Islamabad: Serious financial irregularities amounting to billions of rupees have been uncovered in a solar energy project worth Rs 27 billion in Sindh, it was revealed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, during which officials disclosed alarming details about large-scale corruption and mismanagement in the solar energy project launched in Sindh with the stated aim of providing relief to poor and underprivileged communities.
During the briefing, officials from the Planning Division informed the committee that concrete evidence of corruption involving billions of rupees has been found in the project. They stated that two separate inquiries into the project have already been completed, both of which identified widespread irregularities. According to officials, the project was implemented through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and was intended to distribute solar panels to poor households across the province.
However, instead of benefiting the intended recipients, the project reportedly became a source of massive financial misconduct. Officials revealed that irregularities were found at every level of the project, from planning and procurement to execution and distribution. The process lacked transparency, accountability, and proper oversight, resulting in severe financial losses to the public exchequer.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha strongly criticized the misuse of funds meant for the poor. He remarked that exploiting money allocated for underprivileged people is not only morally wrong but also a serious crime. “Stealing from the poor is a great injustice and a grave offense,” he said, calling for strict action against those responsible.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Saifullah Abro, provided further details, stating that the selection of NGOs for the project was carried out without following a transparent tendering process. He alleged that the entire exercise was designed to benefit specific individuals and groups. According to him, solar panels that were available in the market for around Rs 21,000 were purchased at inflated prices of up to Rs 60,000.
“This was a planned exercise to favor selected people,” Senator Abro said, adding that there was clear evidence of favoritism and misuse of authority. He alleged that funds were distributed through favoritism rather than merit, and procurement decisions were deliberately manipulated to inflate costs.
The committee was told that the project’s objectives were compromised due to these irregularities, depriving deserving beneficiaries of much-needed access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions. The misuse of funds not only undermined public trust but also damaged the credibility of development initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and renewable energy promotion.
Members of the committee expressed serious concern over the findings and emphasized the need for accountability. They stressed that such large-scale projects must be implemented with strict transparency, especially when public funds and welfare objectives are involved.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs decided to summon the concerned secretary again in the next session. The committee directed that all relevant records, documents, and inquiry reports be presented to ensure a thorough review of the case and to determine responsibility.
The committee also hinted at recommending further action, including possible referrals to accountability institutions, once all records are examined. Senators reiterated that those involved in the alleged corruption should be held accountable, regardless of their positions or affiliations.
The revelations have once again highlighted longstanding concerns over governance, procurement practices, and oversight mechanisms in development projects, particularly those executed through third-party organizations. Observers note that the case underscores the urgent need for stronger monitoring systems and transparent procedures to ensure that welfare projects truly benefit the people they are meant to serve
