Senate panel calls for probe into foreign-funded power projects

The decision was taken unanimously by the committee, presided over by Senator Saifullah Abro, after the Economic Affairs Division apparently expressed its inability to order an inquiry into projects of another ministry. Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed displeasure that an EAD section officer had written a letter stating that the matter did not fall within the committee’s jurisdiction. He said the committee should first determine whether it had the authority to proceed, adding that if it lacked jurisdiction, there would be no purpose in continuing the meeting. Senator Kamil Ali Agha termed the letter an attempt to create confusion and divert attention from significant irregularities and alleged corruption identified by the committee in various foreign-funded projects across the country. He observed that the letter reflected an adversarial approach towards parliamentary oversight and expressed concern that such actions could undermine the committee’s efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and pro­per utilisation of foreign-funded resources. He maintained that the Senate’s constitutional role was to monitor state institutions. He said the wording of the letter gave the impression that those responsible for obtaining foreign loans believed they alone were entitled to decide how those funds would be used without parliamentary scrutiny. Chairman Senator Saifullah Abro questioned whether EAD Secretary Humair Karim wa