Islamabad: Federal Energy Minister Owais Leghari has said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities did not present the power policy approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in a correct manner. He told the Senate Power Committee meeting that it is important to read the entire provisions of the policy regarding the Midian and Gabral hydro projects, and not to base it on just one part.
The Special Assistant to the Chief Minister KP said that land worth Rs5 billion has been purchased for the projects, but the federal government has removed these projects from the list. Owais Leghari clarified that these projects are dependent on World Bank loans and may make electricity expensive.
He added that the federation has saved Rs3400 billion for consumers by eliminating 5 IPPs, and has achieved the goal of a competitive electricity market. The industry’s tariff has been reduced by 30 to 35 percent since June 2024.
Other members also raised questions in the meeting, such as permission to purchase land and increase the protected category limit. The chairman of the committee suggested that the KP government should discuss these projects with the federation again so that they can be completed soon.