Why the Oil Sector continues to struggle

Dil Nawaz has been at the heart of everything that has gone ill with the sector

By Newztodays Team

Here is a story of vested and guarded interests in how a private refinery has planted its consultant in the Petroleum division who works like a king to bulldoze projects of other companies.

It is a sorry tale of affairs how a private consultant has become so powerful that he has been given a luxury office in Petroelum house and is a key player in formulating petroleum policies.

Though he has landed in the petroleum division and is a retired employee getting full perks and privileges to protect the interest of its parent refinery to bulldoze projects of other companies.

Like the debacle, our cricket team witnessed in the Cricket World Cup, if one or two players or a person calling the shots is unwise and out of position, the entire team struggles.

Not to take any player’s name here but just to get the perspective set, the same is the case with the Oil & Gas sector.

The tag of ‘Parchi’ or rather a person put in place not because of his or her credentials but only because of his connection with the selector, captain, or top management, same is the case with a ‘few’ in the oil sector which is creating massive hurdles for the industry to flourish and help Pakistan recover.

Inside sources confirm that such a ‘parchi’ player named DilNawaz has been the main source of the slowdown and downfall of some major energy companies and the sector overall.

He currently serves at DG Oil’s Office and only serves the companies that personally ‘help’ him out with under-the-table help.

He was regularized as an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Petroleum whereas his credentials do not match the position at all.

At one of the recent meetings he seemed unaware of the basic dimensions of the sector and just because a few companies were not catering to his ‘personal financial needs and demands’ bad-mouthed them which was a massive concern for some foreign investors eyeing the situation.

The question arises, does Pakistan need to have such a ground of falsified and corrupt personnel or does Pakistan need a fairground to attract foreign investors?

Dil Nawaz has been at the heart of everything that has gone ill with the sector. Back in 2013-14, he requested to get himself posted to another policy wing of the Petroleum Ministry due to a conflict with the then DG, Sayed Ullah Shah of Director General Petroleum Concession (DGPC).

After moving to the Director General Oil’s Office, Dil Nawaz made it a point to become close to all the MDs and CEOs of OMCs and refineries operating in the country. SSGC, Petroleum Division Locked Horns in Battle over MD’s Extension

Initially seemed like good PR up until his basic demands hit the floor running. Away from financial demands which were aided he placed 3 nephews in one of the leading OMCs PARCO, one massive package in exchange for services in the shape of ease of doing business for the OMC.

PARCO upon investigation issued an unlimited fuel card to the DG Oil’s Office through which Dil Nawaz has been consuming free fuel off the tax-payers money. PARCO upon further investigation also provided him with a vehicle that he used initially for personal use.

Dil Nawaz retired back in 2020 but then due to ‘connections’ was hired as a consultant in DG Oil’s Office by Attock Refinery due to his ethnic connection with ex-secret petroleum Asad Hayat Duin. With an exorbitant package of almost PKR 1.3 along with health and other benefits.

Through his seat at the DG oil office not only has he corrupted the sector but is pushing the foreign investors away which is of grave concern. Just in the last 5 years or so, quite a few competent Secretaries and ministers have been changed due to his calls.

He makes all necessary decisions on behalf of DG Oil and is a part of every high-end meeting and completely out of place. He has been seen picking up personal agenda and vendetta against some companies that were being backed by foreign investment, just because those companies did not partake in aiding him with any financial or other benefit.

The sector needs to grow, to be rebuilt, with foreign investment coming in, but for policy and decision making if ‘Parchis’ like Dil Nawaz continue to make calls, then not only the sector run dry, but the foreign investment will erode.