WAPDA thus became a mega vertically integrated electricity utility of Pakistan besides being responsible for developing water and power infrastructure.

Distribution of electricity was structured as 8 regions of WAPDA, which in 1981 converted into Area Electricity Boards (AEBs) on the similar UK model.

As the job was onerous to say the least and on account of some serious constrictions, WAPDA by mid 1980s was faltering which led to Pakistan’s acceptance of World Bank advice to de-bundle the mega-utility’s power Wing into 8 DISCOs, the National Transmission & Dispatch Company (NTDC) and four GENCOs.

Transitioning to privatization of Discos-I

Consequently, the AEBs were incorporated into the present DISCOs as distinct and independent companies duly registered with the SECP.

So as to manage the newly set-up DISCOs, PEPCO started operating as the managing agent. PEPCO was destined to fade-away in a period of 3 years or so during which full corporatization of the DISCOs was envisaged. Once independent, the DISCOs were to be privatized.

Unfortunately, true corporatization could not be achieved due to the continuing energy crises, intervention by the GoP by politicizing the DISCO BoDs and then taking-over the day-to-day management in place of PEPCO. This non-professional micro-management has led to an extremely........

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