Govt to create deputy MD post in oil, gas companies

They will take charge in absence of managing directors.

ISLAMABAD:

The government has decided to create the post of deputy managing director in all public sector oil and gas companies.

Sources told The Express Tribune that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources had written letters to all oil and gas exploration, production and distribution companies to seek approval of their board of directors for creating the deputy managing director position which would be filled by senior officials of the companies.

“Under heavy workload or in case of managing directors travelling, there are no focal persons available to look after the companies’ affairs,” the ministry said, adding sometimes the government had to give extensions to managing directors due to non-availability of second-in-line person.

“The appointment of deputy managing directors will address these issues,” the ministry said.

However, some quarters within oil and gas companies have opposed the move, arguing that the government will follow a ‘pick and choose’ policy and appoint the officials who are currently holding the acting charge at different organisations or select those having political connections.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain said the government wanted to create posts of deputy managing directors for a smooth functioning of oil and gas companies.

“We want to have deputies in companies who will take charge when managing directors are travelling or unavailable due to some reasons,” Hussain said, adding the government would follow rules and regulations and ensure transparency while appointing the deputy managing directors.



Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2011.