storage in port areas in 1984 and gave Pakistan Navy the lead role in clearing proposals of energy storage in port areas. The need for a long-term plan for relocation of energy facilities away from the port area was also agreed but never implemented.
Now the concentration of energy supplies infrastructure at Port Qasim, can make it a potential target during war. The cabinet directed that alternate sites should be explored for further LNG projects, including the possibility of establishing land-based terminals.
