Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is Pakistan’s largest gas services business with a network spanning Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Recognizing its important role in the community, SNGPL developed a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. This policy, approved by the Board of Directors and in line with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) rules, aims to improve the quality of life of the communities it serves.
SNGPL’s CSR efforts are multi-faceted, aimed at addressing the various needs of the community. Here are some key initiatives
Distribution of ration bags
Against the backdrop of economic recession and inflation in the country, SNGPL extended support to a special national project by launching a ration drive during the holy month of Ramadan 2023. 10,000 ration bags worth PKR 100 million were successfully distributed to deserving people in 15 regions/cities of SNGPL through reputed NGOs of SNGPL. Alkhidmat Foundation, and Saylani Welfare Trust, each bag contains essential items (flour, salt, sugar and lentils, among others) in sufficient quantities to last a small family for a month or more.
In the event of a natural calamity, SNGPL constantly supports the country’s cause. SNGPL helped flood victims in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan and Sindh by making large donations and providing shelters (tents), food and other essential supplies. SNGPL has worked with reputed NGOs to carry out repair and relief initiatives in flood affected areas. A large donation was also made to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund in response to the request of the honorable prime minister.
Health Initiatives
SNGPL has invested heavily in healthcare initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 50 Mobile Vaccination Teams were created in collaboration with the Department of Health, providing 460,544 vaccination doses in seven regions. The company also supports blood donation campaigns with the Fatimid Foundation and the Sundas Foundation by organizing donation camps at its offices. Additionally, SNGPL donated an ambulance to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in Islamabad.
Educational Assistance
SNGPL is committed to advancing education, particularly in gas engineering. They sponsor research chairs in various universities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Lahore University of Engineering and Technology, University of Punjab and UET Peshawar. These chairs promote research on energy conservation and other topics relevant to SNGPL. They also fund laboratories in these universities and sponsor gold medals to encourage academic excellence.
Renovation of Public Spaces
To beautify the urban areas, SNGPL has started renovating roundabouts and main roads. The projects include Chowk Multan-Khanewal Road in Multan, Rashkai Nowshera on Mardan Road, Chamkani Interchange on GT Road in Peshawar, Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi and the roundabout between Liberty Market and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The approach road and bridge over the Abbasia Canal in Uch Sharif have also been rehabilitated to reduce accidents.
Drinking water supply
Clean drinking water is essential, and SNGPL has installed 25 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in its offices and surrounding communities to supply it. These plants significantly improve the quality of life for many people. The company plans to install 25 more RO plants in the current fiscal year and regularly tests the water to ensure it meets quality standards.
Energy Conservation and Renewables
SNGPL is engaged in sustainable development and energy conservation. A notable project is the installation of a 100 m³ biogas plant in the village of Mailu Virkan near Sheikhupura. This plant supplies around 12 households with clean and environmentally friendly fuel, and approximately 70-80 people. It also produces useful fertilizer as a by-product, improving health conditions and giving women more time for productive activities.
Cooperation with WWF
Pakistan, as an agricultural country, generates a large amount of agricultural waste after each crop. This waste is used in many ways, such as as cooking fuel, as raw material for paper production or as waste when burned to make way for new crops. SNGPL and WWF have formed a partnership to use agricultural waste as a cleaner fuel in gasifiers, and have distributed over 800 gasifiers for domestic and semi-commercial use in impoverished areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. The project has provided a better source of income to the community and improved its quality of life.
It is a corporate member of SNGPL WWF-Pakistan, an international organization focused on environmental conservation. They support various initiatives in favor of ecology, including:
ECO Internship Program
This program engages young people between the ages of 12-22 through educational institutions, raising awareness of environmental issues and encouraging them to be active in conservation efforts.
Gasifiers using agricultural waste
In collaboration with WWF, SNGPL developed gasifiers that use agricultural waste as fuel. In Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan more than 800 gasifiers have been distributed to underprivileged communities. These gasifiers provide a cleaner and more efficient fuel source, improving the quality of life for many.
the conclusion
SNGPL’s extensive CSR initiatives demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and community well-being. With a focus on health, education, disaster relief, environmental sustainability and community development, SNGPL aims to make a positive and lasting impact. These efforts not only benefit the immediate community, but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable and inclusive growth in Pakistan.