As of February 21, 2026, Pakistan's gas sector is under severe strain, with circular debt swelling to a staggering Rs. 3.283 trillion. Lawmakers expressed grave concerns during a parliamentary briefing, warning that the escalating losses at state-run utilities could lead to a systemic collapse, further burdening consumers. The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Petroleum emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms, including potential privatization of state-owned gas utilities, to address the crisis. This alarming situation has prompted sharp criticism of the government's handling of the energy sector, with experts stating that 'repeated policy blunders and delayed structural reforms are pushing the economy towards prolonged instability' (IANS).