Cabinet grills power division over ‘non-implementation of decisions’
- By Web Desk -
- May 08, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet on Monday grilled the Power Division over the non-implementation of the decisions and sought clarification in this regard, ARY News reported, citing sources.
Sources told ARY News that the cabinet has also sought a report from Power Division regarding the issues of operating electricity companies with private sector participation.
The Cabinet Division has again asked for the list of ‘corrupt officers’ in the power companies as the power division failed to provide the list even after six months.
It also sought a report about adoption of a ‘transparent procedure’ for recruitment in electricity companies.
Sources claimed that Rs100 billion of loss and corruption were reported annually in electricity companies. The Cabinet also sought briefing on measures to prevent theft and reduce losses.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Ministry of Energy sought Rs 1.54 trillion from the ruling government to settle the power sector’s circular debt.
According to sources, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) imposed a condition to settle the circular debt for power generation companies in the fiscal year 23-24.
Sources revealed that the Ministry of Energy’s loan demand is staggering as the government has already presented the plan to IMF, adding that the government has increased the power tariff and reduced the subsidy twice, however, the circular debt continues to be a major challenge for the power sector.