ISLAMABAD: A Senate sub-committee has raised pointed questions about the legal validity and professional credentials of board members running Pakistan’s key state petroleum companies, directing the Petroleum Division to justify appointments at Pakistan State Oil (PSO), resolve a prolonged governance limbo at Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PLL) and clarify the still-undetermined legal status of Parco.
The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, meeting here under Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, was told by the Petroleum Division officials that board members at state-run petroleum companies are appointed through a competitive, three-year process on the basis of relevant February 16, 2026 to accept the transfer of remaining Pak PWD maintenance staff and ensure payment of salaries along with arrears for the last seven months. Departments under review included the Ministry of Interior (Civil Defence), Ministry of Planning, Auditor-General of Pakistan, Intelligence Bureau, Federal Investigation Agency, Federal Board of Revenue, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi, Border Health Services Pakistan Karachi and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
During the meeting, the chairman called representatives from each department concerned to present updates on compliance with the prime minister’s directives regarding the release of salaries for employees absorbed into various departments following the restructuring of Pak PWD.
According to the latest status report presented before the committee as of March 5, 2026, a total of 3,225 employees from various departments are currently under review with regard to salary payments and transfer status. The committee was informed that salaries are currently being paid to 2,940 employees, representing 91.1 per cent of the total. These employees have already been absorbed across several federal departments and organisations. The largest number, 1,493 employees, has been accommodated in the Capital Development Authority, followed by 970 employees in the Estate Office.
Other departments paying salaries include the Ministry of Defence with 95 employees, the Federal Shariat Court with one employee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs with 60 employees, Federal Board of Revenue with 116 employees, National Accountability Bureau with 35 employees, Controller General of Accounts with 90 employees and Intelligence Bureau with 80 employees.
The committee was informed that 185 employees, representing 5.8 per cent of the total, fall into a category where the taking-over process has been completed, but salary arrangements are still being processed.
