Transparency International seeks World Bank probe into Gabral Kalam hydropower project procurement

Transparency International Pakistan has called on the World Bank to examine how a joint venture qualified for the electro-mechanical package at the 88MW Gabral Kalam Hydropower Project in Swat, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. The group questioned whether Argentine company IMPSA and China’s BITC met the tender’s eligibility and financial tests, pointing to IMPSA’s government ownership in Argentina and doubts about a bank letter submitted to demonstrate financing capacity.

PEDO chief executive Anwar Ul Haq disputed the ownership objection, saying the bidding rule barred state-owned firms from the country borrowing for the project, not foreign entities. He said the contract remains unawarded, the procurement is in progress and World Bank approval is required for PEDO procurement steps. TI Pakistan has asked for the evaluation to be reviewed and for prequalification to be rerun if breaches are confirmed, and also sent its concerns to government offices and the Bank’s integrity division.