With domestic production of natural gas on the decline, Pakistan depends heavily on LNG to meet growing domestic demand. However, despite being termed the ‘cleanest’ fossil fuel, LNG is not without environmental concerns. The expansion of fossil infrastructure has left a lasting impact on Karachi’s coastal communities - Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth. You! takes a look…
Globally, natural gas is commonly used in homes for heating and cooking, often promoted for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to electric appliances. It is also presented as a domestically abundant available energy source with relatively lower emissions than coal or oil.
In power plants, natural gas emits 50 to 60 per cent less carbon dioxide (CO2) than regular oil or coal-fired power plants. It also emits greenhouse gases with a lower life cycle into the atmosphere. Despite being portrayed as a reliable, low carbon and cost-efficient energy source globally, its continued use raises concerns over its long-term environmental sustainability and energy security.
There is a sharp increase in gas demand in Pakistan, but due to the inefficient distribution of natural gas resources Pakistan has been facing a colossal gas shortfall.
Pakistan first discovered natural gas in the early 1950’s in Balochistan, this discovery later came to be known as the Sui gas field which today is the largest gas field in the country. Gas demand grew rapidly, with gas becoming a significant energy source for domestic, commercial, industrial, power, fertiliser, and agricultural sectors. However, this gas boom proved to be short-lived due to limited natural gas supplies, technological challenges in storage and transport, and safety concerns related to its use. Low gas prices and subsidies resulted in
growing demand in the power, industrial and residential sectors. These issues hampered widespread adoption and contributed to the decline of natural gas. Pakistan’s generation capacity has been unable to meet demand in the last few decades.
Pakistan’s natural gas production reached a peak in 2012, and since then, Pakistan’s production (from existing fields) has started to decline and recent small natural gas discoveries are barely able to offset production declines. Given depleting natural gas resources (in existing fields), Pakistan started importing LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) in 2015 to meet growing domestic demand.
According to a recent report prepared by IBA (CBER – Centre for Business and Economic Research) and Indus Consortium, “Starting in 2015, LNG import steadily increased in the country, accounting for over 28 per cent of local consumption by 2021. In 2023, Pakistan’s natural gas reserves were estimated to be around 18.3 trillion cubic feet. Recent exploration activities have yielded only minor gas deposits.”
Pakistan’s growing reliance on imported liquefied natural gas is worsening energy insecurity and financial challenges within the energy sector. Natural gas has traditionally been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, but with domestic production on the decline, policymakers are increasingly turning to LNG imports to fill the gap.
Despite being termed the ‘cleanest’ fossil fuel, LNG is not without environmental concerns, particularly regarding methane leakage and carbon footprint. While LNG releases about half the carbon dioxide of coal per unit of power, methane, the primary component of natural gas has a significant impact on climate change due to its high heat-trapping capacity. The production and transportation of LNG can emit notable volumes of methane and other greenhouse gasses.
Additionally, the gas infrastructure such as LNG terminals or establishing gas fields impact biodiversity, wildlife, and air and water quality. These terminals pose health and safety risks to those living nearby due to the volume of emissions and volatility of the production process.
Very high temperatures are required to combust LNG, so it is typically considered non-flammable. However, when LNG is not kept at very low temperatures, it produces highly flammable and explosive vapours. Any accidents or incidents at an LNG facility can pose a significant risk to nearby communities.
LNG plants emit carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Studies have shown that these pollutants are associated with a range of health impacts, including headaches, coughing, dizziness, and other respiratory illnesses. They can also irritate skin, eyes, nose, and lungs. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to heart disease, certain types of cancer, and damage to the reproductive system and internal organs.
Impact on local communities
The expansion of fossil infrastructure has left a lasting impact on Karachi’s coastal communities, particularly those dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth are home to centuries-old fishing communities. However, rapid industrialisation, including the establishment of LNG terminals and coal power plants, has drastically altered the local environment. While these projects promise economic development and energy production, the fishing communities have been left to bear the environmental, social and economic costs.
“The construction of LNG terminals has imposed severe restrictions on local fishermen,” says Abdul Majid Mutani, a veteran fisherman of Ibrahim Hyderi. Mutani explains how fishing grounds are closed off multiple times each month to accommodate incoming LNG ships. “We are forced to stop fishing and leave the area when the ship arrives. These closures disrupt the fishermen’s schedules, causing significant income loses,” he adds.
Younis Khaskheli, another fisherman from Rehri Goth describes how industrial pollution has forced fish populations farther offshore. “We have to travel 4 to 5 kilometres out to sea now, making our trips more expensive and less productive,” he laments.
The deteriorating fish stocks and increased operating costs have reduced the income of both communities, leaving fishermen struggling to make ends meet.
Mangrove destruction is a critical issue for both Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth. Mangroves, which play an essential role in maintaining coastal ecosystem and fish breeding grounds, have been cleared to make way for LNG terminals. “The loss of mangroves has damaged the fish habitat, making it harder for us to catch fish. In addition, industrial waste and oil spills are contaminating water around both communities,” notes Mutani. Younis explains how the sea has become ‘black and foul-smelling’ due to pollution from nearby plants. “This contamination has caused mass fish deaths and reduced the quality of fish, further endangering the local economy.”
In rural Sindh, the environmental toll is severe, with industrial waste contaminating agricultural lands and water supplies. The shift has disproportionately affected women who are heavily involved in farming and other agricultural activities. With agricultural in decline, many women have been forced into low-paying, labour-intensive jobs, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
Health issues
The health of local populations in both Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth is deteriorating due to air and water pollution. Mutani reports that fumes from the LNG terminals and power plants cause respiratory problems and skin diseases among local community, particularly children. “Women and children are suffering from eye infections and chronic respiratory issues due to air pollution. Waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and hepatitis are becoming increasingly common as a result of contaminated water sources,” observes Younis.
“In Rehri Goth, women face additional domestic burdens, such as travelling long distances to fetch water due to pollution , increasing their exposure to health risks and limiting their time for education and community involvement,” shares Younis.
Similarly, in rural Sindh local communities, especially women, are facing a hard time due to industrial development. The industrial waste produced by fossil gas power plants have not only harmed agriculture but has also severely impacted drinking water supplies. According to Ali Hasan, a 57-year-old NGO worker and former teacher, hand pumps that once provided clean water now produce contaminated water, leading to a surge in health problems including skin diseases, kidney issues and gastrointestinal disorders. “The OPDs in hospitals are filled with women suffering from stomach and skin issues due to the toxic environment they work in daily,” elucidates Hasan, a resident of Ghotki district. With limited access to healthcare facilities, especially for women and children, the local communities are facing a health crisis that shows no signs of abating.
To address the gas and LNG development challenges on communities, a seminar was recently held in Karachi, organised by Indus Consortium (an NGO). The event marked the launch of two significant research studies. Dr Aamir Jahan Khan from IBA Karachi presented findings on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of Pakistan’s expanding Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector. Dr Majid Ali from NUST shared insights on the politico-economic challenges associated with the country’s gas sector. Both studies highlighted the environmental degradation and socio-economic risks faced by coastal communities due to LNG infrastructure development.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Ms Izzah Batool from the Indus Consortium. Speakers Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson Sindh Human Rights Commission, and Muhammad Ali Haider, convenor LPG committee of the FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry) shed light on the current situation. Community representative Ms Fatima Majeed and Arif Ali Khokar, (conservator Forest, Sindh) shared first-hand experiences of how LNG expansion has disrupted local livelihoods and ecosystems, stressed the importance of mangrove restoration for fisheries, and emphasised the need for cleaner alternatives to LNG.
Plan of action
Urgent action is needed from both government and corporations to implement sustainable practices and improve community welfare. Addressing the struggles in Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth requires a collaborative effort among stakeholders, ensuring that these communities are not left behind in Karachi’s industrial progress. Sustainable development and genuine corporate responsibility are key to safeguarding their future.
Strategic actions include halting the approval of additional LNG infrastructure to prevent environmental risks. Investments should be redirected from fossil gas projects toward solar, wind and small hydroelectric projects to ensure sustainable energy development. Methane emissions must be minimised through stringent leak detection and repair programmes. Furthermore, systems to track the health impact of industrial activities on local communities must be established to ensure timely interventions.
While LNG has played a critical role in mitigating Pakistan’s energy crisis, its socio-economic and environmental costs underscore the need for a strategic shift. A just energy transition prioritising renewable energy, community welfare and environmental sustainability is essential to secure Pakistan’s long term energy future. Policy makers, industry stakeholders, and communities must collaborate to balance energy needs with sustainable development goals.
Erum Noor Muzaffar is the editor of You! Magazine. She can be reached at iram29@hotmail.com
