Minister for Water and Power, Ahmad Mukhtar, has, reportedly failed to retain his very close friend Shakil Durrani as Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) because of his 'uneasy' relationship between Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and him.
Durrani relinquished charge on September 8, 2012, after completing his five-year tenure during which he initiated work on a number of hydel and power projects but progress on these projects remained slow due to bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints. "Ahmad Mukhtar tried to persuade the President that Durrani should be given an extension in his contract but political pressure foiled his attempt to retain his friend who was considered an honest officer," said an official on condition of anonymity.
The sources said as Durrani's contract was about to expire, a number of influential contestants especially from Sindh have joined the fray. The main contestants are former Secretary, Water and Power and close friend of Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Defence, Imtiaz Kazi and Kamal Majidullah, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on water and agriculture. After the exit of Durrani, Water and Power Ministry has given acting charge of Chairman Wapda to Syed Raghib Abass Shah, Member Water who according to Durrani is professionally competent and can run the affairs of Wapda successfully. However, private sector has a markedly different view about him.
Durrani, who is a former District Management Group (DMG) with political background confirmed to Business Recorder that his friend Ahmad Mukhtar tried his level best to get him an extension. However, he clarified that the federal government never extended the period of any Chairman in the past.
Durrani has supported two men as his successor: (i) Hamayat Ullah Khan, Special Secretary Water and Power, who has already served Wapda as Secretary for several years and (ii) Syed Raghab Abass Shah. Insiders in the Ministry of Water and Power claim that Prime Minister is not viewing summaries sent by the Minister positively. Ahmad Mukhtar was a strong contender for the premiership after Gilani's exit. However, he reportedly lost to Raja Pervez Ashraf due to the strong opposition by the Chaudhrys of Gujrat.