ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry is in a fix following a recommendation of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to place the name of PSO MD Shaikh Imranul Haq on the Exit Control List (ECL) as the PSO chief is a trustworthy friend of outgoing Prime Minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi while a delay in implementation of the recommendation can amount to contempt, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Sources told Pakistan Today that PM Abbasi has instructed Interior Secretary Arshad Mirza, who has worked in petroleum ministry, not to place Imranul Haq’s name on ECL and so far, the ministry has complied with the premier’s instructions.
The Interior Ministry on Thursday received a recommendation from NAB to put the incumbent PSO chief’s name on the ECL at the earliest for allegedly causing Rs14.2 billion losses to national exchequer/Pakistan State Oil (PSO). The NAB came to these findings after conducting an enquiry into the matter.
“However, after the completion of constitutional tenure of incumbent regime, the bureaucracy will feel free to take important decisions and placement of PSO MD’s name on ECL is likely to be made during the caretaker government,” said sources.
Pakistan Today also learnt that director general (Oil) has asked PSO to complete the process of appointment of new PSO MD as soon as possible as the service tenure of Imranul Haq will expire on August 30 this year and he has reportedly requested PM Abbasi to grant him two months ex-Pakistan leave from June till July.
Being the head of the organisation, Imranul Haq is accused of a heavy loss of Rs 14.2 billion to national exchequer/PSO in the shape of demurrages. During his tenure as PSO chief, most of the vessels remained berthed at the port for a longer duration, causing a loss of US $15,000 per day.
According to details, a total of 1,150 days of demurrages surfaced during the tenure of Imranul Haq, causing a loss of billions.
NAB, Karachi also forwarded ECL proforma of the accused to the interior ministry as the NAB feared that the PSO head could escape abroad to avoid an investigation and any action against him.
“As per media reports, the chances of his escape are high,” said the NAB’s letter available with Pakistan Today. The letter also transpires that the matter was identified during the arrest of former Petroleum and Natural Resources minister.
