'Effective facilitation attracts oil & gas firms in Fata'

Effective facilitation and improved security environment attracted numerous oil and gas companies, both local and international, for launching exploration projects in resources rich Fata. In pursuance of directives of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engr Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, the Fata Development Authority (FDA) has established Oil & Gas Facilitation Unit (OGFU) and making all out efforts to exploit the untapped oil & gas reserves, revive economic activities and bring the backward area at par with other developed areas of the country.
Azhar Mehboob, Senior Executive Administration OGFU FDA said the federal government had paved way for development and revival of economic activities in FATA and within a limited time period, the unit had made tremendous headway through awarding 15 blocks to eight national and multinational companies in term of oil and gas exploration. "In a very short span of time, OGFU has attracted the investment of Rs 20 billion in the oil and gas sector during 2D Seismic survey and geological mapping, until now," Azhar stated.
He said the OGFU had generated multiple layers employment opportunities for Fata youth. Until now it has provided Fata youth with 1,000 direct or indirect job opportunities. Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the unit has made development of the operation area obligatory on the companies.
It helped restore the soft image of Fata that was previously been considered a ghost region and also facilitated Fata youth in acquiring practical knowledge of field through one month internship with OGDCL that was achieved through an agreement signed between both months back.
Azhar informs that FDA was assisting exploration & production (E&P) companies by utilizing all possible ways and means. Both OGFU and FDA started their endeavours by reaching-out to different companies to initiate activities in FATA as per their commitments in Petroleum Concession Agreement (PCA) with Federal Government.
It held out assurance to companies of its firm backing in solving all issues falling under its ambit. This was followed by meetings with different companies that include: OGDCL, AL-HAJJ Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, BGP Pakistan, Geofizyka, MOL, OPL, Senshe etc.
Moreover, a breakthrough meeting was held in early 2016 at FDA where companies having stakes in FATA were steered towards right direction and appraised about course of action to be followed so as long awaited developmental activities in FATA could be kicked off.
With every passing day FDA increased pace of its endeavours and utilized every possible avenue to encourage E&P companies to commence activities in FATA. The modus operandi OGFU uses covers consensus of all stake holders including Pak Army. It forwards the company's request to FATA Secretariat, Law & Order Department for No Objection Certificate (NOC). The Fata Secretariat then forwards the same request to the Political Administration of the Agency/FR where company intends to work or has block.
Following acquiring permission from Political Administration, Department of Law & Order issue NOC to the Company. OGFU in collaboration with Political Administration call Jirga of local elders of the area to take them into confidence about the activity planned. In the very same meeting incentives and employment opportunities attached with the activities are conveyed to the local elders and terms and conditions are finalized.
Azhar said BGP (a Chinese contractor), was the first company whom this office assisted to commence 2D Seismic survey in Latambar block, FR Bannu. It successfully conducted its activities therein the area. Its gives huge benefits to locals in term of employment, free medical camps, and installation of free pressure pumps followed by Geofizyka, Cracow (A Polish based Geophysical Company) and Senshe that completed its geophysical survey in Baska North Block (FR DI Khan) and Kohat Block (Lower Orakzai, FR Kohat and FR Peshawar) respectively.
Following witnessing successful venture of afore-mentioned companies, other E&P companies having stakes in FATA rushed to OGFU for the same assistance extended to companies mentioned above. The same assistance, in fact with more vigour and zeal, was provided to different companies for different blocks. MOL has completed gravity survey in North Waziristan Agency and is planning for 2D Seismic survey in North Waziristan Agency.
Last but not the least; Fata Development Authority is pursuing multi-pronged endeavours. On one hand while it is busy in assisting companies in commencing E&P activities and providing them with overarching support from start to end, on other hand it is making efforts to get the area develop via social welfare obligation amount and other obligations on part of companies, concluded Azhar.