PM likely to inaugurate Hazesco in July

MANSEHRA: Wapda Hydroelectric Union chairman Jamil Tanoli on Wednesday said that the newly licensed Hazara Electric Supply Company (Hazesco) is set to begin operations at the start of the next fiscal year.

“This is a dream come true as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to formally inaugurate Hazesco in July this year,” Jamil Tanoli told reporters.He said that Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Mohammad Yousuf and former MNA Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar played a pivotal role in the establishment of Hazesco and had confirmed the prime minister’s upcoming visit.

Jamil Tanoli said the government has approved Rs30 million for the renovation of the Wapda building on College Road, Abbottabad, where Hazesco’s offices would be relocated from a rented facility in Mandian.

“Evacuating Wapda’s offices from College Road and shifting them to rented premises would be a waste of time and public funds,” he said and urged the government to reconsider the plan.He proposed instead that the government acquire a suitable rented facility for Hazesco operations and preserve the existing Wapda setup at its current location.

“Moreover, the government should construct the Hazesco office complex on 10 kanals of land near the grid station on Murree Road, Abbottabad. The prime minister should also perform his groundbreaking during his visit, which would save Rs30 million and provide long-term benefits,” he added.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority licensed Hazesco last month to purchase, transmit and distribute electricity to consumers.The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) had officially notified the creation of Hazesco on January 18, 2023, following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a certificate of incorporation under the Companies Act, 2017.