ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Saturday summoned National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to probe into the matter regarding the appointment of Managing Director (MD) of Pakistan State Oil (PSO).
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar ordered the NAB to also inform the court of its probe into Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
While observing the irregularities of the government, CJP remarked, ”Is it the way of the state to set up private companies and hire people of their choice to benefit them.”
CJP questioned the PSO’s MD Imran-ul-Haq, “Why should you not be suspended?” When and on whose suggestion were you appointed?” Haque responded that he was appointed on the suggestion of the then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2015. “Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had appointed me on the suggestion of the committee,” Haque informed the court, adding that he was selected from the six candidates finalised by the then-government.
In response, the chief justice remarked that Haque had no prior experience of the petroleum sector. “Let us ask NAB to probe into your appointment,”. He further suggested that the PSO’s audit should be done.
“What is in this country that leads to wastage of tax revenues?”. “How can a Grade 22 employee drawing between Rs0.2-0.25 million be appointed as the MD on a salary of Rs0.4 million?” He questioned. Haque stated that he took the PSO’s profit from Rs 6 billion to Rs 18 billion.
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing till 1.30pm, after ordering the concerned authorities for the probe.
