ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared the Lakhra Power Plant leasing agreement null and void.

The apex court in its order declared the agreement between WAPDA and Associated Group was not transparent directing the government to take action against those responsible.

The Lakhra Power Plan privatisation case was being heard by a three member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. The Supreme Court directed the state to form an inquiry committee to probe the matter.

Earlier during proceedings Secretary Water and Power, Saifullah Chattha said the government had delayed the decision on privatisation until the apex court issued its order to which Justice Jawwad S Khawaja replied that Chattha was a part of the government and should not take the matter lightly.