Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate alleged irregularities in foreign-funded projects, following a review of multiple ongoing and completed power sector initiatives. The Committee, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, expressed concerns over transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the 765 kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project and other ventures.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the Committee’s meeting included notable attendees such as Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, and Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi. The Chairman, Senator Abro, highlighted the Committee’s unanimous decision to involve both FIA and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in probing the alleged misuse of tax-exempt imported goods, as well as discrepancies in the auction process of defunct power plants. He emphasized the need for strict action against any officials found responsible for these irregularities.
The Committee also scrutinized issues related to the lack of transparency from the Power Division concerning auctions and payments for power plants, as well as allegations of improper involvement by certain individuals using a government-owned company’s name. Furthermore, delays in the Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project were attributed to administrative challenges, including right-of-way issues and the appointment of an allegedly inexperienced consultant. Senator Abro urged for these obstacles to be resolved promptly, stressing the importance of maintaining public trust and safeguarding public funds.
Additional discussions focused on prolonged load-shedding in Sindh, where the Committee urged better utilization of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and addressed concerns over overbilling and load-shedding complaints from Bahria Town residents. The reversal of the net-metering policy and its impact on consumers was also reviewed, with a directive to resolve ongoing cases.
On the matter of the Emergency Flood Assistance Project (EFAP) in Sindh, the Committee was briefed on the progress, noting that 60% of the work had been completed with climate-resilient designs. However, it questioned the planning and transparency of project approvals, directing further dialogue with foreign lending institutions to address these issues.
The Committee concluded with the decision to recommend an FIA investigation into alleged discrepancies in road project scopes and costs in Sindh, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and accountability in all foreign-funded projects.