While the findings of the study aren't due until February 2001, the government, apparently under pressure from the oil companies, has made a U-turn and allowed a Canadian consulting firm, Agra Earth Environmental, to conduct an EIA of the park. The company started its work in September. The action further provoked the green groups, whose representatives feel betrayed by the action. An EIA is not a neutral study but is subjective and relates to the project in question. Any activity that may legitimize something illegal is also not permissible by the law.
Government officials maintain that none of their actions are illegal.
The government has promoted natural gas for use in vehicles and for electricity generation primarily to cut import costs of oil. Of 41.2 million barrels of oil consumed in Pakistan in 1998-99, 25.9 million barrels were imported. Under these circumstances, we have to explore local sources of energy. The government has assured green groups that the oil companies will take all necessary measures to protect the park environment. However, it has banned oil company representatives from talking to the press about the project.