What People Got From Khaqan-Nadeem Debate Over LNG?

For the first time in Pakistan, a grand TV debate was held between Adviser to PM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar and ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi over the purchase of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and possible irregularities besides mismanagement.

Both debaters presented facts and figures and cross swords with the opponents to take an edge.

However, a formal debate on a private TV channel was thus an unprecedented occurrence in the history of the country, and people tuned in to the channel to watch it.

The question lingers whether the debate was conclusive or not.

The political leaders from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) started declaring representative of their party as victorious on Twitter.

Indeed. Shahid K Abbasi showed not just ignorance but also arrogance by not coming well prepared for the debate. Nadeem Babar was the clear winner tonight. https://t.co/rI67Ih956V

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) December 18, 2020

The government officials pronounced verdicts right after the debate was ended.

Today Nadeem Babar was to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi what Hard Talk was to Ishaq Dar .. explosive !
Great job exposing their propaganda Nadeem bhai pic.twitter.com/AY3D1bPnjF

— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) December 18, 2020

Despite it was an unprecedented debate between a sitting and former official over an issue of public interest, the difficulties of the people have not ceased or waned.

اور آخر کار شاہد خاقان لائیو پروگرام میں رو پڑے۔

— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) December 18, 2020

Former Finance Minister came in support of ex-premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and blamed Nadeem Babar did not answer the questions raised by the former.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi politely and logically asks Nadeem Babar why new LNG terminals weren’t built or why pipeline wasn’t laid. Nadeem sb doesn’t answer that. He talks about our gas contracts, which were the cheapest at the time. His LNG is the most expenses in Asia in 6 years.

— Miftah Ismail (@MiftahIsmail) December 18, 2020

The gas shortage across the country is increasing as the mercury level dips and even where it is available, the pressure remains low during most hours of the day.

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The government has although declared itself a clear winner in the debate and put the onus on the PML-N government for expensive LNG that has been imported to the country.

But, it should also resort to immediate measures to ensure the availability of the gas as people are more do not understand the jargon of facts and figures but are more concerned about getting basic amenities.