Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) has reportedly refused to accept newly-appointed Muzzafar Abbasi as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is facing corruption references in Anti-Corruption Court of Multan and Hyderabad, well-informed sources in the Ministry of Water and Power told Business Recorder. The newly-appointed CEO Gepco has full backing of top brass of Water and Power Ministry who is also aware that the appointee is involved in corruption.
The sources said a reference has been received from Akram Chaudhary, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) in the Ministry of Water and Power wherein he has stated that after the appointment of Muzzafar Ali Abbasi as CEO, Gepco's entire staff has shown grave reservations.
The Engineers Association in collaboration with All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Workers Union has started non-stop protest, all the field formations have been forcibly locked and they are observing full time strike on account of Abbasi's induction as CEO. CEO, Gepco, it was further contended, and the company's management including GM (Operation), All Chief Engineers and DG (HR&A) have negotiated with protesters in officers' club thrice as well as in Gepco headquarters to defuse the tension, however, all efforts have been fruitless; and they are sticking to their point of strike/complete lock-up till acceptance of their demand of withdrawal of private CEO's nomination. Gepco management is still trying to defuse the situation.
Muzzafar Ali Abbasi was appointed as CEO Gepco on August 16, 2016 after the approval of the Prime Minister. However, he has not taken over the charge of CEO, Gepco so far. The Ministry of Water and Power recently removed Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) and CEO Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco). However, the Ministry is supporting a few CEOs who are obeying its "orders" issued from time to time.