By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: Journalists and civil society representatives in Sukkur have criticized the federal government’s decision to appoint Ijaz Channa as chief executive of the Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco), citing allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities against him.
Channa was initially appointed on a temporary basis for three months but has remained in charge for more than a year. Critics allege that he misused his position for personal benefit and continued to hold office despite multiple inquiries pending against him.
Imdad Phulpoto, Sukkur National Press Club president Abdul Rauf Abbasi, general secretary Rashid Raza, Sukkur Union of Journalists president Pervez Khan and other journalists condemned the appointment, saying it had been made despite serious allegations. They also raised concern over what they described as 14 false cases registered against journalist Malook Baloch, whom they said was targeted for reporting on alleged corruption within Sepco.
According to the journalists, Channa is accused of causing losses worth crores of rupees through the illegal conversion of village subdivisions into industrial areas, the purchase of substandard materials and the awarding of tenders to favored individuals. They further alleged that more than a dozen major corruption inquiries are pending against him, and that he has been holding dual positions as both chief executive and chief technical officer, which they described as a violation of rules.
Journalists in Sukkur demanded strict action against Channa and called for the withdrawal of what they termed false cases against Malook Baloch. They said they had approached the prime minister, the federal minister for the power division and other relevant authorities to take notice of the matter. They warned that if no action was taken, they would launch a protest movement not only across Sindh but also in Islamabad to press for accountability and protection of press freedom.
