Energy minister says federation being unjust

Claims deliberate hurdles being created in path of Sindh’s projects

KARACHI:

Provincial Minister for Energy Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh said that federation was taking revenge by not approving water, electricity and gas projects for Sindh. He assured that the federal government would not get votes from the province.

He said that there should be an immediate inquiry into the 37-day meter readings by power transmission companies in which a representative of the Sindh government should also be included. He demanded action against officials involved in taking money from the pockets of consumers, adding that those amounts should be returned.

He also clarified that no new tax had been imposed by the Sindh government in the name of a KMC levy.

Sheikh, while speaking at the Sindh Assembly Media Corner, said that the notices taken by NEPRA and the federal energy minister were worthless as power companies were looting millions from people by manipulating the law

The minister added power companies should be required to include the date of reading of the previous and current month’s electricity bills. He further stated that the decision of the Sindh government to collect Rs100 with regards to KMC was not a new tax, but the collection mechanism had simply been changed.

Referring to the Council of Common Interests meeting, Sheikh said that the Sindh government’s plans were completely rejected and 88% of expensive power projects are being approved. He continued that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presented Sindh’s position in a measured manner at the CCI meeting. He alleged the chief ministers of other provinces had already received orders to remain completely silent.

Sheikh said that he requested a joint sitting of parliament regarding the rejection of schemes for Sindh. He recalled that in the CCI meeting, the Sindh chief minister pointed out the injustices being faced by the people of Sindh.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2021.