ISLAMABAD: The ban on new electricity connections in the federal capital territory has been lifted and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has informed the chief executive officer (CEO) of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) about the decision.

The development has become possible because of efforts made by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and other members of National Assembly from Islamabad - Ali Nawaz Awan and Raja Khurram Nawaz.

MNA Awan told Dawn that one million residents of the capital will benefit from the move as they were living in new houses without electricity connections.

One million residents will benefit from decision, says MNA

The federal cabinet at its meeting held on January 25 had decided to lift the ban on provision of utility services in Islamabad. It was decided that electricity and Sui gas connections would be provided to residents of the federal capital without any discrimination.

Moreover, it was also decided that the Capital Development Authority will have to ensure the implementation of the building control laws without linking them with the installation of electricity connections.

Similarly, on February 17, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Energy had also directed Nepra to ensure the implementation of the decision at the earliest.

Minister Umar said the decision was made as per the requirement of the residents of the capital.

“Because of the decision, residents of Islamabad will get the facility of electricity and Sui gas. We will also introduce an effective local government system in the city,” he said.

Thousands of residents in rural areas of Islamabad have been facing hardship due to the ban on new electricity and gas connections imposed by the CDA.

In 2016, the civic agency approached utility companies and linked the provision of new utility connections with its no-objection certificate (NOC).

While the CDA does not issue NOC for houses built without approval of the building plans by it, it meant houses built in the entire rural areas could not get the NOC and hence remained without the electricity and gas connections.

The CDA had linked the utility connections with its NOC citing Supreme Court orders. The civic agency had claimed that in 2004 the then federal cabinet had also imposed a ban on new constructions, adding new construction could not take place without approval of the CDA.

MNA Awan said the federal cabinet had formed a committee to resolve the issue.

“Though the cabinet made the decision, but Iesco had written a letter to Nepra and sought clarification over the issue. Nepra has now informed Iesco that power connections can be provided,” he said.

Mr Awan said people had established housing societies and fled away after selling houses.

“People have been facing problems as they were without utility services. The letter has addressed the issue being faced by one million people and now they can get power connections,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2022