DGPC questions Frontier Holdings over alleged misuse of confidential reports

ISLAMABAD: The Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions (DGPC) has raised serious concerns over the alleged misuse of confidential documents by Frontier Holdings Ltd, intensifying scrutiny of the firm amid an ongoing ownership dispute.

In a recent letter, the DGPC — operating under the Ministry of Energy — asked the company to clarify its position regarding the alleged unlawful procurement and use of inquiry reports in both domestic and international legal proceedings.

According to the letter, FHL had relied on “alleged inquiry reports” in Writ Petition No. 2117 of 2023 pending before the Islamabad High Court, as well as in other forums.

However, the DGPC stated that the reports in question were never officially circulated or made public. It emphasised that the documents “were neither circulated by the DGPC nor made public, remained uncirculated, and are to be treated as non est ab initio and infructuous.”

The Petroleum Division further directed FHL to respond within seven working days, seeking an explanation for what it termed the unlawful procurement and misuse of sensitive material.

A senior official within the division said there were growing concerns in government circles about the potential misuse of confidential information, warning that such actions could undermine regulatory credibility and complicate legal proceedings both within Pakistan and abroad.

The development comes amid a broader and complex dispute over ownership and control involving FHL and its sister company, Spud Energy Pty Ltd.

In February, the Islamabad High Court directed the Petroleum Division and the DGPC to proceed in accordance with the law against both companies over an alleged unauthorised change in ownership structure.

The case stems from a transaction earlier this year in which Jura Energy Corporation allegedly transferred effective control of its corporate group — including FHL and SPUD — to IDL Investments Ltd through an offshore arrangement, without securing prior government approval.

Officials say the matter has raised regulatory and legal concerns, particularly regarding compliance with licensing conditions and the handling of sensitive documentation.