The Standing Committee on the Petroleum Division met at Parliament House in Islamabad on January 6, 2026, under the chairmanship of Syed Mustafa Mehmood, MNA. The Committee confirmed the minutes of its previous sitting and asked for a compliance report on the recommendations of the 8 August 2025 meeting to be tabled at the next session.
The Parliamentary Secretary for the Petroleum Division informed members that a Chairman for the Corporate Social Responsibility committee has been appointed. The Chair recalled that a Sub-Committee had earlier examined the composition, funding and utilization of CSR funds and had forwarded recommendations to the Petroleum Division, including revised allocation and utilization mechanisms. He noted that relevant provisions of the Petroleum Policy 2013 have been addressed in this context.
During discussion, Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA, proposed that the CSR Committee chairmanship should preferably be held by an MNA from districts with higher gas exploration activity. The Chair voiced concerns that CSR funds were not being properly utilized under the existing Committee and recommended a revised composition to ensure transparent and effective use of funds in line with previous recommendations.
The Additional Secretary, Petroleum Division, reported that the Ministry of Industries and Production had been consulted on CSR matters and relevant documents had been shared with the Minister for the Petroleum Division. The Ministry was asked to come prepared for a detailed discussion at the next meeting. In light of committee observations, members directed that CSR-related provisions of the Petroleum Policy 2013 be compared with other policies and that a report, including proposals to incorporate a renewable component, be submitted at the next sitting.
The Committee reviewed a detailed briefing on funds deposited by exploration and production companies for training purposes under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Policy 2012 and examined their utilization over the past three years. Agenda Item No. 04, a briefing by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited on commercial arrangements with private sector entities, was deferred for a later date.
Members also recommended a report on action taken against Petroleum Division employees in Balochistan alleged to be involved in gas theft and meter tampering. The Honourable Minister informed the Committee that domestic gas supply was being increased on the directives of the Prime Minister, that there would be no gas price increase during the winter season, and that circular debt had been reduced. He added that Sui gas meters will now be installed upon payment of the prescribed normal fee.
The Committee asked the Petroleum Division to obtain provincial reports on CSR fund utilization and present them at the next meeting. It also stressed the need for capacity building and institutional strengthening of the Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions and requested a progress update on the ongoing restructuring exercise, including timelines and financial implications, at a forthcoming session.
Attendees included Members of the National Assembly Mr. Anwar Ul Haq Chaudhary, Ms. Shaista Khan, Mr. Mian Khan Bugti, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Mr. Asad Alam Niazi, Mr. Salahuddin Junejo and Mr. Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada, along with senior officials from the Petroleum Division, Sui Southern Gas Company, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and OGRA.
