Government and Opposition Unite in National Assembly to Address IPPs Controversy

Islamabad: In a unified stance, both the government and opposition parties in the National Assembly have come together against Independent Power Producers (IPPs). A proposal to form a parliamentary committee to review private power plants was also put forward during a session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
During the question hour, Mahrin Bhutto highlighted that the public is suffering due to the high charges imposed by IPPs. PPP member Asifa Bhutto Zardari raised the issue of domestic gas shortages, to which Petroleum Minister Dr. Musadik Malik responded that the country’s gas resources are depleting, and importing expensive gas to sell cheaply is financially unsustainable for the treasury.
Syed Hussain Tariq discussed the incomplete gas project with Iran, mentioning that Iran has recently issued a final notice to Pakistan. Tariq questioned how the country would manage the $18 billion penalty related to the pipeline project.
Minister Malik clarified that the $18 billion figure was not mentioned by the Iranians, and there are significant complexities and international sanctions affecting the situation.
Opposition member Ali Muhammad Khan demanded the formation of a parliamentary committee to review the performance and agreements of IPPs, accusing them of exploiting the public. He stressed that Pakistan is paying for electricity that is not being produced, and a committee with representatives from all political parties should be established.
Minister Malik suggested convening all parties to agree on a procedure. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf supported the formation of a house committee to discuss IPPs, calling for clarification on this serious crisis.
Hanif Abbasi emphasized the gravity of the IPP issue, asserting that it has engulfed the entire country. He noted reports of a non-operational plant still receiving substantial payments and called for accountability and action against those involved.