Karachi, March 9, 2026: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was held at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Karachi, under the chairmanship of Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hasan.
The meeting was attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, and Senator Maulana Ata ur Rehman, along with senior officials from the concerned departments.
The Director General NIPA briefed the Committee on various initiatives undertaken to improve the institute’s infrastructure and facilities. The Committee was informed about the solarization of the premises, establishment of a state-of-the-art library, development of a Shariah Conference Room, and the setting up of a book shop, among other initiatives. The DG also briefed the Committee on the training modules, research work, and capacity-building programs being carried out by the institute.
The Committee appreciated the efforts of the DG NIPA and his team for improving the institutional facilities and enhancing the training environment for civil servants.
The Committee also received a detailed briefing from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). The Committee was informed that the distribution sector remains the primary contributor to circular debt in the power sector, and that the regulatory options available with NEPRA to curtail the issue are limited. It was explained that imposing fines on distribution companies ultimately adds to the circular debt, whereas suspension or termination of licenses could adversely affect consumers.
The Committee expressed displeasure over the absence of the Chairman and Members of NEPRA from the meeting. The Committee also expressed serious concern over the delay in filling two vacant positions of Member Technical and Member Law, emphasizing the need for their early appointment to strengthen regulatory oversight.
The Committee further expressed concern over the inability of the regulator to incentivize private sector participation and address monopolistic practices, which continue to adversely affect electricity consumers.
The Committee directed NEPRA to submit a detailed report on the actual savings achieved through the renegotiated contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The Committee also directed NEPRA to provide complete details of the pay and perks of the Chairman, Members, and officers of NEPRA.
Furthermore, the Committee directed NEPRA to invite all concerned stakeholders and convene a dedicated meeting with a single agenda on this issue, so that the matter may be reviewed comprehensively.
