PPIB managing director resigns after he draws Prime Minister's ire

Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) Managing Director Khalid Irfan Rehman has resigned from his office citing personal reasons. "Yes, I have resigned as the PPIB managing director due to personal reasons and there was no other factor behind this decision," Rehman, former employee of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) told Business Recorder.
However, sources close to this development said that his resignation came on June 4, after he faced harsh criticism by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at a meeting on power sector in the Prime Minister House in the last week of May.
The PPIB, a subsidiary of the water and power ministry, has practically materialised nothing for the last several years and its tall claims had exposed when the country plunged into darkness due to shortage of power. The prime minister, who personally brought Rehman to the PPIB as its managing director after Zafar Ali Khan, was not happy with him for his poor performance as the head of the organisation.
"Rehman I want private investment in the power sector and the PIB is creating hurdles rather than facilitating investors," the sources quoted the prime minister as saying. Sources said the PPIB chief was not happy with the water and power minister as his undue interference in policy matters and some benefits, causing financial hardships for the organisation.
"I have not been forced to resign from the office. I had also expressed my intention to resign in December. I have been offered two other posts, but I do not want to stay," said Rehman, who plans to relinquishing charge of the office on July 9.
He, however, did not mention the posts he has been offered by the government after his departure from the PIB. Asked what are his plans after leaving the PPIB, he replied that he would take rest and would not take any other responsibility for the time being.
Sources said that some of the power sector investors had approached the prime minister and complained against the unruly attitude of the PPIB officials accusing them of hurting investment by creating unnecessary hurdles.
Asked why the water and power minister was annoyed at a meeting in the ministry two days ago, he replied in negation, but added that there was difference of opinion. It is interesting to note that when Rehman took charge as new MD PPIB, the water and power minister, who also the chairman of the board, had expressed his confidence that it would prove to be a valuable addition to the board, but departure definitely proved to be against the hopes and sentiments of the minister.
Rehman's predecessor, Zafar Ali Khan, who was appointed Member Nepra in violation of the rules, had also been disgraced on some occasions by the top brass, but the board appreciated his hard work, sincerity and integrity.