Controversy Erupts as Electricity Meters Removed After PAC Questioning

  • Allegations of retaliatory actions after inquiries.
  • PAC members voice strong disapproval, seek intervention.
  • Actions by Wapda viewed as an affront to parliamentary authority.

ISLAMABAD: During a session of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, serious allegations surfaced. PAC member Sanaullah Masti Khel, a PTI MNA, accused the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) of taking retaliatory measures following his questioning of a multi-billion rupee hydropower project.

Following the meeting, Masti Khel addressed the media, stating that he had questioned Wapda Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani during the previous day’s session regarding discrepancies in the cost of the Dasu hydropower project. He stated that in the session with the Wapda chairman, he inquired why a project initially estimated at Rs4 billion had its costs balloon to Rs36 billion, also bringing up issues with Ghani’s appointment.

He further claimed that, following his questions, electricity meters were removed from his house and those of his relatives late at night. Furthermore, he alleged that threats were made to demolish buildings.

Masti Khel stated that he had not received any prior notification or communication from Wapda, and asserted that he was neither a defaulter nor had he engaged in any misconduct. He remarked that if the dam issue has been sent to NAB, then it is definitively his crime.

The PTI lawmaker characterized the actions as an insult to parliament, emphasizing that it was not only an attack on him but also on the integrity of the entire Public Accounts Committee, questioning how the committee could function effectively if there were retaliatory actions for asking questions.

The PAC members collectively condemned the incident and insisted that the matter be brought to the attention of the National Assembly speaker, urging that decisive action be taken.

Masti Khel restated his dedication to upholding transparency, asserting that they will continue to ask questions in the interest of accountability and transparency. He stated that while the removal of an electricity meter or transformer was not a major concern, the incident was an insult to parliament.