Sources said that three companies--Dadabhoy, Feteh Group and Al-Abbas Group--had shown interest in the project, but the internal evaluation committee was of the view that Feteh Group appeared to be eligible as compared to two other groups, and PPIB has sought advice of the board which is meeting here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi.
According to sources, PPIB is of the view that if the project has to be awarded to a local group, it should go to Feteh Group.
They said that PPIB and Sindh government have serious differences over the project, as the later is of the view that the project was advertised without its consultation.
Sindh Minister for Mines and Mineral, Irfanullah Marwat, in one of the board meetings pointed out that quantity of coal was not sufficient to sustain a project of 450 MW.
PPIB clarified that it was the desire of provincial government to itself develop a 450 MW project. However, the project was considered in three secretaries committee meeting in which provincial government was also represented and it was decided that PPIB should advertise the project.
The board would review progress on out of court settlement in Sabah Shipyad case besides approval of payment to UK solicitor who was appearing in court on behalf of GoP.
Director Legal, PPIB was of the opinion that certain facts favoured GoP in reaching a settlement now as former lawyers and chartered accountant of the company in Pakistan were suing it for non-payment of professional fee.
Dr Tariq Hasan, Chairman SECP, who was directed by the Prime Minister to lead the out of court settlement negotiations with Sabah, said in one of the meetings that recent legal opinions of PPIB''s English lawyers were not very supportive to out of court settlement.
Sources said the issue is yet to be resolved as KESC is reluctant to pay the fee of English lawyer, and the board will take a final decision in this regard.
Tariff dispute between Western Energy Limited (WEL), a 150 MW dual fuel power plan, and Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) was also one of the agenda.
Sources said KESC was not ready to accept more tariff above 5 cents per unit, while the investors were demanding 5.4 cent per unit, adding that the board may ask both parties to adopt a middle way.