In a surprise development that could cast uncertainty over upcoming energy sector decisions, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) Member (Tariff and Finance) from Balochistan Mathar Niaz Rana on Friday submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The abrupt exit may raise questions over the regulator’s ability to proceed with critical rulings, including the government’s plan to reduce electricity tariffs, officials familiar with the matter told ProPakistani.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Member Tariff and Finance, who holds a key position in NEPRA’s decision-making process, had not been regularly attending office for the past two months. “He was in and out, on leave or overseas travel,” the person said. His resignation now formalizes his disengagement from the regulatory process.
The resignation comes at a time when the government is moving forward with major reforms in the power sector, including a highly anticipated decision to cut electricity tariffs by Rs. 7.41 per unit, a move pushed by the Prime Minister’s Office to ease inflationary pressure on consumers.
More crucial decisions are expected in the coming months, including the long-delayed multi-year tariff determination for K-Electric and other key pricing frameworks for distribution and generation companies. “It’s unfortunate,” the official said, “especially as the government is entering a phase where energy pricing and sector reforms will define the economic roadmap for the next three to four years.”
