Islamabad : Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, was held at Parliament House. During the committee sharp criticism over the continued absence of the Minister for Economic Affairs, strong objections to the absence of top bureaucrats and participation of junior officers, and serious disclosures regarding alleged corruption and financial irregularities in development projects, particularly the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP).
The meeting was attended by Senators Syed Waqar Mehdi, Rubina Khalid, and Kamran Murtaza
At the outset, the Committee expressed grave displeasure over the non-attendance of the Minister for Economic Affairs, terming it a serious disregard for parliamentary oversight.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi questioned the repeated absence, stating, “Why does the concerned minister not come to the committee? This is a frivolous matter.” He further remarked, “ I have not seen the Minister here since I have been coming to the committee.”
Responding on behalf of the Ministry, the Additional Secretary Economic Affairs informed the Committee that the Minister was currently attending the World Economic Forum. The explanation failed to satisfy the Committee.
Chairman Senator Saifullah Abro raised serious concerns, asking, “Why does the Minister not want to come to the committee? There must be a reason.” He reminded members that parliamentary rules are explicit, stating, “ If a member does not come to the committee three times without informing, his membership can be canceled.” He added pointedly, “Similarly, if a minister comes, his membership can be canceled.”*
In strong remarks linking attendance to accountability, the Chairman said, “If the Minister wants to increase corruption, then he should definitely not be in the committee. If he wants to stop corruption, then he should come to the committee.” He further directed, “Deliver a message to the Minister; he has not been coming for two years.”
Senator Waqar Mehdi, expressing extreme reservation, suggested that for the last time the Minister’s chair be removed. Clarifying the Committee’s position, Chairman Abro responded, “We are not removing the minister’s chair, but tell him that this behavior is not good.”*
During the meeting, agenda items related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa projects were postponed and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa projects officers were asked to leave the Committee session after it emerged that officers below Grade 20 had been deputed to represent the province.
Chairman Abro expressed anger over the absence of senior officials, asking, “Where are your secretaries, why did they not come to the committee? Is this some way to send junior officers here?” He categorically stated, “Officers below Grade 20 are not eligible to be in the committee.”
The Chairman directed that a formal letter be written to the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa projects , instructing that provincial secretaries must attend the next meeting, warning, “ If the secretaries do not come to the committee, the matter will be sent to the Privileges Committee.”
In strong language on governance issues, Senator Abro remarked, “ Stop lending to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; they will not give up corruption.” He added, “They have taken foreign funding as a sweet. They are very active on social media—look at what is happening in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa projects “
While reviewing the implementation status of previous Committee recommendations, the Committee discussed an FBR report detailing grave irregularities in the import of Solar Home System Kits under the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP).
According to the report, M/s Beyond Green, Karachi, imported 10 consignments comprising 200,968 solar home system units between December 2024 and July 2025 through clearing agent M/s Vista Impex. The goods were declared under HS Codes 8501.7210 and 8501.711, attracting 0% customs duty. 18% sales tax, 3% additional sales tax. and 0% income tax. Declared unit values ranged between USD 16.1 and USD 23.4, and four consignments were cleared through the Green Channel.
Subsequent verification revealed that Goods Declarations (GDs) submitted to the Government of Sindh were either fake or tampered with, a fact officially conveyed on 9 October 2025. Further investigation showed that the same kits were supplied to the Government of Sindh at manifold higher prices.
Official contracts under SSEP with M/s Shenzhen LEMI Technology Development Co., Ltd., China, revealed a contractual unit price of approximately USD 112.44 per kit (excluding duties and taxes). The World Bank reportedly paid this amount directly to the supplier. For tax purposes, the transactional value was worked out at USD 103.08 per unit, leading to the forwarding of 10 contraventions to Customs Adjudication authorities. Show-cause notices have been issued and the matter is pending adjudication.
The Committee was informed that fake invoices amounting to USD 12.5 million were also generated. Additionally, evidence suggested third-party remittances routed through UAE-based entities, raising alarms of trade-based money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and fund layering. The case has been referred for proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010, while a comprehensive sales tax audit has been recommended.
The Committee was briefed that the SSEP implementation period ended on 31 July 2025 but around 30,000 solar kits out of 200,000 could not be distributed within the plan period and will now be handled under a separate arrangement.
Following identification of discrepancies, the Sindh Provincial Cabinet on 1 December 2025 referred the matter to the Enquiries & Anti-Corruption Establishment (E&ACE). A forensic audit has also been approved and is currently under process. Furthermore, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has taken cognizance and is now actively investigating the case.
When asked by the Chairman whether any suspensions had taken place, the Committee was informed that no suspensions have occurred so far. Chairman Abro directed that a letter be written to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure that all involved individuals are held accountable.
While discussing the Akram
Wah Canal, Swat project, the Chairman directed that the Chairman NESPAK and CEL SE must appear in the next Committee meeting. The Committee also sought complete details of tendering, bidding, and financial reports, questioning why the Letter of Award was delayed by 11 months. why NESPAK did not directly execute the project and why responsibilities were split between ACE Limited and National Engineering Services.
The Committee reaffirmed its resolve to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective parliamentary oversight, warning that continued non-compliance by ministries and provinces would invite strict action under parliamentary rules.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
