Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif pushes OGRA reforms and private equity fund roadmap

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high‑level meeting in Islamabad to review reforms of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). He urged uniform implementation of the government’s reform agenda, directed the creation of a strict monitoring system for fuel transportation using the Federal Board of Revenue’s tracking framework, and called for advanced digital tools to oversee the petroleum supply chain from ports and refineries to petrol pumps. He instructed the appointment of reputable private‑sector experts and a merit‑based process for OGRA positions, pledging full government support, professional expertise and legal backing for the restructuring.

In a separate meeting, Sharif ordered authorities to finalize a roadmap for establishing a Private Equity Fund to stimulate investment in Pakistan, especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises. He highlighted minerals, agriculture, livestock, energy and information technology as key growth sectors and said the fund would attract foreign capital, create jobs and diversify financing beyond the limited banking sector. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and senior officials attended both meetings. Sharif stated that private equity funds could serve as “an effective catalyst for investment, business expansion and job creation.”