Corporate Social Responsibility Of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL)

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is Pakistan’s largest gas utility 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, adopted by the Board of Directors and consistent with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) rules, aims to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves.

SNGPL’s CSR efforts are multifaceted, aiming to address various community needs. Here are some key initiatives

In the backdrop of the country’s economic recession and inflation, SNGPL extended its support for a special national project by launching a ration distribution push during the holy month of Ramadan in 2023. 10,000 ration bags worth PKR 100 million were successfully distributed to deserving individuals throughout 15 regions/cities in SNGPL’s areas of operation via reputable NGOs such as Akhuwat, Alkhidmat Foundation, and Saylani Welfare Trust, with each bag containing necessary items (flour, salt, sugar, and lentils, among others) in sufficient quantities to last a month or more for a small family.

In the event of a natural disaster, SNGPL consistently supports the cause of the country. SNGPL assisted flood victims in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh by making substantial donations and providing shelters (tents), food, and other essential supplies. SNGPL has worked with reputable NGOs to perform out repair and relief initiatives in flood-affected areas. A large donation was also given to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund in response to the honorable Prime Minister’s request.

Health Initiatives

SNGPL is deeply invested in health initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they established 50 Mobile Vaccination Teams in collaboration with the Health Department, administering 460,544 vaccine doses in seven regions. The company also supports blood donation campaigns with the Fatimid Foundation and Sundas Foundation, organizing donation camps at its offices. Additionally, SNGPL donated an ambulance to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in Islamabad.

Educational Support

SNGPL is committed to advancing education, particularly in gas engineering. They sponsor research Chairs at several universities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, the University of the Punjab, and UET Peshawar. These Chairs promote research on energy conservation and other issues relevant to SNGPL. They also fund laboratories at these universities and sponsor gold medals to encourage academic excellence.

Renovation of Public Spaces

To beautify urban areas, SNGPL undertakes the renovation of key roundabouts and roads. Projects include the renovation of Chowk Multan-Khanewal Road in Multan, Rashkai on Nowshera Mardan Road, Chamkani Interchange on GT Road in Peshawar, Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi, and the roundabout between Liberty Market and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. They also rehabilitated the approach road and bridge over Abbasia Canal in Uch Sharif to reduce accidents.

Potable Water Supply

Clean drinking water is essential, and SNGPL has installed 25 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants at its offices and in surrounding communities to provide 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 dedicated to sustainable development and energy conservation. One notable project is the installation of a 100 m³ biogas plant in Mailu Virkan village near Sheikhupura. This plant supplies clean, environmentally friendly fuel to around 12 households, benefiting approximately 70-80 people. It also produces useful fertilizer as a by-product, improving health conditions and providing women with more time for productive activities.

Partnership with WWF

Pakistan, as an agricultural country, generates a significant amount of agricultural waste after each crop. This waste is used in a variety of ways, such as a cooking fuel, a raw material for paper production, or as a waste product when burned to make room for new crops. SNGPL and WWF have formed a collaboration to use agricultural waste as a cleaner fuel in gasifiers, and they have distributed over 800 gasifiers to underprivileged areas in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan for domestic and semi-commercial use. The project has offered a better source of income for the community and enhanced its quality of life.

SNGPL is a corporate member of WWF-Pakistan, an international organization focused on environmental conservation. They support various eco-friendly initiatives, including:

ECO Internship Program

This program engages youth aged 12-22 through educational institutions, raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging them to become active in conservation efforts.

Gasifiers Using Agro Waste

In collaboration with WWF, SNGPL developed gasifiers that use agricultural waste as fuel. Over 800 gasifiers have been distributed to underprivileged communities in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan. These gasifiers provide a cleaner, more efficient fuel source, improving the quality of life for many.

Conclusion

SNGPL’s extensive CSR initiatives demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and community welfare. By focusing 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.