SUI, BALOCHISTAN — Vast natural gas reserves in Pakistan’s southwestern region of Balochistan continue to fuel industry and households far beyond the province, even as local communities near extraction sites report limited access to the resource, according to claims outlined in a recent press note.
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The gas fields of Sui, discovered in 1952, are among the largest in the region, with more than 100 wells reportedly producing around 334 million cubic feet of gas per day. The output is transported approximately 900 kilometres to supply industrial, commercial and residential sectors elsewhere in Pakistan.
However, the press note alleges that residents in and around Sui, including those in Dera Bugti district, remain largely deprived of consistent gas access. Some households reportedly continue to rely on wood for cooking, despite living in close proximity to the gas fields.
The document cites past observations attributed to Pakistani economist Qaisar Bangali, claiming that in previous decades gas was consumed abundantly in other parts of the country, particularly in Punjab, while resource-bearing regions saw limited direct benefit.
It further claims that infrastructure and supply to much of Balochistan remain inadequate, with only a small share of extracted gas distributed locally. Anecdotal accounts referenced in the note describe children undertaking part-time work to afford basic school supplies, highlighting broader concerns about living conditions in the area.
The press note also alleges the presence of state-installed messaging infrastructure in Sui displaying political content, suggesting that resource utilisation is linked to broader strategic objectives. These claims could not be independently verified.
There has long been tension in Balochistan over the distribution of natural resource revenues and local development. Analysts note that grievances over perceived economic marginalisation have contributed to periodic unrest in the province.
The document concludes by calling for a reassessment of how Balochistan’s natural resources—including gas, oil and minerals—are managed, arguing that local populations should receive a greater share of the benefits.
