WAPDA Act, 1958: CCLC returns draft amendments back to ministry for review

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) has reportedly halted proposed amendments to the WAPDA Act, 1958, aimed at enhancing personnel accountability and governance, particularly in matters related to employees’ termination and service regulations, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.

The Ministry of Water Resources informed the Cabinet that, in pursuance of Directive No. 4 dated December 10, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) had proposed legislative changes through the draft Water and Power Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 2026.

According to the Ministry, the proposed amendments were intended to strengthen administrative authority, address legislative gaps, enhance institutional autonomy, and protect administrative actions from legal uncertainty.

A detailed comparative statement of the amendments was presented to the CCLC. Key features of the proposed changes included:

(i) Strengthening Administrative Authority: The proposed provisions relating to termination and retirement were aimed at vesting WAPDA with adequate executive powers to manage its workforce while ensuring discipline and accountability.

(ii) Rule-Making Powers: The draft sought to empower the Authority to frame rules governing service matters, administrative procedures, and internal governance.

(iii) Institutional Autonomy and Efficiency: An overriding clause was proposed to ensure that the WAPDA Act and its rules would prevail over other general laws, thereby avoiding administrative conflicts, particularly in service-related matters.

(iv) Protection from Legal Uncertainty: The amendments aimed to safeguard administrative actions taken by WAPDA or its authorised officers from being challenged solely on procedural grounds.

(v) Saving Clause: Existing rules, regulations, orders, and past actions were to remain valid and enforceable under the proposed framework.

(vi) Continuity of Proceedings: Ongoing administrative and legal proceedings were to continue unaffected, ensuring procedural continuity.

The Ministry further informed the Committee that the Federal Cabinet had approved the amendments in principle in its meeting held on June 7, 2026, and the draft bill was placed before the CCLC under Rule 17(1)(c) of the Rules of Business, 1973, for formal consideration.

However, during deliberations, the CCLC examined the draft in detail and concluded that the bill required fresh reconsideration by the Ministry of Water Resources before it could be taken up again.

The Committee specifically raised concerns over the proposed amendment to Section 17(1-A) of the WAPDA Act, relating to employment matters. It stressed that the provision must ensure due process and provide a fair opportunity of defence to employees facing termination or other service-related proceedings. This, the Committee noted, was essential to enable the Ministry to effectively defend any legal challenges arising from such actions.

The CCLC also observed that rule-making authority is the prerogative of the Federal Government and cannot be further delegated. It directed that the relevant provision in the draft bill be revised accordingly.

In light of these observations, the Committee directed the Ministry of Water Resources to re-examine the draft legislation and resubmit it for consideration after incorporating the required changes.

When contacted, a senior official of the Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that the proposed amendments are currently under review by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026