ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) has raised serious concerns over the alleged misuse of confidential documents by Frontier Holdings Ltd (FHL), intensifying regulatory scrutiny amid an ongoing ownership dispute.
In a formal communication, the DGPC—operating under the Ministry of Energy—has asked FHL to clarify its position regarding the alleged unlawful acquisition and use of inquiry reports in legal and international proceedings.
According to the letter, FHL relied on what it termed “inquiry reports” in Writ Petition No. 2117 of 2023 before the Islamabad High Court, as well as in other forums. However, the DGPC maintained that these reports were never officially circulated or made public.
The regulator emphasized that the documents “remained uncirculated” and should be treated as non est ab initio and legally ineffective. It further directed FHL to respond within seven working days, explaining the alleged unlawful procurement and reliance on such material.
Officials within the Petroleum Division have expressed concern that misuse of sensitive and non-public information could undermine regulatory integrity and complicate both domestic and international legal proceedings.
The issue arises amid a broader dispute over ownership and control of FHL and its affiliated entities. Earlier, the Islamabad High Court had directed the Petroleum Division and DGPC to proceed in accordance with the law against FHL and Spud Energy Pty Ltd over an alleged unauthorized change in ownership.
The case relates to a transaction in early 2025, in which Jura Energy Corporation is said to have transferred effective control of its corporate group—including FHL and SPUD—to IDL Investments Ltd through an offshore arrangement, reportedly without prior government approval.
The matter continues to raise questions around corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and transparency within Pakistan’s upstream energy sector.
Story by Kalbe Ali
