SC terms FM’s arguments as charge sheet against govt

Supreme Court (SC) has termed arguments of federal minister as charge sheet against current government, adding that if the corruption is proved, former minister for water and power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf would be affected.

A two-member bench of SC comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and Justice Khliji Arif Hussain heard the suo moto notices and pleas filed by Minister for Housing and Works Faisal Saleh Hayat and member National Assembly, Khawaja Muhammad Asif against rental power projects on Friday.

Later, apex court was informed that former minister for water and power Raja Pervaiz would appear before the court on next date of hearing.

Apex court appreciating Faisal Saleh Hayat maintained that for the first time in the history of the country a sitting minister is pointing out the corruption of its government.

The Supreme Court said that the decision in Rental Power Projects will be about ex- federal minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, adding that Raja Pervaiz can submit a separate application if he wants to be the party in the case.

The applicant Faisal Saleh Hayat has said that he has been pointing out the corruption for the last two years, adding that if Raja Pervaiz comes to the court, he will be happy. 

Meanwhile, petitioner Khawaja Asif stated that Parliament has completely failed and no one bother to take action against corruption of billions of rupees, adding that if they raise these issues in parliament the ministers do not pay any attention except laughing on issue.

Constitution is being violated and the institutions are being run unconstitutionally, adding that 12 years Audit reports have been presented before the public accounts committee of National Assembly and PAC has recovered a huge amount from various departments.

Court asked to Asif Khawaja said that he is arguing against the parliament, adding that Asif should aware of consequences of his arguments. Asif replied that he has been MNA for last 20 years and well aware of all consequences. We would not compromise on national interest, Asif added.

Asif said that country is facing serious challenges, adding that all departments of state have been demolished by government during last three years.

Chief Justice (CJ) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry showing surprise said that we know that what importance is being given to court verdicts, whether your order is also not being heard by the government.

CJ said that we would welcome the investors but they have to follow law of land and rules, adding that the price of electricity is being increased continuously but consumer is not being informed about price increase and common man is suffering.

He said that if the electricity would be produced on price of 42 rupees per unit than industries would close and masses would commit suicide.

PML-Q leader Faisal Saleh Hayat accused the government of running the rental power projects for the sole purpose of money making.
Hayat said that the auditor general’s report has revealed corruption worth Rs 50 billion in the rental power projects.

He said that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had also pointed out corruption in the scheme, adding that the bank’s report is a charge sheet against the water and power minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.
The Chief justice enquired as to why no action was taken if the ADB report mentioned those responsible.

The minister held the government responsible for criminal negligence in this case. He pointed out that in May 2008 Pakistan Electric Power Company Limited (PEPCO) had capacity of 19500MW adding that 1700MW more was to be added by three IPPs who got license.
Saleh Hayat said that IPPs may generate 6,000 MW power but government is incompetent.

Faisal further said that agreements and contracts with different companies were violation of PEPRA rules, adding that government has given five projects Walter Company whose project was failed in 2006.

He said that 18 billion rupees have been paid to RPPs in advance and many projects have not been started yet. He said that rent is being paid to the projects but there is no production of electricity.

Faisal said that ministry of water and power has violated the orders of federal cabinet, adding that NEPRA is also involved in violation of rules. Old machinery was imported by these companies, which is about 25 years old, he added.

Later, the counsel for a foreign company Akram Sheikh stated that he is not before the court to defend any rental power project or government.

Court maintained that the questions on transparency have been raised and prima facie concerned authorities are involve in corruption and irregularities, meanwhile additional secretary water and power informed the court the Raja Pervaiz Ashraf would appear before the court.

The arguments of Akram Sheikh were continued but due to shortage of time court adjourned the hearing till Monday. SANA