Exploitation and Greed: The Corruption Plaguing Port Qasim Power Plant

                                                                                                                                                                                  Asif Chaudry

In the bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan, where people struggle daily with the rising costs of living, a troubling scandal unfolds at the Port Qasim Power Plant.
This vital energy hub, once a beacon of progress, has allegedly become a breeding ground for corruption, orchestrated by a network of influential figures.

Amid the everyday chaos of Karachi, the Port Qasim Electric Power Plant has become a battleground for greed. At the heart of this deception are Yang PeilHan in Beijing, Yang Gengyin in Karachi, and a high Pakistani bureaucrat in FBR, reliably placed official sources said. 
These individuals have colluded to manipulate the system, ensuring lucrative deals for Awan Trading (PVT) Ltd , a company notorious for its bad practices and history of bribery, they added.

Kamlesh Tikwani from Awan Trading Limited  has allegedly paid 10 million rupees in bribes to Yang Gengyin and Yang PeilHan, with additional kickbacks to Yang Pei Han and a very senior FBR Offical. This ensures Awan's involvement in a lucrative six-year contract with lenient terms, despite their history of providing substandard coal.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) previously launched inquiries into the Port Qasim Power Project, raising concerns about its financial impact on Pakistan. However, these inquiries still remain open.

The energy sector is the cornerstone of a nation's integrity. It is the lifeblood coursing through the veins of society. Without stringent controls and oversight, this critical system is vulnerable to exploitation by those who see only profit, ignoring the broader national welfare. Corrupt traders like Awan, who focus solely on lining their pockets, should not have free rein over such an integral sector.
To safeguard Pakistan's future, energy procurement must be managed responsibly, with contracts awarded at fair market prices from reliable suppliers. This is the only way to ensure that the energy sector serves the public interest and supports the nation's growth and stability.

It is time to reclaim the integrity of our energy system, ensuring it is managed with the highest standards of accountability and foresight.
In light of the issues surrounding the PQEP power plant and the broader energy sector, it is imperative for Pakistan to reassess its energy strategy. Embracing local resources, such as the vast reserves of Thar coal, can provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution. With billions of tonnes of coal available, leveraging this abundant domestic resource can help reduce dependency on expensive imports, lower production costs, and enhance energy security.

By prioritizing the development and utilization of Thar coal, Pakistan can not only achieve energy independence but also pave the way for a more prosperous and self-reliant future. It's time to shift focus from costly international coal to the wealth of resources within our borders, ensuring a sustainable and equitable energy future for all.

The views expressed on these pages are that of the writers and do not necessarily reflect our policy.