A file photo of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to managing directors of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) to appear in person and submit a report regarding the distribution of electricity in view of the order dated May 21, 2013.
The companies are involved in cases pertaining to acute shortage of power in the country, which may be caused by inefficient distribution.
The hearing has been fixed for May 31. In today’s proceedings, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, “If the order has not been complied with the letter and spirit, explanation should be furnished as to why the action, in accordance with the law, may not be initiated against the responsible functionaries.”
The court wrote in its order: “We are of the opinion
that whatever electricity is generated, it should be distributed equally amongst consumers, both domestic and industrial, so no one
can raise objection on the basis of discrimination.”
However, notwithstanding the above order, reports of public protests are pouring in the print and electronic media owing to prolonged hours of load-shedding.
Notices were issued in pursuance of office note carrying the details that the Court Order dated May 21, wherein the managing directors, PEPCO and NTDC assured the Court that arrangements have been made for supply of furnace oil and as a result, the system has started generating electricity. Furthermore, they said that adequate steps will be taken in the near future for further increase in the generation capacity.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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The present Load Shedding-2013 is self made. There are simple technical solutions to repair the de-rated and out of service power plants. We do not need some new power policy or foreign consultants to fix the present situation. We have the MWs, money and resources; what is missing is the will and merit. I wonder why PEPCO is not fixing these machines. Despite Orders of the Honorable Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan, the mood at PEPCO system is relaxed and business as usual. I would request the Honorable Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan to order disconnection of electricity to the offices and houses of WAPDA/PEPCO/NTDC/DISCOs higher ups.
The Honourable Mr. Chief Justice, Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
The Mirpuriates (AJK) had scarified twice their home towns and grave yards of their beloved one's for hydro-generation in the brotherhood, love and for prosperity of Pakistan. why this citation is not presented before the public of Pakistan so that they may also scarify to allow the Govt. to built water lakes for the hydro-generation there. It may be mentioned here that the Mirpuriates (Members bar Association, Trade Unions, Press Unions and Civil Society) were compelled to protest against the immense electricity loads-shedding in the last week. During the protest, the Electricity Executive Engineer Of AJK through letter/Notification, addressed to the local Deputy Commissioner, has completely exempted Mirpur from the alleged load-shedding and promised to provide 80MW electricity to Mirpur without any forced load-shedding. But on the Orders of the Honourable Chief Justice, the AJK Electricity Department is now seems to be reluctant rather intends to resile from the said letter / Notification for the reasons that there would be short provision of the electricity to the AJK from Pakistan after the Orders of the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The Mangle Power House generates 1200MW electricity, which is being transmitted to Pakistan's National Grid Station. The whole of AJK needs only 350 MW electricity out which the Mirpur is in need 67 MW only.
It may also be worth while to mention here that the electricity in AJK is being sold on the highest price and there was no justification of load-shedding and sale of electricity in AJK on such a high price. Under the circumstances, the Honourable Chief Justice is requested to specifically Order the authorities in Pakistan to make sure that the Mirpur is exempted from the load-shedding. Regards
A huge disapointment in the name of FREE judiciary.
Your excellency, Your actions have brought us to this condition. Let me request you to spare us for good.