ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has reportedly raised objections to the nominee for Member (Electricity) proposed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government for the NEPRA Appellate Tribunal, Newzshewz has learnt reliably.
The Ministry of Law and Justice, in a communication with the Power Division, cited the Energy & Power Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s letter dated July 1, 2025, regarding the appointment of Member (Electricity) in the Tribunal under Section 12A of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Act, 2018 (NEPRA Act).
According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, in pursuance of the nominations sent by the Energy & Power Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Law Ministry moved a summary to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking directions for the Cabinet Division to obtain approval of the Cabinet through circulation for the appointment of Member (Electricity) in the NEPRA Appellate Tribunal, Islamabad.
In response to the summary, the Prime Minister’s Office raised the following observations: (i) The nominees proposed by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are all serving officers of PESCO, and the principal nominee, Engr. Akhtar Hamid Khan (currently serving as CEO, PESCO), has been recommended for appointment on a deputation basis. The proposed arrangement does not appear to be covered under the relevant statutory or regulatory provisions, as the MP Scales in this case are being used merely as benchmark scales; (ii) Appointment of a serving CEO of a DISCO on deputation to an Appellate Tribunal relating to the same sector may give rise to a potential conflict of interest; and (iii) Furthermore, if any of the proposed panelists returns to his substantive position in PESCO after completion of tenure, it may create administrative complications.
In view of the PMO’s observations, the Ministry of Law and Justice has requested the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to send fresh and suitable nominations for the appointment of Member (Electricity) in the Tribunal, in accordance with the relevant Act and in light of the Prime Minister’s Office’s observations. The Tribunal has its headquarters in Islamabad and exercises jurisdiction across the country.
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