ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the implementation of comprehensive reforms in the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), stressing the need for greater transparency, stronger oversight, and enhanced institutional capacity to ensure an efficient and accountable petroleum sector.
Chairing a high-level meeting on revamping and digitization of OGRA, the prime minister said the government’s reform agenda must be implemented uniformly across all public institutions.
He instructed authorities to develop a robust nationwide fuel movement monitoring system by adopting the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) modern tracking mechanism as a model.
The prime minister also called for the use of advanced technology and software to digitally monitor the entire petroleum supply chain, from ports and refineries to petrol pumps, to improve transparency and curb irregularities.
To strengthen OGRA’s institutional capacity, he directed that reputable experts from the private sector be recruited through a transparent, merit-based process as part of the authority’s restructuring. He assured that the government would provide all necessary professional expertise to support the reform process.
During the meeting, OGRA Chairman briefed participants on the authority’s current performance, key challenges, and a comprehensive reform programme.
The meeting was informed that OGRA has made significant progress in digitally monitoring the petroleum supply chain through the activation of several systems, including the National Monitoring Dashboard, Tanker Track and Trace System, Depot Tank Telemetry, Rahguzar Mobile Application, Digital Sales Entry System at petrol pumps, and a Central Monitoring Cell.
Also, PM Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan’s constitutional federal structure, provincial autonomy, and cooperation and consultation between the federation and the provinces were of fundamental importance for the country’s development and stability.
The prime minister made these remarks while talking to a World Bank delegation led by its Country Director for Pakistan, Bolormaa Amgaabazar, who called on him here, a PM’s Office news release said.
Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister lauded Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank and appreciated the institution’s role in the country’s socio-economic development. He thanked the World Bank for its continued support to Pakistan’s development journey.
He directed the constitution of a high-level committee to comprehensively review the report. The committee will examine the recommendations presented in the World Bank report in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the provinces, keeping in view Pakistan’s constitutional and federal structure, so that workable proposals could be considered in the public interest.
PM vows to strengthen brotherly ties with Azerbaijan
PM Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening the brotherly ties with Azerbaijan, recalling the high-level exchanges between the two countries over the past two and a half years.
The prime minister, talking to Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, who paid a farewell call on him, expressed confidence that the strong foundation laid during the envoy’s tenure would continue to guide the trajectory of bilateral ties in the years ahead.
The prime minister warmly acknowledged Ambassador Farhadov’s dedicated efforts to strengthen the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan during his tenure.
