PAC panel directs NAB to investigate removal of transformers

Convener expresses anger at Discos, saying ‘you can only disconnect power supply’

A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to investigate the removal of electricity transformers across the country by all power distribution companies (Discos) and submit a detailed report.

During a meeting held under the chairmanship of Convener Noor Alam Khan, the PAC subcommittee directed Discos to take asset declaration from any officer who joins the office including linemen, SDOs and executives.

The convener expressed anger at the Discos’ officials, saying: “Discos are paid for the transformers.

“You can only disconnect the power supply, not remove the transformer. Wherever the transformer has been forcibly removed, the matter should be looked into by the NAB.”

Alam asked, “Under what law were the transformers removed?”

He said, “If something goes wrong, we will stop it. You turn off the electricity. We are abused, under what law are you removing it?”

Committee member Naveed Qamar apprised the authorities that it was against the law to take into possession things that did not belong to them.

The committee also sought a list of SDOs, superintendents, executives and linemen stationed at the same place for more than three years and ordered their transfer.

The audit officials informed the committee about the illegal hiring of sub-consultants by the National Engineering Services of Pakistan (Nespak).

The committee convener said, “Inquire and determine who is responsible. There should be no violation of law.”

The energy secretary said, “Inquiry is in process. The committee has given one month to complete the inquiry.”

The audit officials apprised the committee of the appointment of four junior engineers (planning) by Nespak against the rules.

“Determine those responsible in 15 days,” Alam said.

Member Ibrahim Khan sought a detailed report of profit and loss of Nespak.

The audit objections regarding the Discos were also reviewed during the meeting.

Alam revealed that the Sukkur Electric Power Company and the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company also “have political victimisation”.

“By law, the meter belongs to the user. If one user is paying the bill and 99 are not, will the one’s electricity be cut off?”

Sepco officials said they would only cut off the connections of non-payers.

Alam said, “You are not being held accountable and you hold the poor accountable.”

“SDOs take asset declaration from XENs? Make it mandatory. How many gifts do they get?

List the SDOs, superintendents, executives and linemen who have been in the same place for more than three years.”

He ordered transferring them and obtaining an asset declaration from anyone who joined the office.

He warned against giving charge to anyone involved in corrupt practices.