ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to partially relocate the head office of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) from Karachi to Islamabad as part of efforts to reduce administrative costs, improve operational efficiency and streamline coordination with the petroleum sector.
Minister of State for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik informed the National Assembly on Tuesday that the relocation had been approved by PPL’s management and board of directors, with no political considerations involved in the decision.
Responding to a calling-attention notice moved by MNA Syed Naveed Qamar and other lawmakers, the minister said most offices associated with petroleum companies and relevant government institutions were already based in Islamabad, making closer administrative coordination necessary.
He clarified that the relocation would be partial and would not affect the company’s operational assets or ongoing activities.
Malik rejected suggestions that the decision was intended to undermine Karachi’s importance, maintaining that the move was aimed solely at reducing expenditure and improving the company’s performance.
The minister said reforms were being introduced at Pakistan Petroleum Limited to strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure better utilisation of resources.
PPL relocation process underway since 2024
Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum Mian Khan Bugti told the National Assembly that PPL’s head office in Karachi was established in 1955 and that the building had deteriorated over time.
He disclosed that expenditure on officials’ travel amounted to approximately Rs120 million, highlighting the financial burden associated with the existing administrative arrangements.
Bugti said the relocation process had been underway since 2024, with 172 employees already transferred as part of the phased shift.
He added that the company’s Karachi office was also being relocated to another premises, while the partial transfer of head office functions to Islamabad was intended to bring administrative operations closer to other petroleum-sector offices.
The parliamentary secretary reiterated that several companies operating in the petroleum sector already maintained their offices in Islamabad.
During the proceedings, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq observed that the relevant officer from the Petroleum Division should have been present in the House to respond to questions concerning the matter.
The government’s explanation came amid parliamentary scrutiny of the decision to relocate PPL’s administrative functions from Karachi, with officials maintaining that the move was based on financial and operational considerations rather than political factors.