ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs met under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro to review the implementation status of its previous recommendations and to examine the progress of ongoing power sector projects financed by multilateral agencies, including the World Bank-funded Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP).
The meeting was attended by Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, Senator Falak Naz, Senator Rubina Khalid, Senator Kamran Murtaza, and Senator Kamil Ali Agha.
The committee expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the secretary power without prior intimation and directed that his presence be ensured in future meetings.
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs also discussed the World Bank-funded Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) and highlighted reported misappropriations and irregularities. It was informed that on the directions of the Sindh cabinet, the Anti-Corruption Establishment is conducting a thorough inquiry, including a forensic audit.
The committee appreciated the development initiatives of the Sindh chief minister and urged provincial authorities to extend full support. The chairman directed submission of details of tax amounts paid to the contractor for this project within two days and ensure the presence of the provincial secretary of planning & development in the next meeting.
The committee also took up the issue of electricity overbilling and directed the Power Division to brief the committee in the next meeting along with officials from IESCO. Regarding the ADB 401B-2022 Lot II A (ACSR Bunting Conductor), it directed implementation of its earlier decision and ordered suspension of the concerned officer until completion of the inquiry.
While reviewing ongoing and proposed projects in Balochistan, the committee expressed concern over prolonged delays in projects funded through multilateral, bilateral, and UN assistance. On the recommendation of members, the agenda was deferred, and EAD was directed to take up the matter during the Committee’s meeting in Balochistan for more effective deliberation.
