GHAZI, Oct 18: The consortium of foreign construction firms-Ghazi Barotha Contractors (GBC)- wants the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) to suspend contract for the execution of the multi-billion US dollar Ghazi Barotha Power project, according to official sources.

Wapda chairman’s efforts to persuade GBC to continue work on the project apparently fell far short of bringing desired results as the consortium of contractors refused to depute its staff from amongst foreign nationals in the wake of current situation in Afghanistan.

The contractors had withdrawn its staff of the foreign origin amidst fast changing situation in the backdrop of Sept 11 attacks on United States.

Wapda sources told Dawn that the contractors demand for suspending contract of the project because of its staff’s inability to work in Pakistan under lack of security was unacceptable.

Sources said that suspension of project’s contract would cause tremendous financial losses to Wapda hence it was out of question.