Pakistan Government Names Shakeel Ahmed as OGRA’s Member Finance

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The Federal Government of Pakistan has appointed Shakeel Ahmed as the Member Finance of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), filling a critical vacancy to strengthen oversight of the nation’s energy sector, as announced on July 19, 2025. This move signals a commitment to stabilizing Pakistan’s oil and gas industry amid economic challenges and regulatory demands.

Shakeel Ahmed’s appointment, reported by Profit Pakistan, comes after a competitive selection process mandated by the OGRA Ordinance of 2002, which established OGRA to regulate Pakistan’s oil and gas sectors. The authority, led by Chairman Masroor Khan, includes three members overseeing finance, oil, and gas affairs. Ahmed replaces Mohammad Naeem Ghouri, who served since November 2022, and joins Zain-ul-Abideen Qureshi (Member Oil) in steering OGRA’s financial policies. With Pakistan’s energy sector grappling with rising fuel import costs and domestic production challenges, Ahmed’s role is pivotal. His expertise, though not detailed in public records, is expected to address issues like pricing disputes and infrastructure development, critical for energy security.

The appointment follows a turbulent period for OGRA, marked by a 2021 Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) probe into alleged collusion between former officials and oil marketing companies (OMCs), including charges against ex-Member Finance Noor-ul-Haq. Ahmed’s leadership will be scrutinized as OGRA works to restore trust and enforce compliance in licensing and pricing for natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and oil activities. “This is a chance to clean up the sector’s financial oversight,” said energy analyst Ayesha Siddiqa on X, reflecting optimism about Ahmed’s potential impact.

Pakistan’s energy market faces pressure from global price volatility and domestic fiscal constraints, with fuel imports straining the economy. Ahmed’s tenure will likely focus on streamlining regulations to attract investment while ensuring consumer affordability. As OGRA navigates these challenges, his financial acumen will be tested in balancing stakeholder interests and national priorities. The government’s decision to appoint Ahmed underscores its push for competent leadership to bolster energy resilience, setting the stage for critical reforms in a sector vital to Pakistan’s economic stability.