Islamabad: Former Commerce Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz has announced that the FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry) has decided to challenge IPP contracts in the Supreme Court. In a tweet on Tuesday, he stated that the Chambers of Commerce have opted to seek judicial review over contracts with IPPs, alleging that these agreements have led to exorbitant electricity costs for all Pakistanis, pushing citizens into poverty and crippling businesses.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz emphasized that under IPP contracts, Pakistan pays billions to companies that fail to generate electricity, exacerbating an already unsustainable situation. He highlighted the government’s failure to implement reforms despite warnings from previous reports, including a detailed assessment by former Energy Minister Muhammad Ali in 2020. The report, which outlined substantial losses due to governmental ineptitude and erroneous IPP statements, has yet to be fully acted upon.
“It is crucial for the government to decide whether the welfare of 240 million Pakistanis outweighs assured benefits for 40 families,” Dr. Gohar Ejaz remarked, stressing that rectifying electricity issues is paramount for Pakistan’s industries and directly impacts the lives of millions. He urged an end to mismanagement, noting that Pakistan cannot afford to repeat past mistakes in the pursuit of financial gains for a few new ‘capitalists.’
The FPCCI’s decision underscores growing discontent over the handling of energy policies and calls for urgent judicial intervention to address the critical challenges affecting Pakistan’s economic and social fabric.
FPCCI Decides to Approach Supreme Court Against IPP Contracts
