Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Senator Saifullah Abro, convened to scrutinize delays and financial irregularities in major development projects, including the Dasu Hydropower Project and the 765kV Dasu Transmission Line Project. Concerns were raised over the slow progress, high bids, and discrepancies in financial documents, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee reviewed the progress of various projects, including the Dasu Hydropower Project, which has a revised cost of Rs1,737 billion and aims to generate 5,400 megawatts of electricity upon completion. Despite securing full funding, the project has only reached 30 percent completion, with officials attributing delays to security concerns and contractor issues. Committee members expressed frustration over these delays and highlighted discrepancies in project documents, questioning the timeline and financial implications.

The committee also examined financial irregularities in the Sindh Solar Energy Project, noting concerns over Rs. 6 billion in taxes allegedly deducted based on fake invoices. Additionally, the Akram Wah Canal Project faced scrutiny due to high bids, with recommendations made to the World Bank for bidding process cancellation.

Senators called for improved interdepartmental coordination and accountability mechanisms, urging timely project execution and transparency in dealings with donor agencies. The committee recommended establishing a dedicated monitoring desk within the Economic Affairs Division to evaluate tendering processes and ensure effective project follow-up.