CJ calls rental power plants in question

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry said the burden of additional power tariffs shifts at last to the general consumers and the report of Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised grave concerns over rental power projects, a private TV reported Thursday. A three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammed Chaudhry, heard the petitions filed against the rental power projects. When asked by the court, the counsel of Water and Power Ministry Khawja Tariq Rahim said Faisalabads powerhouse was paid out Rs230 million; but, this rental powerhouse is currently closed owing to the fuel problem. The CJ Chaudhry said Finance Ministry also shares the responsibility in the rental power policy, asking, 'Was the government told in presentation as to how much rental electricity will cost and how much general consumer will be burdened with it? Khawja Tariq Rahim said the power tariffs cannot be told in presentation, as this issues comes afterwards during the bid. The case hearing was adjourned till November 29.

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