OGRA presentation: Bigwigs named in illegal relocation of CNG stations
An Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) presentation suggests that Musa Gilani, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) deputy, and at least two dozen parliamentarians were involved in ‘illegal’ relocation of hundreds of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations between January 2009 and July 2011.
The presentation – a copy of which is available with the Express Investigation Cell (EIC) – contains the names of investors and their patrons who approached OGRA seeking relocation of CNG stations knowing the fact full well that the practice was banned in February 2008.
The presentation suggests OGRA officials colluded with federal cabinet members, and former army and intelligence officials to relocate CNG stations despite the ban.
OGRA chief Saeed Khan expressed ignorance regarding the issue. “I took over as chief just a few days ago,” he told EIC. However, he said that he could look into the matter to ensure transparency in the authority’s workings.
The presentation revealed how Ogra used abbreviations and shortened names to hide the identities of those whose stations were relocated. For instance, over a dozen CNG stations, mostly in Lahore, were relocated under ‘JB’s’ direction.
It’s not understandable why Ogra hid ‘JB’s’ identity while the presentation used full names of several parliamentarians, cabinet members and bureaucrats and retired generals? The presentation also identifies several military-owned CNG businesses by name.
A possible lead to ‘JB’s’ identity is the fact that most of the CNG stations were shifted while Tauqir Sadiq, Leader of the House in the Senate Jahangir Badar’s brother-in-law, was the Ogra chief.
In its report, Ogra had intentionally left certain columns blank, possibly to avoid disclosing the names of certain high-ups. Due to incomplete information in some cases, it is unclear who ordered the relocation of certain CNG stations.
The beneficiaries include Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Sindh Education Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, Minister for Production Riaz Pirzada, Information Technology Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira.
All of them belong to the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Pir Mazharul Haq got Naushero Feroze 1 CNG relocated. He also managed to shift Abbasi CNG filling station in Badin.
Riaz Pirzada got Chaudhry Gas Station relocated in Bahawalpur.
Makhdoom Shahabuddin, acquired a renewed licence for a CNG station in Rahimyar Khan. He also relocated Mehran Enterprises Panu Aqil. Religious Affairs Minister Khurshid Shah recommended issuance of a ‘PL licence’ for this case.
Pervez Ashraf had Rajput CNG Chakwal relocated.
Qamar Zaman Kaira recommended the relocations of Fine CNG, Multan Road, Lahore, Hussain CNG Station, Rawalpindi, and Hasan CNG, Chakri Road, Rawalpindi.
Senator Adnan is also among those who acquired relocation orders from Ogra for at least a dozen CNG stations. He managed to get a PSO pump in G7 Islamabad, a Shell filling station in a Rawalpindi commercial market, Saya Zaar CNG station Abbottabad, Save CNG Kallar Seydan and Green House CNG, Multan, relocated. Similarly, Ali Badar, son of Jahangir Badar, secured the relocation of Madina CNG.
Other than ‘JB’ a man identified as Imran is behind the relocation of 30 Sprint Energy CNG stations.
Chaudhry Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, PPP Punjab chapter president, shifted Siddu CNG, Gujranwala, and Moshin CNG Station, Khushab. Federal Minister Nazar Gondal secured the relocation of Al Rehman CNG Samundri. Federal Minister Fazal Shah Gilani managed the shifting of Orangi gas station, Karachi, and Apna CNG Station, Rawalpindi, was shifted on MNA Hanif Abbasi’s recommendation.
Maqbool Mamon of the Zardari House managed the shifting of Al Mustafa CNG, Nowshero Feroze. Haji Khan Afridi got Saeed CNG & filling station, Peshawar, shifted. MNA Moazam Ali Khan Jatoi managed to get Total Speed Petroleum Muzaffargarh relocated. State Minister Abbas Afridi got Bahram CNG Kohat relocated. MNA Khalid Saeed managed the relocation of Baryar CNG Muridke.
Beneficiaries from the military Col Shabbir c/o Wak Gas secured the relocation of Shabbir LPG auto Khushab. Brigadier Ejaz got Lancer CNG relocated. Major Dr Iqbal Cheema c/o DDGIB managed the relocation of Cheema CNG Samberial.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2012.
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Another nail in coffin of these shameless people. No wonder they are in politics to fill up their coffers. I wonder how much loot they need to satisfy their lust for money.
.......and yet there are people defending this government.
Guess what my relocation Applicant has been pending since 2009-10 appeal was heard in 2011 and to date the authority hasn't decided my case. Bravo for calling in 'references' frustrating indeed.