The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) is facing backlash from the local community in Kohat over its alleged failure to provide stipends and internship benefits to students under its Talent Hunt Program, despite repeated commitments and approvals.
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According to reports, OGDCL had agreed in 2019 to offer monthly stipends and internship opportunities to students from oil-producing districts like Kohat, Karak, and Hangu under its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) obligations. However, local students allege that while the company has been extracting billions of rupees worth of oil and gas from their region, it has consistently failed to deliver on its educational promises.
Students and Locals Call Out OGDCL & District Administration: In a strongly worded public response, students accused OGDCL of betraying local youth by delaying or denying payments, and misusing the program for political favoritism. They also alleged that the Deputy Commissioner of Kohat has failed to take any action against OGDCL or ensure accountability.
Protest leaders claim that the Talent Hunt Program was merely used as a photo-op in 2019 and that since then, not a single deserving student has received the promised stipend or employment support.
Furthermore, many students claim they were selected on merit, went through interviews and screening, but were ultimately ignored in favor of politically connected individuals. This has led to widespread frustration and accusations of corruption and nepotism.
Movement Announced Against Injustice: As frustration grows, students and youth organizations have announced the launch of a protest movement against both OGDCL and the local district administration. Demonstrators plan to stage sit-ins and awareness campaigns to highlight the exploitation of natural resources from Kohat without equitable returns for the region’s development or education.
“OGDCL IS LOOTING OUR RESOURCES AND DENYING OUR YOUTH THEIR BASIC RIGHTS. IF THE COMPANY CANNOT FULFILL ITS PROMISES, IT SHOULD PACK UP AND LEAVE,” SAID ONE STUDENT LEADER.
The protestors are demanding:
- Immediate disbursement of pending stipends to eligible students
- Transparent investigation into the program’s implementation since 2019
- Public apology from OGDCL and local officials for the neglect
- Allocation of funds for technical and higher education for oil-producing regions
OGDCL Silent, Students Threaten to Escalate: Despite repeated attempts, OGDCL has not issued any statement addressing the allegations. Protestors have warned that if no action is taken within days, they will block oil routes and escalate their protest nationwide.
The controversy has once again raised questions over the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility in Pakistan’s extractive sectors, where companies often benefit from local resources but fail to invest in the communities they exploit.
