PESHAWAR, Dec 31: The government has sought proposals from the Fata MNAs to solve the issues of electricity meters installation and recovery of outstanding dues worth Rs21 billion from consumers in the tribal areas, sources said.

The ministry of water and power has asked the tribal MNAs to produce considerable suggestions in consultation with their electorates in the forthcoming meeting to find out durable solution of the lingering issue once and for all.

The meeting is likely to be held in Peshawar in the second week of January in which Fata parliamentarians will table their proposals regarding meters installation and dues recovery.

Federal minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, chairman Wapda Lt- Gen Zulfiqar Ali Khan and other senior officials of the ministry will attend the meeting.

Mr Sherpao had invited the Fata MNAs for the meeting during his recent visit to Peshawar.

During the previous meeting with Mr Sherpao, the sources said, the Fata MPs had linked meters installation with the payment of Warsak Dam royalty to the Fata and also demanded the withdrawal of power charges levied on certain food items in the tribal agencies. However, the government turned down their first proposal.

Pirzada Noorul Haq Alqadari, who is heading a group of Fata parliamentarians in the National Assembly, told said that the Fata MNAs would soon convene tribal jirgas in their respective constituencies to ascertain opinions and suggestions of the notables and elders, which would be discussed with the federal minister in the forthcoming meeting in Peshawar.

He said that the Wapda chairman was insisting on the MNAs to sign agreement with the government regarding the installation of meters and dues recovery, but they (the (MNAs) suggested to give some time for consultation with local elders.

“We can’t take any unilateral decision”, Pirzada said and added that the tribal elders would be taken into confidence about the issue, before any agreement.

He said that during the meeting with the federal minister, the chairman Wapda Gen Zulfiqar had offered 25 per cent rebate on per unit consumption for the tribal area, if the tribesmen allowed the installation of electricity meters and ensure the payment of dues.