By Our Correspondent
LAHORE — The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), one of Pakistan’s largest power distribution companies generating over Rs 1,200 billion in annual revenue, is currently operating without a permanent chief executive following the retirement of its CEO, Shahid Haider.
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Despite the retirement date being known well in advance, the LESCO Board of Directors has not yet appointed a successor or given charge to any senior officer. The delay has sparked concern among stakeholders and officials in the energy sector, with sources attributing the holdup to internal indecision within the Board.
The Ministry of Energy has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, questioning the Board’s inability to make a timely administrative decision and warning that such inaction could affect the company’s overall performance. Officials said that while the post could be temporarily filled by a senior LESCO officer, the prolonged vacancy has led to uncertainty in the organization.
Some insiders allege that differences have emerged over whether the new CEO should be appointed from within LESCO or brought in from another distribution company.
Reports suggest the Federal Minister for Energy is in favor of appointing an external candidate, which some Board members see as a deviation from standard procedures.
Others believe the Board Chairman himself may be interested in assuming interim charge, contributing further to the delay.
Meanwhile, LESCO engineers and internal staff have voiced concerns that bringing in an external appointee or bypassing senior in-house officers could lead to discontent within the company.
However, LESCO officials expressed hope that a new CEO will be appointed by early next week, and emphasized that any appointment should be made in accordance with company rules and merit.
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