"Loadshedding should begin from General Headquarters (GHQ), Presidency, Prime Minister's House, Parliament House, Parliament Lodges, Ministers' enclave, Chief Ministers Secretariats and Governors' Houses," the committee added. The committee was of the view that only hospitals and national defence institutions should be exempted from loadshedding. The committee members also directed the officials of the Ministry of Water and Power to give a real picture of power generation, its demand, shortfall, line losses and theft to the public.
According to the committee members, some parts of the country are facing a 24-hour loadshedding whereas in some areas there is no loadshedding due to which KPK government is seeking water usage charges of the last 65 years. The committee directed the officials that government's recommendations should not be entertained for installation and replacement of transformers just to reduce loadshedding. The Ministry of Water and Power and Discos through computerised system should make sure the supply of electricity to complaints on a priority basis throughout the country. The committee decided that Wapda employees should not implement any recommendation of the government during by-elections.
Committee Chairman expressed his reservations over appointment of Acting Secretary Water and Power and Acting Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in Discos. Senator Nisar Muhammad Khan said that temporary appointments in the Ministry and Discos should be made on a permanent basis to help resolve the country's second biggest issue, ie, loadshedding. He also proposed to rectify complaints regarding promotions from grade 17 to grade 19. Senator Khan sought the entire record of promotions.
Senator Nawabzada Akbar Magsi demanded that increase in power tariff for industrial and commercial consumers should be extended to KESC, adding that the government should take action against KESC management for taking 650 MW from NTDC instead of only issuing warnings.
NTDC officials sitting in the meeting pointed out that the issue is in the Supreme Court and on the recommendations of Senate Standing Committee, Attorney General for Pakistan will advance his arguments in this regard. Secretary Water and Power informed the committee that as many as 23,770 power theft complaints were registered but only three accused were punished. He said an Ordinance has been promulgated to amend the prevalent power theft laws.
Replying to a question, he informed the committee that New Bong hydropower Project has been completed two month ahead of schedule. He further stated that the US has expressed willingness to finance feasibility study of Diamar-Bhasha dam whereas the World Bank will finance Dasu Dam, adding that up to 4000 MW electricity will be added to the system through these two projects. Chairman Standing Committee expressed annoyance over the absence of Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif from meeting. The meeting was attended by the Acting Secretary Water and Power, Saif Chatta, Discos CEOs and NTDC officials.