Experts stress hiring on merit in energy sector

Say people on key posts should have scientific knowledge, vision to undertake reforms

LAHORE:

Energy sector experts have agreed that the field should be depoliticised and people, who have conflict of interest, should not be appointed on any key posts within the sector.

Speaking at a webinar at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), they voiced hope that the practice would help end incompetency, nepotism and favouritism in the sector and lead to proper development.

Responding to a question about merit-based appointments in the power sector, they stressed the need for hiring officials after following a transparent process and placing competent professionals on all positions.

According to them, the people on key posts within the sector should not only possess scientific knowledge but should also have a conflict-free long-term vision for introducing timely reforms.

The real challenge was that the political economy of Pakistan continued to create hurdles in the way of shaping up the country, they said.

The experts stressed that energy policy should be drafted by focusing on available indigenous resources instead of imported base fuels such as re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) and coal.

Admitting the fact that Pakistan had broad capacity-related issues, one of the experts agreed that there were successful models in other related economies that the government could adopt while keeping in mind the country’s own needs.

The question of implementing strong structural reforms at the grass roots level to deal with emerging challenges remained, they added.

“If we are heading towards a more liberated and open market model in the power sector, then the Central Power Purchasing Agency should be turned into an independent company and not be headed by a bureaucrat,” an expert suggested.