NA Panel angry over K Electric CEO’s continued absence, seeks answers on PSM residents’ electricity charges

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production expressed serious concern over the continued

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production expressed serious concern over the continued non-appearance of K-Electric’s Chief Executive Officer before the committee, as members again took up questions related to electricity tariff and the amount being recovered from Pakistan Steel Mills residents after its closure.

The committee showed displeasure that its earlier recommendations had not been properly addressed. These recommendations included a detailed report on electricity tariff and complete details of the amount being collected from PSM residents since Pakistan Steel Mills closed. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production meeting was held under the chairmanship of Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA.

During the meeting, the committee discussed several important matters linked with public money, industry, customers’ rights and government subsidies. The committee voiced grave concern over the absence of K Electric’s CEO. Members said the matter was important because it involved electricity charges being recovered from residents connected with Pakistan Steel Mills.

The committee revisited its earlier recommendations and asked why full details had not been provided. The panel wanted a clear report on electricity tariff and the amount being recovered from PSM residents after the closure of Pakistan Steel Mills. The matter is important because people living in PSM residential areas continue to face questions about electricity bills and recoveries even after the mills’ closure.

The committee also reviewed its previous recommendation regarding outstanding payments of customers to Proton Car Company. A representative of Proton Car Company informed the committee that there were 864 affected customers. The committee was told that 816 customers had been accommodated by returning Rs1.1 billion out of Rs1.18 billion.

According to the company representative, 93 percent of the amount has been returned to customers. He said the remaining 48 customers are being contacted so that their money can also be returned soon. The committee appreciated Proton Car Company for returning the outstanding amount to its customers. The meeting also discussed the Electric Vehicle policy, especially the subsidy being given for EV bikes.

The committee observed that a subsidy of Rs80,000 per unit is being given for an electric vehicle bike across the country. To examine the matter further, the committee appointed a sub-committee under the convenorship of Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, MNA. The sub committee will investigate the subsidy being given to manufacturers and companies operating in the country in connection with motor bikes.

Members said public subsidies must be checked carefully because they involve national money and should benefit citizens fairly and transparently. The Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production and other senior officials of the ministry and its attached departments also attended the meeting. The committee’s proceedings showed that lawmakers want clearer answers from companies and departments regarding electricity charges, customer payments and public subsidies.