Waning power

The repeated power breakdowns and unforeseen outages during the last week have once again exposed the Discos/NTDC/Gencos network. No one should expect the revival of the power sector in a scenario where even minor and routine decisions are dictated from higher authorities. The much trumpeted autonomy entrusted upon Discos and other power companies is nowhere to be seen. Critical decisions are imposed in one way or the other in sheer violation of the accepted norms. After de-bundling from Wapda, the Discos/NTDC/Gencos performance has nosedived in the absence of a central command and control authority responsible for taking strategic and cohesive decisions. The Ministry of Water and Power, instead of sticking to its role of overseeing policy matters, is involved in the day-to-day business of electricity utilities where ad-hocism remains the cornerstone.

Practically, the power sector has become hostage to non-professionals. They are hell-bent on destroying it altogether. Nonetheless, it is never too late. The time has come for the government to redefine its strategy and take prudent decisions urgently to pluck the power sector out of ventilator. Let those with a sound track record of professional commitment, honesty and dedication step in and take over the reins – this is the only option left to steer the ailing power sector out of troubled waters.

Kawish Shariatullah

Rawalpindi