$500 million lost in Dasu project irregularities

The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs was informed Wednesday that the national exchequer has suffered a loss of $500 million due to large-scale irregularities in the Dasu Transmission Line project.

The panel raised questions over non-transparent tendering practices and the awarding of the contract to an inexperienced company for the plan.

The committee meeting was chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro.

The body expressed serious concerns over the sidelining of the lowest bidder without substantial justification, and awarding the contract to a company that reportedly lacked the necessary experience in manufacturing bundling conductors.

Senator Abro noted that favouritism towards an inexperienced firm led to a massive financial loss, and strongly criticized relevant authorities for failing to uphold transparency in the procurement process.

Officials from NESPAK and the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) were unable to provide satisfactory answers, drawing sharp criticism from committee members. The chairman directed that a full investigation be launched into the matter and called for action against those found responsible. The committee chairman directed that a thorough investigation be conducted and action taken against those responsible.

The committee decided to refer the matter to the Public Accounts Committee for further scrutiny.

The Dasu Transmission Line Project aims to transmit electricity from the Dasu Hydropower Plant to Islamabad. It involves a 765 kV double-circuit transmission line, spanning approximately 250 kilometers, with a Mansehra and Islamabad West grid stations along the route.