Govt defends shifting of PPL HQ to Islamabad

Terms measure operational matter to reduce expenses

ISLAMABAD:

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said the proposed relocation of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) headquarters from Karachi to Islamabad was an operational and administrative matter aimed at improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenses.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senators Syed Waqar Mehdi and Zamir Hussain Ghumro in the Senate, he rejected concerns that the proposal was driven by regional or provincial considerations.

He said the decision was being considered on technical and operational grounds, adding that the company's board had repeatedly highlighted the need to vacate the existing building due to its condition.

The minister said around 77 per cent of PPL employees were based at field locations and other offices and would not be affected by the proposed relocation. Only around 15 per cent of the workforce was based at the headquarters, he added.

Talal Chaudhry said maintaining offices and administrative arrangements at two locations would increase costs, ultimately placing an unnecessary financial burden on the public.

He stressed that the company's board and management should be allowed to make decisions based on operational requirements rather than viewing the matter through a provincial or regional lens.