Press Release Title: Senator Saifullah Abro, Chairman Senate Standing Committee On Economic Affairs presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 30th December, 2025

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. These included the Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Project, the ADB-financed ACSR Bunting Conductor issue (Lot-II), irrigation and communication projects in Balochistan, and 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. Serious concerns were raised regarding the non-recovery of Rs. 1.282 billion paid to a contractor as sales tax for the 765kV Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Grid Station at Islamabad West (Lot-IV). While the Power Division informed the Committee that an audit had termed the payment a procedural irregularity and recommended settlement, the Committee questioned the audit’s authority to override the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee. ‎ ‎Highlighting gross negligence, the Chairman directed the Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to write to the Prime Minister along with the Committee’s findings and recommendations. He also directed to implement the committee’s recommendation of referring the matter to Public Accounts Committee so that amount be recovered. He further recommended that the Auditor General of Pakistan to take strict action against the audit officers involved and directed the Power Division to ensure recovery of the amount as previously recommended by the Committee. ‎ ‎Reviewing the progress of the Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Project, the Committee expressed concern over delays and was informed that the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was still pending. Referring to the Land Acquisition Act, the Chairman underscored the estimated daily loss of approximately Rs. 2 billion due to the absence of a transmission network once the Dasu Dam becomes operational. The Committee directed that concerned authorities from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be invited to the next meeting to resolve right-of-way issues and instructed that tower erection work commence on available sites to avoid cost escalation and ensure timely completion. ‎ ‎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), the Committee 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. ‎ ‎The Committee 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 Chief Minister Sindh and urged provincial authorities to extend full support. The Chairman directed submission of details of tax amounts paid to contractor for this project within two days and ensure the presence of the Provincial Secretary Planning & Development in the next meeting.