Bureaucracy stalls $800m hydel project

[Zechariah]

Whoever this bureaucrat is, he should be jailed for life. These bureaucrats have played their part fair and square in making our country bankrupt. We need this power and these do tagay ki chor insaan always a hurdle in the progress of this country.

ISLAMABAD: Amid a controversy over expensive rental power projects, a $800 million foreign investment for cheap hydroelectric power generation is unlikely to materialise mainly because of bureaucratic wrangling, despite full support extended by federal and Azad Kashmir governments.

This comes at a time when the federal government is finding it difficult to lure foreign investment to meet growing energy shortfalls and is approaching world capitals to secure supplies of oil, natural gas and liquefied gas for power generation at much higher prices, involving massive outflow of foreign exchange.

Background interviews and official documents available with Dawn suggest that after pursuing the 500-MW Mahl power project at home and abroad for almost four years now, the process ‘has been stopped altogether.’

The sources said Korea’s leading public sector investors, after having paid relevant government fees and other expenses, were literally running from federal to AJK governments through direct and diplomatic channels seeking permission to proceed with the construction of 500-MW Mahl Hydropower project for which they had been selected by the government through international competitive bidding.

The main hurdle, the sources said, was that a senior official of the federal government, who would be reaching retirement age soon, wanted the $800 million project on the River Jhelum in Azad Kashmir to be developed in the public sector so he could become the project director.

Informed sources said that senior bureaucrats were clearly changing their goal posts and have now informed the Korean investors that the government had failed to finalise relevant procedures under the power policy announced in 2002 and under which they had called international bids and made selections.

The sources said a ceremony for the signing of a memorandum of understanding to allow Kapco, Kompico and Sambu Construction of Korea was cancelled at the eleventh hour, although the chairman of the Board of Investment, the ministry of finance and the prime minister of Azad Kashmir had given their consent. AJK chief secretary Khalid Sultan said: ‘I cannot say anything about the project because there is nothing that could be talked about.’ When asked why was the project being stopped at an advanced stage, he said that some people with vested interest were responsible; misleading (the media) about the project. ‘You better bring them to my office.’

Secretary electricity Azad Kashmir Iqbal Mohiuddin, however, confirmed in writing that the project had been advertised for development under power generation policy of 2002 and six firms, including Korean firms, had been registered.

However, since the approved mechanism for development of hydropower projects under public-private partnership was not available, the project could not be processed further, although the AJK government had instructed to ‘proceed further for the development of the project’ through the assistance of the federal finance ministry.

Interestingly, BoI chairman Saleem Mandviwala, briefed the Azad Kashmir prime minister at a meeting that no dam could be constructed in the country despite investment interests shown by many foreign companies, especially by the Koreans.

In the meeting, chairman Wapda told the participants that ‘if companies like Sambu/Kompico are interested to develop and invest in this project on built, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis, Wapda has no objection whatsoever and would rather facilitate them in the light of the Energy Policy.’

Documents suggest that before the signing of an MoU, the AJK prime minister and his technical team and chairman of the Board of Investment visited South Korea for on-ground inspection of the facilities of Kapco, Kompico and Sambu which were producing 84,000 megawatts of hydro, nuclear and thermal electricity.

Subsequently, the Pakistan embassy in Seoul arranged an MoU signing ceremony.

In a communication to the government, representatives of the Korean companies claimed that it had been jointly decided that AJK chief secretary would represent the AJK government at the signing ceremony. But he regretted at the eleventh hour to attend the ceremony that ‘was embarrassing for the chairman BoI and Pakistan’s ambassador in Korea to decline to sign the MoU.’

The AJK electricity secretary said the project had been taken up again before the Hydro Electricity Board (HEB) and it was decided that the project would be developed in collaboration with Wapda and hence it could not be allotted to any investor without completion of procedures laid down in the 2002 policy, although the bids had been invited under the same policy.

‘On the other hand, this project could be implemented in private sector through Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) under the 2002 policy.’

The sources said the Korean companies had written protest letters to the ministry of foreign affairs, the AJK prime minister and other relevant forums and asked for independent investigations into the issue to protect relations between the two countries.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect...ureaucracy-stalls--800m-hydel-project--il--10

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Why is Bureaucracy and Bureaucrats so less discussed on Pakpassion ?

Are they Holy Cows ? (No Offence)


Our Number 1 targets are Politicians followed by Khaakis. Where does the Bureaucracy stand ?

 

[WebGuru]

Why is Bureaucracy and Bureaucrats so less discussed on Pakpassion ?

Are they Holy Cows ? (No Offence)


Our Number 1 targets are Politicians followed by Khaakis. Where does the Bureaucracy stand ?

Only 1 person in media target Baaboos (Bureaucrats) more thn khakis and politicians and he is Rauf Klasra. These baaboos like Fawad Hassan Fawad are the one who show these shortcuts to politicians.

 

[Syed1]

Why is Bureaucracy and Bureaucrats so less discussed on Pakpassion ?

Are they Holy Cows ? (No Offence)


Our Number 1 targets are Politicians followed by Khaakis. Where does the Bureaucracy stand ?

Unfortunately, bureaucrats are not elected. They rise through the system, the only way they can be held accountable is if the politicians that oversee them are not corrupt themselves and lay down the law. OR the institutions of the country are strong and independent enough that can catch the biggest of fish.

Fix the politicians, fix NAB and FBR, then these bureaucrats will automatically fall in line.

 

[WebGuru]

Unfortunately, bureaucrats are not elected. They rise through the system, the only way they can be held accountable is if the politicians that oversee them are not corrupt themselves and lay down the law. OR the institutions of the country are strong and independent enough that can catch the biggest of fish.

Fix the politicians, fix NAB and FBR, then these bureaucrats will automatically fall in line.

You know NAB law? Give us back some of the money and get your job back and no punishment! Many corrupt bureaucrats were caught in last few years and they were asked to return the money (even if not the whole amount) and they were given back their jobs and are not living life of shurfaa People only came to know about it through a recent case in court!

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Unfortunately, bureaucrats are not elected. They rise through the system, the only way they can be held accountable is if the politicians that oversee them are not corrupt themselves and lay down the law. OR the institutions of the country are strong and independent enough that can catch the biggest of fish.

Fix the politicians, fix NAB and FBR, then these bureaucrats will automatically fall in line.

I agree with all you have said but we have had Prime Ministers and Ex President who were exiled or had to go on self exile. Few had to face Courts aswell for Corruption charges. Asif Ali Zardari sahib spent 8 years in Jail etc etc but

Bureaucracy ? their lavish lifestyles ? Businesses ? There misuse of power ?

Every Government which comes into power they get Cozy with them and get away with everything.

Atleast people and media should raise voice against them. They are also government officers and part of government machinery. They are not Aliens.

Whether they are not but Army is also under Gov but we do hear about DHA and some high ups of Cities taking Bhatta etc plus some taking Commision but wrt Bureaucrats generally hum ne Chup Saadhee hui hai.


Latest example is Raeesani of Balochistan.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Only 1 person in media target Baaboos (Bureaucrats) more thn khakis and politicians and he is Rauf Klasra. These baaboos like Fawad Hassan Fawad are the one who show these shortcuts to politicians.

You are right. Only he does.

Rauf is a Mithaa Siraiki and over the years many Bureaucrats have given him loads of inside information aswell. A good investigative journalist MashaAllah.
He was huge Pipliya aswell as Gillani fan but he wrote against them when he felt they were wrong. Few journos in pak have this quality.

 

[WebGuru]

You are right. Only he does.

Rauf is a Mithaa Siraiki and over the years many Bureaucrats have given him loads of inside information aswell. A good investigative journalist MashaAllah.
He was huge Pipliya aswell as Gillani fan but he wrote against them when he felt they were wrong. Few journos in pak have this quality.

Yea he had very good relations with some of the very famous names of our Bureaucracy. He was very close to late Dr Zafar Altaf (listening to doc was an amazing experience). Rauf also have good relations with people like Tariq Khosa, Khakwani etc

I always had this soft corner for seraiki speaking people and seraiki language i love it...

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Yea he had very good relations with some of the very famous names of our Bureaucracy. He was very close to late Dr Zafar Altaf (listening to doc was an amazing experience). Rauf also have good relations with people like Tariq Khosa, Khakwani etc

I always had this soft corner for seraiki speaking people and seraiki language i love it...

Doctor Zafar Altaf was another upright Bureaucrat who is remembered as an honest operator.

Unfortunately we have very few such examples which are the dilemma.


A distant Neighbour of mine joined my gym. During Chit Chat I came to know that He intends to do CSS. At that time he was doing MBA from a well reputed institute and was 22-23. We had played cricket together few years ago in the same viscinity. I asked him why he wants to do CSS and straighaway his Answer was " Paisa " and Ooper ki kamaee.


I felt very Sad.

 

[WebGuru]

Doctor Zafar Altaf was another upright Bureaucrat who is remembered as an honest operator.

Unfortunately we have very few such examples which are the dilemma.


A distant Neighbour of mine joined my gym. During Chit Chat I came to know that He intends to do CSS. At that time he was doing MBA from a well reputed institute and was 22-23. We had played cricket together few years ago in the same viscinity. I asked him why he wants to do CSS and straighaway his Answer was " Paisa " and Ooper ki kamaee.


I felt very Sad.

sad but this is true and thats the reason people want to do css these days. Even some parent force their kids to do it because they know ke bacha sabke din sanwaar dega

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

sad but this is true and thats the reason people want to do css these days. Even some parent force their kids to do it because they know ke bacha sabke din sanwaar dega

Allah taala hidayat daey.

Iss din k liye Sahaba RA paitoun per Pathar baandh letay thay Bhook k maaray k unki agli Naslein haraam khaaein ¿

Allah taala aankhein kholein aesay logoun ki jinki khoahish k aolaad haraam k luqmay khaaey.


Kheir Qanoon ki hukmaraani ho tou inhein Jail ka khouff he aesay kaamoun se bacha lega jesa k maghrbi moashroun mein hota hai.

 

[WebGuru]

Allah taala hidayat daey.

Iss din k liye Sahaba RA paitoun per Pathar baandh letay thay Bhook k maaray k unki agli Naslein haraam khaaein ¿

Allah taala aankhein kholein aesay logoun ki jinki khoahish k aolaad haraam k luqmay khaaey.


Kheir Qanoon ki hukmaraani ho tou inhein Jail ka khouff he aesay kaamoun se bacha lega jesa k maghrbi moashroun mein hota hai.

Beshak hidayat he aakhri hope he. As they say ooper se sheryat naafiz kerne ka sab bolte hen but dil se koi nae chahta because phr inke kaertooton per perda kon daalega or inko saza se kon bachayega?

 

[Moiza]

Paisa buri balla hai. Its sad to see such old people who have looted the country all their life still trying to go for more when probably they have enough to last them 2 lifetimes.

I would have such people hanged in public.

I have no idea why corruption and such acts are not considered murder, can anyone explain? You may not be doing it directly but because of your actions many people die indirectly every day.

 

[Moiza]

Allah taala hidayat daey.

Iss din k liye Sahaba RA paitoun per Pathar baandh letay thay Bhook k maaray k unki agli Naslein haraam khaaein ¿

Allah taala aankhein kholein aesay logoun ki jinki khoahish k aolaad haraam k luqmay khaaey.


Kheir Qanoon ki hukmaraani ho tou inhein Jail ka khouff he aesay kaamoun se bacha lega jesa k maghrbi moashroun mein hota hai.

Islam is and always been a very superficial things for most Pakistanis. I dont see why most Pakistani consider themselves muslims since all they have ever done is read Salah hear and there and fasted in the month of ramadan while doing all sorts of corruption during the fast. Many have not even read the holy book with translation so they might understand a things or two. Our population becomes very Islamic when issues such as clothing are discussed but keep their mouth shut when its about improve ourselves like being kind to others and improving character.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Islam is and always been a very superficial things for most Pakistanis. I dont see why most Pakistani consider themselves muslims since all they have ever done is read Salah hear and there and fasted in the month of ramadan while doing all sorts of corruption during the fast. Many have not even read the holy book with translation so they might understand a things or two. Our population becomes very Islamic when issues such as clothing are discussed but keep their mouth shut when its about improve ourselves like being kind to others and improving character.

Well said. Agree.


Islam khou chuka hai. Deviation.