THE security situation in oil and gas fields in Sindh is considered better than that in Balochistan. There are a couple of reasons behind it.

In Balochistan, only state-owned companies are working and Sardars have strong reservations about the federal government. In Sindh, mostly foreign companies have been involved in this business.

These companies invest a lot in community development like setting up schools, computer training centres, hospitals and clinics, pre and post-natal care centres, drinking water projects and so on.

Local notables, because of their vested interests, give these companies a tough time.

I have been working as a contractor with an Italian oil and gas giant.

This company has Bhit gas field near Sehwan Sharif.

The security situation is getting bad by the day. There have been instances where workers have been taken hostage and sometimes not even allowed to take food and water.

I remember one day a local took us hostage. Two years ago, in Ramazan, a group of 30 staff members plus contractor staff, was travelling from Karachi to Bhit gas field. The convoy was stopped near Jhangara, a small town 30km from the gas field. They were kept hostage for more than 15 hours.

People were not allowed to perform prayers. They were not allowed to break their fast and finally sometime in the middle of the night af ter a settlement with the company, hostages were freed.

I have heard that the company I work for is considering leaving Pakistan mainly owing to these never-ending harassment and lawlessness.

I would ask the chief minister to intervene and provide security to the company.

Name withheld on æquest Karachi