ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to activate a modern digital system aimed at ensuring complete transparency in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector.
The directive was issued during a meeting between the Prime Minister and a delegation led by the World Bank’s Country Director.
During the meeting, the delegation presented a set of policy recommendations concerning reforms and improvements in the country’s energy sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the policy recommendations and instructed the relevant authorities to establish a committee to thoroughly review the report submitted by the World Bank delegation.
The committee has been tasked with examining the recommendations and presenting proposals for their effective implementation.
In this regard, the Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of strengthening governance and improving regulatory oversight in the petroleum sector. He instructed OGRA to introduce an advanced digital monitoring system to promote transparency across the oil and gas supply chain and to prevent practices such as hoarding and unjustified profiteering.
According to official sources, the proposed digital mechanism is expected to enhance regulatory efficiency by enabling real-time monitoring of petroleum stocks, distribution, and pricing. The initiative is also aimed at improving accountability and ensuring that consumers receive petroleum products at fair and regulated prices.
The government believes that adopting modern digital technologies will help strengthen institutional performance, increase public confidence, and support broader economic reforms. Officials said the move reflects the government’s commitment to improving governance through technology-driven solutions and ensuring a transparent regulatory framework in the country’s energy sector.
During the meeting, discussions also focused on continued cooperation between Pakistan and the World Bank in promoting sustainable economic reforms and strengthening key sectors of the national economy.
The latest directives come as the government continues efforts to modernize regulatory institutions, improve service delivery, and protect consumers from market manipulation.
The implementation of a comprehensive digital monitoring system is expected to play a significant role in enhancing transparency and efficiency within Pakistan’s oil and gas sector while supporting the government’s broader agenda of good governance and economic reform.
