Qualified expert sought for gas firm

Advocacy group says person at the helm must secure supplies at affordable prices

ISLAMABAD:

An organisation working for the protection of domestic industries has urged the government to appoint a technically qualified and commercially experienced professional as managing director of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), saying that a predominantly finance- or recovery-driven background may be insufficient to manage Pakistan's largest gas utility.

In a proposal submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum, the Organisation for Advancement and Safeguard of Industrial Sector (OASIS) emphasised that the position required specialised expertise because SNGPL was managing an extensive transmission and distribution network, major infrastructure projects and critical gas-supply arrangements.

It proposed that candidates should possess a recognised engineering degree in petroleum, gas, chemical, mechanical or another directly relevant discipline, along with at least 20 years of post-qualification experience in petroleum, natural gas, energy or pipeline infrastructure.

According to the proposal, the successful candidate should have demonstrable knowledge of gas procurement, transmission and distribution systems, pipeline operations, pricing and tariff mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and Pakistan's wider energy-security challenges.

Experience in negotiating international agreements, gas-supply contracts and major commercial arrangements with investors, suppliers and development partners should also form part of the eligibility criteria. OASIS recommended that applicants be assessed based on their record of managing pipeline expansion, network rehabilitation, capacity enhancement, digitalisation, loss reduction and organisational restructuring. "The appointment process should examine measurable project outcomes rather than rely on broad or generic management credentials."

The organisation argued that financial discipline remained essential but should complement, not substitute, technical competence, operational understanding and commercial judgement. It said the MD's priorities should include reliable gas availability, network safety and capacity, improved service delivery, consumer-base sustainability and dependable supplies secured at competitive prices.