The Power Division is reportedly facing mounting political pressure to retain the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO)—one of the worst-performing power distribution companies in Sindh—despite serious concerns about his track record.
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Sources told TaazaTaren that the CEO has managed to cling to his position despite resistance from senior Power Division officials. Tensions peaked during a recent meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power, where the CEO openly challenged Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Leghari, over discrepancies in HESCO’s reported losses and recovery data.
The committee has now tasked the Power Secretary with reconciling conflicting figures provided by HESCO’s CEO and the Power Division. Updated statistics for the periods June 2023–March 2024 and June 2024–March 2025 have been requested for submission in the next committee meeting.
The confrontation has triggered political support for the CEO, particularly from PTI MNA Sher Ali Arbab, who has publicly defended him. Arbab warned that any punitive action against the CEO could lead to a Privilege Motion in the National Assembly.
Observers say this episode highlights the Power Division’s paralysis when it comes to underperforming distribution companies in Sindh—largely due to entrenched political interests. Despite widespread inefficiencies, the Division has been unable to restructure company boards or hold leadership accountable.
In an unusual twist, trade associations—typically uninvolved in such appointments—have written to the Power Division endorsing the CEO’s continuation.
According to NEPRA’s State of Industry Report 2023–24, HESCO recorded actual losses of 27.62% against an allowed threshold of 18.06%, translating into a financial hit of Rs 23.177 billion. It also ranked among the worst in terms of overloaded power transformers, second only to SEPCO, with HESCO accounting for 16.30%.
Despite these poor metrics, the CEO has received backing from key business figures. In a letter to the Power Minister, Saqib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of the FPCCI, credited the CEO with resolving long-standing issues in Hyderabad’s industrial sector, including ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply.
Magoon also endorsed HESCO President Adeel Siddiqi’s request for the CEO’s long-term retention, citing improved engagement with stakeholders and visible reforms—claims that remain contested in official data.
