The Senate Standing Committee on the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) in Pakistan has unanimously decided to escalate concerns over alleged irregularities and possible corruption in foreign-funded power sector projects by recommending formal investigations through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).The committee also resolved to brief the Prime Minister on the matter and forward its findings to relevant accountability institutions.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, highlighted tensions between the committee and the Economic Affairs Division after the ministry reportedly questioned the committee’s jurisdiction over projects belonging to other ministries.Senators strongly criticised the EAD’s communication, which they believed undermined parliamentary oversight.

Lawmakers including Senator Kamran Murtaza and Senator Kamil Ali Agha expressed concern that such correspondence created confusion and weakened transparency in the management of foreign-funded development schemes.

EAD officials, including the secretary, clarified that while they respected parliamentary oversight, the division could not directly issue inquiry directives against other ministries without proper legal guidance.They also noted that a legal opinion had been sought from the Ministry of Law regarding procedural clarity under the Rules of Business.

During the discussion, senators alleged that foreign-funded loans were often used in projects with design changes after approval, cost escalations, and lack of accountability for officials.

Concerns were also raised that financial burdens from inefficiencies and irregularities ultimately fall on provinces, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The committee decided to formally request NAB and FIA to initiate investigations into selected Power Division projects and demanded detailed records from the EAD within three days.The findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Prime Minister and accountability institutions for further action.The committee emphasised strengthening parliamentary oversight and ensuring transparency in the utilisation of foreign loans in the energy sector.