Senate body displeased on the slackness of Petroleum Ministry, PSO
- September 25, 2013, 7:44 pm
- Business News
- 160 Views
ISLAMABAD, Sept 25 (Online): Taking exception to lethargic attitude of the Ministry of Petroleum and Pakistan State Oil for not replying to the questions asked by Senator Zahid Khan, The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges warned the ministry of strict action for not taking the Parliamentary business seriously.
The meeting was presided over by Senator Col.(R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi. It considered the breach of privilege arising out of failure of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to provide replies to the questions asked by Senator Zahid Khan regarding the number of persons appointed on regular, contract, daily wedges and third party contract (outsource) basis in PSO since 2008 and the name, education qualifications, place of domicile and nationality of the Managing Director PSO and salary, allowances and other fringe benefits admissible to him.
溺embers ask questions on the floor of the House to see that the decisions ions are taken in a transparent manner but the delay in replying creates hurdles in the smooth working of the Parliament which is a matter of serious concern, remarked Senator Mashhadi, the Chairman of the Committee.
Senator Zahid Khan apprised the committee about his point of view on the issue. He said that such a lapse on the part of Ministry and its attached departments reflects the dictatorial mindset. He said that the regional quota was being violated grossly and smaller provinces were not being given due right in government services.
Other members including Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel, Mian Raza Rabbani and Islamuddin Sheikh also expressed their dismay on the issue and pointed out various discrepancies in appointments in government departments particularly in PSO.
The Committee directed the Ministry to conduct inquiry against the officials involved in delay with regard to reply to the said questions.
Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Mr. Abid Saeed, submitted an unconditional apology before the Committee which was highly appreciated by the Committee. However, the Committee members were of the view that why a Senior Officer should apologize for the mistake of his juniors. The Committee gave one month time period to conduct inquiry against the officials involved in the delayed response.
The meeting was attended by Senators Mian Raza Rabbani, Islamuddin Shaikh, Mushahid Hussian Sayed, Haji Mohammad Adeel, Hidayat Ullah and Muhammad Zahid Khan. Secretaries of the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Affairs and senior officers of PSO were present on the occasion.
