SC summons power division secretary

KE is a private company and government policies do not apply directly on it, says KE's counsel

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court on Wednesday summoned the power division secretary and NEPRA’s additional director for tariffs in a case pertaining to the withdrawal of subsidies from K-Electric by the federal government.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the case.

During the hearing, K-Electric's counsel said KE is a private company and government policies do not apply directly on it, adding that the government subsidised the tariff but later withdrew it.

On the occasion, Justice Shah remarked that the government has the power to give and take back the subsidy, saying that the subsidy amount was determined by experts and questioned whether the government was doing it on its own.

The CJP said the basis of the case was not clear nor can it be understood from arguments.

Further on, Justice Ayesha inquired about what the law behind imposing or withdrawing subsidy was.

Hearing of the case has been adjourned till Thursday (today).