Karachi, October 21, 2026: 

Acting Governor of Sindh Syed Awais Qadir Shah has expressed concern over reports regarding the proposed relocation of Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s (PPL) head office and related administrative operations from Karachi to Islamabad. He emphasised that the administrative, financial, economic and employee-related implications of this important decision must be comprehensively assessed.

Acting Governor Syed Awais Qadir Shah said that, Karachi is one of the country’s major commercial and industrial centres, offering PPL access to port facilities, business entities, suppliers and technical services. Given the company’s gas fields and production activities in Sindh, the potential implications of relocating its head office must be considered on facts and transparency. 

The Acting Governor stated that any major administrative decision should prioritise the organisation’s operational requirements, efficient utilisation of financial resources and business continuity. He said the costs associated with relocating offices, staff, records and other administrative operations must also be assessed to determine the potential benefits of the proposed move for the company’s performance and financial stability.

He further noted that Karachi’s port facilities and established business infrastructure play an important role in the transportation of equipment, technical supplies and other essential resources. Therefore, the potential impact of the relocation on supply chains, technical support and relationships with local businesses should not be overlooked.

Highlighting the welfare of employees and their families, the Acting Governor said that consultations with the relevant staff, employee welfare and the retention of the organisation’s experienced workforce must be considered before any relocation decision is made. He emphasised that such decisions should be taken through a transparent process and supported by clear administrative justification.

He added that the organisation’s financial and administrative interests must remain the foremost consideration in any decision. Making clear information available regarding the benefits, costs and any possible repercussions of the proposed relocation is essential for informed decision-making.

The Acting Governor of Sindh stressed that the option of retaining PPL’s head office in Karachi should be given serious consideration. He called for an independent, technical, financial and administrative assessment of the proposed relocation before any final decision is taken.

Acting Governor Sindh Syed Awais Qadir Shah emphasised that the important decisions concerning national institutions should be based on transparency, consultation and long-term institutional interests.