ISLAMABAD, Jan 16: A three-member committee on Wednesday interviewed a number of candidates for the vacant post of chairman of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).

The post has been lying vacant since September 27.

A few candidates, who were among the shortlisted lot of 17, have alleged that some of the candidates were dropped from the selection process and fresh candidates were interviewed by the committee although they were not shortlisted.

Sources said a lot of political influence and institutional support was at play for the coveted post that should be given under the law to a professional of known integrity and competence with at least 15 years of related experience in law, business, engineering finance, accounting, economics and electric utility business.

A total of 71 candidates had applied for the post and 17 of them were shortlisted.