The Senate Standing Committee questioned the Rs. 3.2 million monthly salary of the NEPRA chairman on Monday after learning that he has been unable to attend official meetings due to ongoing cancer treatment, with lawmakers asking whether he can continue performing his duties.

The issue surfaced during a committee meeting reviewing salary increases for the NEPRA chairman and members, where officials disclosed that the regulator’s chief receives Rs. 3.2 million per month.

Cabinet Division Secretary informed the committee that the NEPRA chairman is undergoing treatment for cancer and was unable to attend both the committee meeting and a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister earlier in the day.

Senator Aimal Wali questioned whether the chairman was fit to remain in office, arguing that if he is medically unable to work, the government should place him on paid leave instead of expecting him to continue in the role.

He also remarked that a patient undergoing chemotherapy cannot effectively perform official responsibilities, adding that state institutions should remain fully functional.

Senator Saifullah Abro said the government should have considered the chairman’s medical condition before making the appointment.

Senator Abdul Qadir stressed that the committee should not be seen as overlooking the matter and called for complete transparency.

The committee directed the relevant authorities to brief members at the next meeting on the process and criteria used for the appointment of the NEPRA chairman.