'Power companies have made lives miserable'

Energy minister tells PA Sindh govt willing to take over HESCO, SEPCO

KARACHI:

Provincial Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh announced in Sindh Assembly on Thursday that the provincial government is ready to take on power utility companies for their failure to supply electricity in the province.

Addressing the house, Shaikh referred to the hourslong loadshedding in various districts of Sindh and said, “Power companies have made the life of people miserable.” He added that the Sindh government itself is not generating the power, but is involved in mining of coal in Thar.

He was of the view that Sindh government own five wind power projects, but federal government was unwilling to notify the same and finalise the tariff requirement. “In the best interest of people of Sindh, we are willing to take over Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Supply Company (SEPCO), which have failed badly in supplying power to consumers.” Responding to the call attention notice moved by GDA MPA Arif Mustafa jatoi, who asked whether the provincial government was willing to take over the distribution electricity, Shaikh said that it was not the mandate of Sindh government to produce electricity or setup the transmission line.

‘Weak prosecution’

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf MPA Arsalan Taj raised the issue of the weak prosecution system in the province, maintaining that this results in the release of terrorists and members of gang wars.

“Is it true that criminals, specially terrorists, find a safe haven in [such] cases when the prosecution presents weak arguments against those involved in destabilising the law and order situation across the province,” he asked.

Taj referred to Uzair Baloch and former SSP Malir Rao Anwar to drive his point home. “Both might be released because of lack of evidences against them,” he said. Responding on behalf of the provincial government, Shaikh said the cases are heard in court based on how strong the FIRs against them are. “Sindh government has nothing to do with verdicts. All decisions are announced by court of law,” he said.

Earlier, as the session started, Sindh Agriculture Minister Ismail Rahu informed the house that office bearers of the new Sabzi Mandi, that is located off M-9, had been demanding security with establishment of new police station. “This is the place where vegetable and fruits across the country is transported, so we are considering the establishment of a new police station in its limits,” he remarked. As the session ended, PPP MPA Sadia Javed moved an adjournment motion requesting the speaker to discuss on the issue of prolong gas loadshedding during winter season for domestic consumers in Sindh. Her adjournment was approved, but speaker deferred the debate on this issue some other day. Later, the session was adjourned till today (Friday).