The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that 67 new oil and gas discoveries were made and 46 new leases for exploration during tenure of the present government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahzadi Umarzadi Tiwana told the House during question hour that 560 mmcfd gas has been added to the system besides an increase of 27000 barrels of oil during this period.

She said TAPI gas pipeline, which would be cheaper, is expected to be completed in 2019, while work would be expedited on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project after lifting of sanctions against Tehran. She said LNG is also being imported from Qatar and its price would be very viable.

Replying to supplementary queries, she said re-gasified LNG is being supplied to textile sector in Punjab from the last week of last month to help meet shortage of gas.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the House that the road section from Chakdara to Mingora-Fatehpur is being rehabilitated through financing of Saudi Development Fund.