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Aftab Maken
Islamabadad
A meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Industries & Production descended into a heated confrontation on Tuesday, ignited by the conspicuous absence of officials from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) and culminating in a fiery exchange between K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi and committee members.
The tension was palpable from the outset as the committee chairman voiced his strong displeasure over NEPRA’s failure to attend. “Why hasn’t anyone from NEPRA attended this meeting?” he demanded. K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi offered a possible explanation, suggesting, “They might have gone to attend a cabinet meeting.”
This response visibly irked the chairman, who retorted, “We know how close your ties are with NEPRA.” Alvi openly acknowledged the connection, stating, “Yes, absolutely, we are closely linked.” The admission drew a sharp rebuke from the chairman: “Your relationship is not with the public. Well done — shame on you.” He further lamented the lack of attention given to the committee’s recommendations, asserting, “We represent the people and the Assembly,” and vowed that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure their implementation.
The situation escalated dramatically when MNA Syed Raza Ali Gillani engaged in a heated argument with Alvi. Gillani demanded action against the K-Electric chief, declaring, “As long as this man is in the committee, I won’t attend.”
The chairman intervened, telling Gillani, “First, you must withdraw your cases.” However, Alvi stood firm, replying, “We cannot withdraw our cases.” This led to a direct and increasingly personal confrontation. “Why are you so angry today?” Gillani questioned Alvi, who responded, “I’m sorry, but this isn’t right.” Gillani, further angered, shot back, “What do you mean it’s not right? Do you think you’re above everyone else?”
Fellow committee member Abdul Hakeem Baloch weighed in, stating, “This man openly says no one can touch him. This isn’t the first time he’s behaved this way.” MNA Mubeen Arif supported taking punitive measures, suggesting, “We must consider using our privilege motion.” Gillani insisted, “First, let’s decide on his behavior.”
Later in the proceedings, Moonis Alvi offered an apology: “If anything I said was offensive, I sincerely apologize.” However, Gillani remained unappeased, retorting, “You cannot talk to a Member of the National Assembly like that.”
Speaking to a journalist after the stormy session, Alvi attributed some of the tension to perceived unfairness in meeting attendance protocols. “Others were allowed to attend via Zoom, but I was called all the way from Karachi,” he said. “Either they should’ve invited everyone physically or allowed me to join remotely too.”
He also clarified his stance on the disputed cases, stating, “I never promised to withdraw any case. They’ve formed a committee, its meetings are ongoing, and it will report to them.”
Alvi concluded with a pointed remark: “I can’t say much. This is Parliament — if you speak the truth, they get upset.” The incident highlighted the strained relations and ongoing issues between the power utility, regulatory bodies, and parliamentary oversight committees.
