Dr Samar Mubarakmand, member of the Science and Technology Planning Commission, said that gas shortage would be end with in a year through coal reserves.

Talking to a private news channel, he said that Pakistan has enough coal reserves through which they could daily produce 50 to 60 million cubic feet gasifier, which will end gas shortage from the country.

To a question, he said that for gas production project planning commission required USD 1.5 million. He said three to four gasifiers from coal will reduce the shortage of gas on urgent basis.

Dr Samar said that it was for the first time in Pakistan that the coal gasification was being launched on commercial basis and abundant and cheap electricity would be available.

He said coal was burnt at about 250 feet underground on December 11th 2011 and December 19th 2011 and scientists successfully found the gas at Islam Kot area of Thar.

He further added that this project could generate 10,000 MWs electricity for 30 years and could produce 100 million barrel diesel per year. The Thar coal project would become operational in December 2013.

(Sourced from Associated Press of Pakistan)