The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), a flagship initiative of the Pakistan Peoples Party government, faces serious allegations of irregularities worth Rs 6.5 billion.
Geo News’ Naya Pakistan program revealed under-invoicing, fake import documents, and transparency lapses in the Rs28 billion World Bank-funded scheme, prompting Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) to call for an investigation.
The project’s Phase 1 aimed to distribute 200,000 solar home systems at $151 per unit ($208 including taxes, or Rs55,000). However, import documents show that the actual cost was $ 23.40 per unit, five times lower. A private company quoted $112.44, but the commercial invoice listed $23.4 for 20,808 kits imported on October 24, 2024. This discrepancy implies Rs5.6 billion in overpricing for 200,000 units.
The government claimed that imported solar DC fans were distributed, but documents reveal that Pakistani-made fans were actually distributed. A bill of entry falsely showed 25,300 fans imported at $23.5 each, claiming Rs127 million in duties and taxes. The company’s website confirms that it is locally manufactured. Two bills of entry for the same machine number (KPPI-HC-32166) suggest fraud, with another for lithium batteries.
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Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah denied any irregularities, promising to provide the documents. On under-invoicing, he blamed the private company. For fake documents, he pledged an inquiry. The project, announced by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, targets BISP households with solar panels, batteries, DC fans, LED bulbs, and mobile charging, monitored by the World Bank.
TIP wrote to CM Syed Murad Ali Shah, citing violations of Sindh Public Procurement Rules. The contract was initially awarded directly to a government subsidiary, but was later altered to include another entity without proper approval. The unit price was inflated to $135 from $84, resulting in a loss of approximately $21 million (Rs. 6 billion). TIP recommends a full investigation.
In May 2025, the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, questioned SSEP’s transparency and delays. On June 23, the Sindh Energy Department summoned seven officers for an inquiry, but the results have not been published. Project Director Mahfooz Ahmed Qazi declined to comment due to his government role.
 under scrutiny for Rs6.5B discrepancies in solar kit costs and fake import documents. TIP urges CM investigation.){kind=link}