ISLAMABAD, Dec 31: Shahid Ahmad, former director general petroleum concessions, is expected to take over soon as chairman of Government Holdings Limited (GHL), official source told Dawn.

GHL, a state-run company owns government shares in all the oil and gas fields and discoveries across the country.

These sources said that four candidates were interviewed by a high-level committee headed by petroleum minister Usman Aminuddin.

The candidates include Shahid Ahmad, currently working in Mari Gas Company (MGC), Hilal Raza, director general Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP), Najam K. Haider, executive director Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and an incumbent director of GHL.

Official sources said that Shahid Ahmad’s name was on priority as proposed by the petroleum minister for approval by the competent authority. Najam K. Haider comes second on the priority list.

The post of chairman GHL fell vacant in October with the premature removal of Dr Mehmoodul Hasan. Hilal Raza is currently looking after GHL on current charge basis.