ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee has uncovered serious irregularities in the import of solar kits under the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), raising concerns about tax evasion and possible money laundering.
A report presented by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs showed that contractors declared solar kits at very low prices—between $16 and $23 per unit—for tax purposes. However, the World Bank reportedly paid about $112 per unit to the foreign supplier, creating a huge price difference. This gap has triggered investigations into under-invoicing, misuse of funds and violations of foreign exchange laws.
According to the report, a Karachi-based firm imported more than 200,000 solar kits between December 2024 and July 2025. Some import documents submitted to the Sindh government were later found to be fake or altered, while the same kits were supplied to the government at much higher prices.
The FBR has issued notices, launched audits and referred the case to anti-money laundering authorities. A forensic audit is underway, and NAB has also started an investigation. The Sindh cabinet has sent the matter to the Anti-Corruption Establishment.
The committee also expressed anger over the repeated absence of the minister for economic affairs and senior officials from its meetings, calling it disrespectful to parliament. The chairman warned that continued absence could lead to action under parliamentary rules.
