Deadline Alert: Ministry of Energy Directs Compliance with Senate Power Sector Recommendations-Notification

Power Sector Reforms: Compliance Report Urgently Sought by Senate Standing Committee:

The Government of Pakistan, through its Ministry of Energy (Power Division), has issued an urgent directive to all concerned entities to furnish a compliance report regarding recommendations made by the Senate Standing Committee on Power. This directive, conveyed on January 13, 2025, follows up on deliberations held in the Senate Committee meeting on September 15, 2021, under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro. The recommendations, focusing on reforms in recruitment and promotion policies within the power sector, were previously circulated to all relevant departments for necessary action and compliance reporting.

The primary issues under review include reducing the direct appointment quota for Assistant Engineers from 70% to 55%, increasing the graduate engineer promotion quota to 20%, and implementing career progression mechanisms for line staff (LS-II and LS-I) to advance to Assistant Engineer positions within a structured timeframe. The Ministry has reiterated the importance of addressing these recommendations to promote transparency, merit-based progression, and improved workforce management within the sector. Notification Describes;

IMMEDIATE
SENATE BUSINESS

No. 6(89)/2017-S.S-Council

Government of Pakistan
Ministry of Energy
(Power Division)

Islamabad, the 13^th January, 2025

Managing Director, PPMC, Islamabad
Chief Executive Officers of ALL DISCOs
General Manager (T&S), PPMC, Islamabad.

Subject :-       COMPLIANCE REPORT ON THE DIRECTIONS OF THE SEANTE STANDING COMMITTEE ON POWER

          I am directed to refer to the Senate Secretariat’s Letter No.F.No.5 (1)/2024/27/C-Il, dated 13^th January 2025, on the subject cited above.

2.     It may be recalled that a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Power was held on 15^th September 2021, under the chairmanship of the then Chairman of the Committee, Senator Saifullah Abro. The former Chairman of the Committee has sought a compliance report on the following recommendations made by the Committee in the said meeting held on 15^th September 2021.

i.          Direct appointment of Assistant Engineers should be reduced from 70% to 55% and at-least graduate engineer promotion quota must be increased to 20%.

ii.         LS-II must be promoted to LS-I within 5 years and from LS-I to Assistant Engineer after 5 years of service.

3.        The recommendations of the Committee had earlier been shared by this Division vide No.6(12)/2021-S.S dated 27^th September, 2021, with all relevant subordinate departments/ organizations with a request for furnishing compliance reports. For ease of reference, a copy of the same is again attached for necessary action.

4.        In view of the above, it is requested to furnish the compliance report on the above-mentioned recommendations of the committee to this division latest by 14^th January, 2025 positively for onward submission to Senate Secretariat.

Section Officer (Council)

Conclusion:

This notification underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the Senate Standing Committee’s directives are implemented efficiently and transparently. By addressing long-standing concerns about recruitment and promotion practices, the proposed reforms aim to foster career development opportunities for skilled professionals and line staff within the power sector.

The strict deadline for compliance, set for January 14, 2025, demonstrates the urgency of aligning organizational practices with the Committee’s recommendations. It also highlights the government’s dedication to legislative oversight and accountability in addressing systemic inefficiencies. Adherence to these directives will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to equitable career growth opportunities, setting a precedent for meritocratic principles in Pakistan’s public service sectors.

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