Khudayar Mohla –
Government on Wednesday appointed Tauseef H. Farooqi as Chairman, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for a term of four years with immediate effect as he will assume office on August 01,2019 .
Since November 20, 2018 the slot was vacant upon maturity of term of former Chairman Brig. (R) Tariq Saddozai. During its meeting of July 16, 2019, Federal Cabinet has approved name of Taseef H.Farooqi for appointment against the slot whereas selection process took almost seven months. After due diligence Farooqi’s name was shortlisted and aspirants were interviewed in the first round that was annulled for unknown reason
Experts are of the view that the NEPRA has to take key decisions in the coming months including passing the cost of circular debt as agreed with the IMF and Net Hydel Profits (NHPs) being advocated by a strong political lobby belonging to the Province of KP.
A notification NO.1/27/2019-E-6 announcing his appointment on Wednesday stated, “In exercise of powers conferred under Section 3 of Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act 1997, the Federal government is pleased to appoint Tauseef H. Farooqi as Chairman, NEPRA for a period as provided under Section 3 (5) of Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act 1997 with immediate effect and until further orders.
Section 3 (5) of the Act read as, “The Chairman and a member shall, unless he resigns or is removed from office earlier as hereinafter provided, hold office for a term of four years and shall be eligible for reappointment for similar term: Provided that a Chairman or a member shall not be appointed under sub-section (1) if he has attained the age of sixty-five years”.
