Federal Cabinet Rejects Power Division's Rs600 Billion Annual Collection Proposal

In a recent development, the federal cabinet has dismissed the Power Division's proposal to annually collect Rs600 billion, sources report.

The suggestions to withhold identity cards and passport issuance and renewal for electricity defaulters, as well as imposing restrictions on their overseas travel and ability to open bank accounts, were also turned down.

Instead, the cabinet has instructed the Power Division to present a comprehensive plan with clearly defined objectives.

The proposal to involve officers from the Armed Forces, Intelligence Agency, and FIA was rejected, with cabinet members emphasizing the higher priorities of these entities beyond the power sector.

Furthermore, the establishment of a performance management unit was deemed potentially entangled in legal and political challenges. Cabinet members criticized the Power Division's recommendations, viewing them as an attempt to divert attention from addressing the sector's actual problems.

Expressing concern over distribution companies' failure to appoint permanent chief executive officers over the past 25 years, the cabinet highlighted the lapse.

In a related development, it has been confirmed that the Federal Cabinet has given approval for the removal of Ali Raza from the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Pakistan Software Export Board.

Sources indicate that Ali Raza's appointment lacked security clearance despite two attempts to obtain approval from the intelligence agency. Despite the Board of Directors' persistent efforts, security clearance could not be secured, leading to Ali Raza's subsequent removal.

Reportedly, the approval for his appointment was based on a summary submitted by the Ministry of Information Technology.