By Our Correpondent
LAHORE – Former Managing Director of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Arif Hameed, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the company, according to informed sources. The appointment reportedly follows a special summary moved by the Federal Minister for Petroleum.
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Sources further indicate that Hameed is expected to assume responsibilities as the new Chairman of SNGPL, replacing Ismail Qureshi.
Arif Hameed served in SNGPL from a regular employee position up to Senior General Manager, before being appointed as the Managing Director in 2011. He continued in this role until September 2015, receiving multiple extensions during his tenure.
However, his departure from the company in 2015 followed administrative concerns. On September 2, 2015, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources forwarded a summary to the Prime Minister recommending Hameed’s removal. The recommendation was approved, and Hameed was officially removed on September 5, 2015.
During his time as Managing Director, SNGPL reportedly faced challenges related to Unaccounted for Gas (UFG), a term used for gas lost in the transmission and distribution system. Industry observers noted that UFG levels exceeded the benchmarks set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), raising questions about operational efficiency. While the company faced scrutiny for these losses, it is important to acknowledge that gas loss in transmission is a common issue in the sector and may stem from a variety of technical and structural causes.
Additionally, Hameed had differences with policy directions at the time regarding the implementation of LNG-based energy projects. Reports suggested a delay in the execution of government-backed initiatives, which later became a point of discussion among stakeholders. However, there is no legal ruling confirming intentional non-compliance, and such differences are not uncommon in high-level corporate or governmental roles.
After his tenure at SNGPL, Hameed transitioned into the private petroleum sector, operating a fuel station in Lahore under the name U&S Gulberg Filling Station. In January 2021, OGRA issued an order citing short-measuring violations at the station. It is not uncommon for fuel outlets to face regulatory action; many such issues are resolved through compliance measures and corrective steps.
Moreover, internal inquiries at SNGPL during Hameed’s tenure highlighted alleged irregularities in the promotion of a company secretary. A departmental audit report noted that out-of-turn promotions and salary increments amounting to Rs 6.292 million were granted in violation of standard HR policy. The report mentioned Hameed alongside other senior officials in a supervisory capacity. However, the matter did not lead to any criminal charges or convictions, and the findings remain part of internal company documentation.
Hameed had challenged his 2015 removal in the Lahore High Court through a writ petition but later withdrew the case after submitting his resignation.
While Arif Hameed’s past tenure saw both praise and criticism, his return to a leadership role in SNGPL has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. His supporters argue that he brings decades of industry experience, while others stress the importance of corporate accountability and transparency.
His appointment comes at a time when the energy sector continues to face mounting challenges, including supply constraints, infrastructure losses, and the need for regulatory reforms. Observers now wait to see how the new board composition, under Hameed’s leadership, will shape the direction of the company moving forward.
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