Islamabad: A Senate committee has voiced concerns over delays, interest costs, and financial irregularities in the Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project, highlighting issues in the power sector. According to Senate of Pakistan, the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs met under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro to review the project, which is financed by multilateral development agencies and includes the construction of a 765kV transmission line.

Chairman Abro expressed concern over alleged corruption and the lack of transparency in project implementation. During discussions, officials informed the committee of Rs26 million linked to a fraudulent document. While Rs10 billion was recovered more broadly, the chairman questioned the unresolved Rs26 million and observed discrepancies in fund recovery.

Senator Kamran Murtaza, attending virtually, along with Senators Haji Hidayatullah Khan and Kamil Ali Agha, examined the project’s financial requirements. Officials reported a recent release of Rs12 billion by the government, but the committee noted the financial strain from delayed funds and associated interest costs. Senator Agha questioned the interest on the newly released funds, while Senator Abro criticized the slow project pace and the impact of delayed government decisions.

The committee was briefed on substantial interest costs of 12 percent on the project’s financing, with Rs76 billion received from donors and Rs9 billion paid in interest. Concerns were raised about the procurement of materials without construction progress, questioning project planning and fund utilization.

A high-level monitoring committee was formed for the project, but expenditure exceeded allocations within the Power Division. Senator Abro stressed the need for transparent use of donor funds. The committee sought clarity from NESPAK on project activities and payments, aiming to align expenditure with actual work.

The committee plans to summon officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning for a comprehensive briefing on the project’s financing, progress, delays, and foreign funding utilization.