ISLAMABAD: The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), a key organization under the Power Division, is reportedly embroiled in severe internal conflicts, raising concerns over its effectiveness and governance. Despite its mandate to promote energy efficiency and conservation, insiders claim NEECA has failed to deliver on its objectives and instead has become a battleground of internal strife.
Reports of dysfunction within NEECA have been surfacing for some time, even as the organization remains under the direct oversight of the Power Minister, who also serves as Chairman of NEECA’s Board. Allegations of employee harassment and a toxic work environment have now reached a new peak with the emergence of a letter dated April 13, 2025, authored by Director (Buildings), Zeeshan Ullah.
In the letter, addressed to NEECA’s Managing Director (MD) and titled “Response to Allegations Against Director (Residential and Buildings),” Zeeshan claims that the explanation letter issued to him was a retaliatory move following his resignation and legal action. He describes the letter as being rooted in “malafide intentions, ill will, and vendetta,” meant to divert attention from genuine concerns he raised in previous communications dated March 10, 20, and 27.
“The timing of the explanation letter—after my resignation—strengthens the perception that it was a punitive response to me exercising my constitutional right by approaching the Islamabad High Court,” Zeeshan stated. He emphasized that his decision to file a writ petition and resign stemmed from a sense of moral, national, and religious duty to highlight structural and administrative shortcomings in NEECA.
Zeeshan painted a grim picture of the office environment, calling it “disturbing, hostile, and tense,” contributing to severe mental stress. He alleged arbitrary administrative decisions such as salary deductions, bans on casual and emergency leaves, repeated probation extensions, and failure to confirm employees even months after probation. These conditions, he claims, have left staff working under constant threat of termination.
He also highlighted a specific incident on March 20, 2025, where he reported threats from Yasir Khan, Director NWI/Coordinator MD Secretariat, but received no response from the MD until April 9—twenty days later—demonstrating alleged indifference from the top leadership.
His resignation was submitted on March 27, 2025, and officially received at the MD’s office around 1:30 p.m. the same day. Citing the severity of the threats and a track record of harassment, including baseless FIRs later dismissed in court, Zeeshan said he felt compelled to escalate the matter to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the NEECA Board, as well as all board members.
The letter further reveals that out of a total of 18 officers at NEECA, 14—both from NEECA and ECF—have either resigned or were terminated under the current MD’s leadership in the past three years. Zeeshan called for reflection on the management style at the top, stating that such attrition should not be ignored.
Among those who left are professionals with notable achievements. These include: Asad Mahmood, recipient of the Presidential Pride of Performance (Tamgha-i-Imtiaz), recognized for his role in formulating the NEECA Act and initiating key energy projects. Director General (Policy), who secured board approval of the NEEC Policy. Director (Buildings), who developed the ECBC-2023 in a record three months. Director (Electrical), who led Pakistan’s first hydrogen study and Director (Transport), who authored the country’s EV charging regulations. Several senior staffers who played pivotal roles in project documentation and policy drafting have left the entity.
Despite these achievements, all were allegedly forced out due to the toxic environment. Of the 17 current NEECA employees, 10 have joined only since August 2024, reflecting the high turnover.
The situation has not only hindered the organization’s mission but also cast a shadow over its future stability.
ENDS
