Top baboos in the run for Ogra chairman slot

Islamabad

Many top retired bureaucrats are in the run for the slot of chairman of oil and gas regulatory authority (Ogra).

The government has already decided to constitute a five-member high-powered committee to examine potential candidates for the post of chairman for four years with effect from April 16, as existing chairman Mr Saeed Ahmad Khan got retired on April 15, 2016.

The committee headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and comprising Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and federal secretaries of cabinet, establishment and law and independent private-sector expert was to earlier interview the shortlisted candidates on Thursday (April 14, 2016) but interestingly the interview was postponed probably as the federal minister for petroleum and natural resources was not available as he was on official visit to Australia.

The candidates shortlisted for the interview mainly include former petroleum secretary Mr Ejaz Chaudhry, Addition Secretary Petroleum Mr Naeem Malik, Uzma Adil, who has been CFO (chief finance officer) of Sui Northern and she also acted as managing director of Sui Northern for some time.

Mr Tahir Alam, ex-inspector general police (IGP) of Islamabad, is also among the candidates.

Noorul Haq, member finance in Ogra, is also one of the potential candidates for the slot.Member Gas Amir Naseem in Ogra, Senior Executive Director Colonel Farrukh Nasim and Executive Director Mohammad Yasin were also in the run but they have not been shortlisted.

The ordinance and Supreme Court observation clearly says that the candidates for the slot of chairman of Ogra must be those who have the relevant experience and on top of that they should be the men of integrity.

Earlier, Ministry of Petroleum Adviser Zahid  Muzaffar was said to be in the race, but he when contacted said that he is not applicant for the slot.

Sources alleged some of those shortlisted to appear for the interview allegedly lack experience in relevant field.  

But an official close to the finance minister categorically said the government was not changing rules or introducing a practice of its choice.

“We are following rules, regulations and precedents in the most transparent manner,” he insisted, saying the proposed selection committee would have a wider representation and would be assisted by a non-partisan expert. The selection would be made purely on merit.