ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar Monday said that the government has not yet decided to increase the power tariff.

“Only fuel adjustment surcharge was being passed on to the consumers according to the price trends of oil in international markets,” the minister said while talking to media here after attending award ceremony for top performing employees, customers of IESCO.

He said that some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were generating less electricity due to shortage of fuel supplies.

To a question regarding the decision of International Arbitration Court about Kishanganga dam, the minister said that the interim verdict given by the court was a great success for Pakistan as India would be unable to divert the water flow towards the country.

He urged the media to report the situation keeping in view of the interests of Pakistan.

Naveed Qamar said that recovery campaign against defaulters has been expedited and warned that action would be taken against the concern officials if their performance remained unsatisfactory in this regard.

To a question regarding US investment in energy sector in the country, the minister said that the US would continue to support Pakistan in energy sector.

He said that Pakistan has already asked US to provide help for the construction of Diamer Basha dam project.

The US has provided a grant to enhance power generation capacity of power companies besides Tarbela extension project.

Earlier speaking at the ceremony, Naveed Qamar appreciated IESCO performance and directed to ensure more better service to the consumers.

He also urged the consumers to pay their bills in time in order to curb menace of power load-shedding. He also paid rich tribute to the officials who had laid their lives in line of duty.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman IESCO Board of Directors Mohsin Khalid, the company has less line losses as compare to other power companies and it was recorded only 9.7 per cent during last year.

He said that IESCO has set up 14 new grid stations in last three years to ensure smooth and uninterrupted power supply to the consumers.

He said that around 80,000 new connections were also provided to consumers during last year. Earlier, the Minister handed over appointment letters among the sons of deceased employees under kin's quota.

Naveed Qamar also distributed shields among the top performing employees and consumers of IESCO.

IESCO Chief Executive Javeed Pervaiz, other senior officials also present on the occasion.