OGDCL directed to provide details of its funds allocation

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Sub-Committee on Petroleum on Wednesday directed the Oil and Gas Company Limited (OGDCL) to furnish district-wise and gas-field-wise details of the allocation, release and utilisation of funds under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and royalty to ensure transparency, accountability and effective monitoring of development commitments.

The committee met under the convenership of Senator Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo, with the participation of Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Member of the Sub-Committee, and senior officers of the Ministry of Petroleum and its subordinate organisations.

The Committee also expressed concern over reduced LPG supplies following disruptions in imports from Iran and the resulting increase in prices. It called for strict enforcement of safety standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly regarding alleged illegal mixing of chemicals in LPG, alteration of LPG bowsers and transportation beyond authorised capacity. Compliance of LPG cylinders and transportation equipment with prescribed specifications was also emphasised to prevent accidents and protect public safety.

The Convener emphasised that long-standing public grievances must be addressed through concrete action, strict compliance with the Committee’s directives and time-bound implementation of development schemes. The Sub-Committee expressed concern over delays in gasification of villages within a five-kilometre radius of relevant gas fields in Ghotki, Qadirpur and other areas of Sindh, stressing the timely release and utilisation of funds.

The Committee expressed concern over the non-provision of the summary submitted by the Ministry of Petroleum to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). It directed the Ministry to provide all relevant summaries and correspondence exchanged with the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet Division. The Special Secretary was requested to furnish the required record under Rule 187 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012. The Committee also stressed the Federal Minister’s attendance at the next meeting to facilitate decisions on outstanding issues and urged the Ministry to pursue the relevant ECC meeting at the earliest.

The Convener expressed serious concern over the alleged provision of misleading information to the Committee by an officer. Although the matter was deferred in view of the Special Secretary’s assurance, the Committee reserved the right to initiate appropriate action under the relevant rules, including referral to the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, if warranted.

The Senate body took serious notice of the non-implementation of its earlier recommendations regarding the reopening of vocational training schools originally established on the initiative of the then Prime Minister of Pakistan but subsequently closed without any apparent justification. The Committee stressed their importance for skills development and employment opportunities for local communities and directed the concerned authorities to ensure their reopening and full operationalisation without further delay. It also reiterated its recommendations regarding repair and improvement of the Ghotki City–Qadirpur Town Road, as discussed in the meeting held on 7 October 2026.

Regarding the Badar Gas Field scheme, SSGC informed the Committee that the estimated cost had decreased from Rs884 million to Rs664 million following the incorporation of previously available materials.

Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Member of the Sub-Committee, raised the issue of inadequate gas supply in Killi Omer. The Committee was informed that the existing two-inch pipeline, installed in 1991, had become inadequate due to population growth, resulting in severe gas supply problems. The Committee stressed the need to assess the feasibility of replacing it with a pipeline of at least four inches to improve gas supply and provide relief to residents.

The Convener concluded that the Ministry and its subordinate organisations must extend full cooperation to resolve public grievances and ensure that development commitments translate into tangible relief for local communities. The Committee reaffirmed its resolve to monitor compliance and pursue the timely implementation of its directives.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026