National Assembly Committee Recommends 132kV Grid Station For Padhana, Haripur

The Power Division committee also directed authorities to prepare a separate funding case and technical justification, amid concerns over load-shedding, low voltage and delays affecting electricity infrastructure in Haripur. ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Nov, 2026) The National Assembly Standing Committee on Power Division on Thursday recommended the establishment of a 132 kV grid station at Padhana, Haripur, in the larger public interest, while directing the concerned authorities to prepare a case for additional funding and expedite necessary technical and administrative measures. The committee, which met under the chairmanship of MNA Muhammad Idrees at Parliament House, confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting and reviewed the implementation status of its earlier recommendations. The Secretary, Power Division, informed the Committee that, in compliance with its previous recommendation, a report regarding the establishment of a 132 kV Grid Station at Padhana, Haripur, had been submitted and requested the Chief (Technical Services), Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC), to brief the Committee. Regarding the under-construction 132 kV Grid Station at Sarai Saleh, Haripur, he stated that the project had initially been conceived in 2008 to replace the obsolete 66 kV infrastructure; however, it had not been completed as planned. During the discussion, Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan, MNA raised concerns regarding the feasibility, approval and execution of the Sarai Saleh Grid Station project, alleging that it had been initiated without a proper feasibility study. He questioned the valuation of the acquired land, the reported 80% completion of work despite the project's incomplete status, the expenditure incurred and the availability of procured equipment. He also highlighted discrepancies regarding the reported transfer of Rs. 125 million from PESCO to HAZECO and called for a thorough examination of the record, determination of responsibility for any irregularities and recovery of public funds wherever warranted. The Member further emphasized the need to address consumers' difficulties arising from excessive load-shedding, low voltage and the obsolete 66 kV infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply to the area. The Secretary, Power Division, and CEO, HAZECO also briefed the Committee on the proposed establishment of the 132 kV Grid Station at Padhana, Haripur. Babar Nawaz Khan, MNA, elaborated on the need for the project and highlighted its importance for the general public. After detailed deliberations, the Committee recommended the establishment of the 132 kV Grid Station at Padhana, Haripur, in the larger public interest. The Committee emphasized the prudent utilization of available funds, while the MNA indicated that efforts would be made at his own level to arrange additional resources. The Power Division observed that the proposed grid station could not be completed within the existing allocation and that a separate case for additional funding would have to be justified before the competent forum. The Secretary, Power Division, stated that HAZECO would prepare the necessary technical justification for submission to NEPRA for consideration, while permissible improvements to the existing transmission and distribution network could be pursued within available resources. The Committee directed the CEO, HAZECO, to initiate the necessary follow-up action, including preparation of the case for separate financing. The Committee considered the issues raised by Mr. Muhammad Shahryar Khan Mahar, MNA, regarding SEPCO's detection charges, electricity theft by small industrial units, theft of conductors and transformers, and repair and rehabilitation works. The Committee recommended that detection charges be imposed only on persons found responsible under the applicable rules and directed NEPRA and the Power Division to develop an effective mechanism to prevent unjustified charges. SEPCO was directed to investigate electricity theft, particularly in Garhi Taseen, Madeji, Lakhi and Khanpur, ensure timely replacement of stolen equipment, and submit a report on theft incidents, FIRs, action taken and preventive measures at the next meeting. The CEO, SEPCO, was also directed to meet with the concerned MNA to resolve repair and rehabilitation issues in his constituency. The Committee considered the issues raised by Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, MNA, regarding transmission-line overloading, excessive load-shedding and power outages in Larkana, Kamber and Shahdadkot, including the proposed 220 kV Grid Station at Larkana, replacement of deteriorated conductors, installation of power transformers and construction of transmission lines. The Committee directed the CEO, SEPCO, to submit a comprehensive report on the proposed infrastructure projects and measures to improve voltage stability and electricity supply in the affected areas at the next meeting. The Committee directed the CDA to clarify the status of affected buildings in Sector E-11, Islamabad, and address pending NOCs and Layout Plans (LoPs) hindering electricity connections. On the issue raised by Mr. Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, the CEO, IESCO, was directed to expedite land acquisition for the proposed grid station at Hazro and resolve electricity wiring and wire-burning issues in Hazro and Hassan Abdal in consultation with the Member. The Committee also directed the CEO, HAZECO, to coordinate with the Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Idrees, MNA, to resolve electricity infrastructure issues in Mansehra and Abbottabad. The meeting was attended by Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas, Mr. Muhammad Shahryar Khan Mahar, Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Junejo (via video link), Mr. Nauman Islam Shaikh, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, and Mr. Sanjay Perwani, MNAs. Senior officers from the Power Division, HAZECO, IESCO, PPMC and WAPDA also attended the meeting. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SEPCO, participated via video link.