ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) remains without a member from Punjab since April 31 due to hectic lobbying against a candidate unanimously selected by a ministerial committee.

The committee was headed by Minister for Privatization and Investment Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and comprised secretaries of cabinet division, water and power, Nepra chairman and a joint secretary of the cabinet division.

The committee interviewed five candidates nominated by the Punjab government. The provincial government recommended the name of Muhammad Daud Tahir as its candidate of choice. The other candidates from the province were Abdul Hafeez Gondal, Mian Abdul Ghaffar, Bagh Ali Shahid and Hussain A. Babur.

After the interviews, the selection committee unanimously recommended the name of Mr Babur for appointment as Nepra member from the Punjab. The government, however, has still not issued any notification.

On the other hand, the incumbent member from NWFP was again nominated by his province and being the only nominee, was appointed as Nepra member without appearing before the selection committee.

Balochistan had recommended a panel of three persons to represent the province in the Nepra. The committee selected Nasiruddin Ahmad, a former bureaucrat and was appointed as member from Balochistan.

However, the appointment of Mr Babur as member from Punjab is still awaited despite recommendations of the selection committee. According to the relevant guidelines, the person applying for the post of Nepra member should hold an appropriate degree and a professional of integrity with over 15 years of relevant experience in law, business, engineering, accounting, economics or the electric utility business.