The Supreme Court on Thursday took notice of new OGRA Chairman Saeed Ahmad Khan’s appointment and demanded an explanation from the Ministry of Petroleum and the Cabinet Division within 14 days.
According to sources in the Petroleum Ministry, the Human Rights Cell of the Supreme Court demanded the explanation on orders of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, from the departments concerned over the appointment of the new OGRA chairman. After receiving replies of the Cabinet Division and Ministry of Petroleum, the Supreme Court will decide upon further proceedings over OGRA Chairman’s appointment. The letter mailed by the HR Cell of the Supreme Court, to the Cabinet Division and Petroleum Ministry, stated that the newly-appointed OGRA chairman had no prior experience of the oil and gas fields and there were some allegations of corruption on him as well.
The OGRA Ordinance states that having good reputation is a must for any candidate but merit and experience in related field were also ignored at the time of OGRA chairman’s appointment.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani made the appointment on April 14.
Former OGRA chairman Tauqeer Sadiq had been sacked by the Supreme Court for holding a fake degree and on corruption charges against him.
