I am somewhat perplexed to read in a section of press that Dr Asim Hussain, Adviser P&NR, intends holding MDs and directors of oil and gas companies accountable for their failure in delivering goods.
There is no way that one can ascertain whether his statement is merely for public consumption or he genuinely means serious business in the larger national interest.
I can only presume in good faith that Dr Asim Hussain was sincere in his press briefing and not taking the tax-payers for a ride and at the same time not making a mockery of them publicly. The vested groups in the gas companies have long arms and people in the power corridors have very deep pockets which need topping up, off and on, with such gimmicks.
I have very closely been associated with the oil and gas sectors for our three decades and can share a lot of valuable information with Dr Asim Hussain, if he is serious about the accountability of MDs and members of the boards. To begin with, I propose the under mentioned steps which should be taken immediately:
Detailed audit of procurements involving rupees one million and above carried out by both gas companies for the last 10 years. Audits be carried out by reputable firms of auditors and procurement experts.
A foreign consulting firm be appointed to ascertain the causes of abnormal gas losses and suggest remedial measures to reduce the losses to 2-3 percent.
A committee of experts be appointed to investigate the effect of unplanned and haphazard growth in the gas sales which has resulted in a serious situation causing load curtailment to industrial and power sectors. It is pertinent to mention that drastic reduction in gas supply to power plants and their use of expensive oil has resulted in colossal losses to the economy.
The members of the boards should be held responsible for the wrong and vested policies causing incalculable losses to the economy and enquiry conducted against the directors on the NICL pattern.
DR JAWED HASSAN
Lahore