Sindh Admits Rs27B Solar Project Irregularities

ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government has admitted massive misappropriation and irregularities in the $100 million World Bank-funded Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), launching a full inquiry against those responsible, officials informed the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday. The Rs27 billion scheme — meant to aid low-income households — was hit by governance failures and fund misuse, with records in areas like Larkana showing multiple solar panels given to single homes. The committee flagged pricing scams — panels worth Rs20,000 allegedly bought at Rs60,000. The Anti-Corruption Establishment is running a forensic audit on cabinet orders. Members urged full cooperation with the probe and action against NGOs involved. The chair demanded tax payment details on the contractor within two days and summoned the Sindh secretary planning & development for the next meeting. The panel also reviewed multilateral-funded power projects like Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line, raising alarm over Rs1.282 billion unrecovered sales tax for Islamabad West Grid Station (Lot-IV), calling it a procedural irregularity and pushing for recovery via Public Accounts Committee.