Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Contracts with IPPs
The government’s decision to terminate power purchase agreements (PPAs) with five of Pakistan’s oldest independent power producers (IPPs) marks a pivotal shift in the country’s energy sector. The development will see the wrapping up of the take-or-pay model that the IPPs were operating on, generating future savings of Rs 411b, which will reduce average electricity tariff by 71 paisa per unit.
As has been pointed out endlessly, the lopsided nature of the contracts had ensured that for years the government had been forced to pay IPPs billions in capacity payments even as many of their power plants remained idle, contributing to exorbitant electricity prices and wider economic turmoil. The take-or-pay model that IPPs have been operating on is not unique to Pakistan, as power generation plants in several countries in the wider region with sole buyer of electricity function similarly.
Therefore, when contracts with IPPs were signed in the 1990s and in later years, Pakistan had to offer competitive, lucrative terms to ensure investment in the sector amidst regional competition, especially since the country was wracked by security concerns, corruption and a volatile neighbourhood. The problem here was that policymakers went too far in signing contracts on these terms that, over time, no longer aligned with our interests and became a millstone around the neck.
There are plenty of lessons to be learnt from this unfortunate history, a vital one being that negotiating investment and energy deals requires an exceptional degree of care, due diligence, competence, in-depth knowledge and foresight, qualities. Political considerations and basic ineptitude have too often trumped sound economic judgment, leading us to our current dismayed state. It goes without saying that prioritising a strategic, long-term approach to economic decision-making has to become imperative if we want to avoid future economic turmoil that jeopardises the nation’s very survival.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Rape allegation rocks Punjab College
If students are also not safe in their learning environment, who is? The alleged rape of a student by a security guard at Punjab College is utterly shameful and disturbing. The victim’s father denied the rumours. However, when a lecturer inquired about the student’s absence, her friends contacted the parents, revealing the horrific truth.
According to college students, the bus driver deceived the girl into going to the college bus basement under the pretext of unpaid fees. There, she was allegedly raped by the security guard. Her condition deteriorated and she was secretly taken out of the premises, covered in a dupatta.
This incident demands a thorough investigation. If true, the perpetrator deserves severe punishment to deter such heinous acts. If false, those responsible for spreading misinformation must be held accountable. A fair inquiry is crucial to ensure justice for the student and society.
AREEBA ALTAF
Sindh
Demand for justice at PGC
I am writing to express my serious concern about the recent incidents of sexual violence at PGC Gulberg Campus 10. These events have not only hurt the victims but also raised big questions about the safety of students in our schools and colleges in Pakistan. This is not just about isolated cases; it shows a larger problem of silence and inaction that continues to affect our society.
Mian Aamir, who owned the PGC and is a powerful entity in government and media. His efforts to downplay this incident and manipulate media coverage show a troubling attempt to silence those who are speaking out. This not only denies justice to the victims but also discourages others from coming forward, fearing they will be ignored or retaliated against.
The actions of the Punjab police are also appalling. Instead of protecting those who are protesting for justice, they have threatened and harmed peaceful demonstrators, including many courageous young women. These individuals are simply trying to create a safer environment for everyone.
The narrative being pushed by those in power suggests that the outcry for justice is just an attempt to pressure the Punjab government, making light of the real pain experienced by the victims. This manipulation of facts must be challenged. We cannot let those in power shape public perception and hide the truth. It is crucial that we have an unbiased investigation that addresses both the incidents and the underlying issues that allow such violence to occur.
WASIF KHALIQ
Islamabad
