Latest news with #PortQasimAuthority
Business Recorder
14-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister stresses need for ecological preservation at ports
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has emphasised the need to balance industrial growth with ecological preservation at ports, underscoring a strategic vision that aligns economic development with environmental sustainability. In a statement on Friday, he called on the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) to intensify efforts to protect the environment across all industrial zones under its jurisdiction, stressing the importance of responsible industrial growth alongside ecological preservation. The Minister directed PQA management to ensure that all industrial units have installed sewage treatment plants. He directed that the failure to comply should result in penalties under environmental laws for pollution and improper waste discharge to curb industrial pollution and safeguard marine and coastal ecosystem. Praising PQA's engagement of independent third-party for environmental monitoring, the Minister urged the port to maintain impartial, data-driven assessments of industrial compliance. This approach will improve transparency and strengthen regulatory enforcement. Highlighting PQA's commitment to the global Green Port Initiative, the Minister noted that the authority has successfully planted over 25,000 trees within port areas, significantly contributing to carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration. 'These efforts underscore PQA's unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility and a sustainable, greener future for maritime sector.' He said it aligns with broader government policies to modernise maritime infrastructure and enforce stricter environmental regulations, including waste management and afforestation projects. The Ministry continues to collaborate with port authorities, industry stakeholders, and environmental agencies to ensure the ports contribute positively to climate resilience and marine conservation, he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister orders removal of encroachments from port lands
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, directed immediate removal of encroachments from port lands. He also ordered the formation of a joint force to protect port property from illegal occupation and misuse. The Federal Minister was chairing a high-level progress review meeting on Monday to assess and accelerate ongoing land reform initiatives at the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The meeting brought together senior officials to evaluate current progress, discuss key strategies, and identify coordinated solutions to long-standing issues of land encroachment and underutilization at the two major seaports. During the meeting, the Federal Minister underscored the strategic importance of safeguarding and developing ports land for sustainable economic growth and investment. He suggested both PQA and KPT to form a joint anti-encroachment force with the mandate to secure and protect the property of both ports from illegal occupation and misuse. The Minister emphasized that this dedicated force should operate with full authority and coordination with local law enforcement agencies to ensure effective on-ground enforcement. 'The maritime sector is a critical pillar of Pakistan's economic framework. We cannot allow valuable portland, which holds tremendous economic potential, to remain encroached or underutilized,' said Minister Chaudhry. 'It is imperative that both PQA and KPT work together to enforce land protection measures, implement digital transparency, and enable private sector investment through proper planning and legal frameworks.' Management of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) briefed the Minister on the ongoing initiatives being undertaken as part of a new comprehensive master plan. This master plan will include the regularization and optimal use of leftover pockets of land, reclaimed areas, and currently non-utilized plots. These spaces are intended to be repurposed for high-value investment, commercial use, and strategic infrastructure development aligned with national economic priorities. PQA also plans to launch a digital land automation system, a dedicated module designed to improve transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency in land management, officials informed the meeting. This system will be fully integrated with the PQA Port ERP, allowing seamless data synchronization, secure digital record-keeping and real-time decision-making. The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) management also presented their updates and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the issue of encroachment on port land. The KPT officials informed the Federal Minister that enforcement actions are already underway and that the Trust is closely collaborating with the Survey of Pakistan, which is actively conducting a detailed land demarcation survey to accurately identify and map the boundaries of KPT land holdings. This demarcation exercise is expected to pave the way for stronger legal action against encroachments and provide a foundation for more informed land-use planning. Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reiterated the urgency of translating planning into tangible results. The Minister also expressed his resolve to personally oversee the progress of these initiatives and announced that monthly review meetings will be held to monitor implementation and resolve inter-agency bottlenecks. He urged all maritime stakeholders to align their activities with the national vision of sustainable port development and economic resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministry of Maritime Affairs: PAC raises questions on performance
ISLAMABAD: The Public Account Committee (PAC) on Thursday raised questions on the performance of Ministry of Maritime Affairs, observing that the number of audit paras has increased from the previous year. The committee meeting chaired by Junaid Akbar examined the appropriation accounts for the year 2022-23, audit report for the year 2023-24 and special audit report/performance audit report/forensic audit report. The committee recommended the ministry for taking the matters to the cabinet and do legislation if requires to improve performance. The committee chairman said that there was information that in connivance with the management, court cases were not moving forward. The Maritime Affairs secretary said that for the first time the sector revenue reached Rs100 billion, when most of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) were suffering from losses. GM Admin Karachi Port Trust informed the committee that 100 acres of land worth billions of rupees was vacated from encroachers during the last four months. Further, out of court settlement was initiated and targets the resolution of 100 cases in the next six months. The committee was also informed regarding different development projects in Gwadar. The secretary informed that on account of infrastructure gap i.e. M-8, electricity availability and lack of development in economic zones, Gwadar port could not operate with full potential. He said during the last few years, electricity and water availability were improved in the area. The department explained that supplementary grant of Rs822.75 million was obtained under Gwadar Port Authority for financial assistance of poor fishermen at Gwadar Port for procurement of boat engines at their own. Funds of Rs18.428 million were surrendered as five percent cut imposed by government on non-ERE expenditure. The committee settled grantno-70 of the ministry on recommendation of DAC. The committee took grant no 130 –capital outlay on Maritime Affairs Division. The department explained funds of Rs1.327 billion were surrendered due to non-release by the Finance Division. The committee settled the para. Total 108 audit paras were printed in the audit report public sector enterprises for the year 2023-24, in respect of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The committee took six audit paras including five regarding Port Qasim Authority and one regarding Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. The committee was informed that during audit of Port Qasim Authority for the year 2021-22, it was observed that the management allotted land of 1,250 acres of land to M/s Pakistan Textile City Limited in 2006/2007 for boosting export of textile products. The project could not succeed due to multiple reasons. Subsequently, the matter was discussed in the Cabinet. However, management did not implement the decision of the government even after lapse of two years, expenditure of Rs4,000 million was not refunded to PTCL and also the land was not re-allotted. Audit is of the view that non-implementation of government decision (non-refunding expenditure of Rs4 billion and non-allotment of land compromise PDC charges of Rs50,000 million (40 million/acre, 1,250 acres). The committee was further informed that during audit of PQA for the year 2021-22, it was observed that the management purchased Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) amounting to $36.95 million equivalent to Rs3.345 billion under agreement. However, it was observed that the dredger was not insured with M/s National Insurance Company Limited and management awarded contract of manning and maintenance including insurance at $35.230 million to M/s China Shipbuilding and Trading Company (CSTC) from 2015 to-date. Audit is of the view that non-insurance and payment of insurance cost of dredger to third party was unjustified and is held irregular in audit. The management informed that the dredger was insured by the Company (M/s CSTC) being operator and management stated that NOC would be obtained from NICL. DAC directed the management to get the dredger insured from NICL. The management replied that the firm having dredger operational control along with all risks, logically and legally demanded insurance company of their choice to avoid considerably long processing time invariable delays in case of adoption of NICL as insurance company. Accordingly, it was not a choice with PQA to dictate the firm to get the ship insured with NICL. However, M/s CSTC was made contractually bound with a condition that "the "contractor shall be obliged to place all insurance related to the contract with any AA rating insurance company operating in Pakistan acceptable to the employer. The management informed that the dredger is currently insured by a Chinese insurance company, as the contractor, M/s CSTC, demanded an insurance company of their choice avoid delays, given local insurance companies' inherent delays in finalising insurance claim. The committee referred back several paras related to the ministry and its attached institution to Departmental Account Committee (DAC) with a month deadline to reconcile the outstanding paras. The committee members strongly condemned the tragic incident that took place in Pahalgam, and expressed profound sorrow and grief over the loss. Rejecting the immediate accusations levelled by India against Pakistan, the committee members described them as baseless, fabricated, and driven by malice. They stated that India's knee-jerk response to blame Pakistan without evidence is indicative of a pre-planned narrative. The committee chairman pointed out lack of quorum and the meeting was concluded without taking the entire agenda. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Kazakhstan eyes regional maritime ties
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a meeting with Kazakhstan's Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, highlighted the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, boosting economic collaboration, and promoting bilateral maritime cooperation between the two countries. According to a press statement released on Monday, Chaudhry emphasised the strategic importance of enhancing regional linkages to facilitate trade and economic growth. He noted that Kazakhstan, as a landlocked country, stands to gain considerable advantages by connecting with Pakistan through integrated land routes, railway networks, and access to the country's port infrastructure. The discussions centred on expanding collaboration in maritime trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable maritime practices. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to becoming a regional trade hub, Chaudhry stated, "Our maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic growth. By adopting innovative solutions and strengthening international partnerships, we aim to transform our ports into major centres of global trade." The Kazakh Ambassador expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation in the areas of shipping and logistics. He highlighted Pakistan's strategic location and advanced port facilitiesincluding Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasimas critical gateways for Kazakhstan to access markets in the Gulf, Africa, and beyond, the statement said. "Pakistani ports are efficient and well-positioned to facilitate Kazakhstan's trade expansion. Strengthening connectivity through Pakistan opens up new avenues for economic integration across Central and South Asia," said Kistafin. Both sides agreed to take concrete steps to streamline logistics, optimise trade corridors, and explore joint ventures in port modernisation. Minister Chaudhry provided updates on development initiatives at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), and invited Kazakhstan to actively participate in these transformative projects. Environmental sustainability was also a key focus, with the minister highlighting Pakistan's efforts in promoting green shipping, reducing marine pollution, and protecting coastal ecosystems such as mangroves. The parties also recognised the value of workforce development and cultural exchange in fostering stronger people-to-people ties. As per the statement, the meeting concluded with a joint commitment to establish dedicated working groups to fast-track collaborative projects. Kistafin praised Pakistan's leadership in maritime development and expressed Kazakhstan's full support for deepening bilateral cooperation.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM body rejects LNG price study
Listen to article A high-level committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, has expressed serious concern over a study on reducing liquefied natural gas (LNG) import charges and has directed the regulator to review the proposal. Sources told The Express Tribune that the committee on gas sector, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had been informed earlier that the government could reduce LNG charges up to $1.5 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) by reviewing different expenditure categories. The Port Qasim Authority had assigned the task of conducting the study on LNG pricing to a third party. The study was submitted in a recent meeting of the committee. It proposed that the LNG price could only be reduced by two cents per mmBtu, which sparked concern among committee members. They called it a flawed document and referred the matter to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) for review. At present, LNG buyers are paying port terminal charges, retention charges and the cost of high unaccounted-for-gas (UFG) losses. Sources pointed out that there were different UFG rates for transmission and distribution pipelines. However, LNG was not being sold through the transmission lines and most of the gas was being provided via the distribution lines, which resulted in higher UFG charges for consumers. They revealed that the LNG buyers had asked for removing the retention charges and applying a uniform UFG rate for the transmission and distribution lines, which would result in price reduction. Bidding for offshore, onshore blocks During the meeting, according to sources, Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) Managing Director Ahmed Hayat Lak and Mari Petroleum MD appreciated the committee for resolving the issue of selling gas to a third party. It would improve cash flow of the companies, they said. Earlier, gas exploration firms were encountering cash flow problem due to the accumulation of circular debt. The approval for selling 35% of discovered gas to the third party will help them cope with the circular debt. Moreover, the improvement in cash flow will enable the exploration companies to ramp up work on the ongoing and new projects to make the country self-sufficient in oil and gas production. Sources said that the committee also decided to float tenders for the auction of new onshore blocks by April 30. In the meantime, the government is working to issue tenders for offshore exploration blocks. The committee directed the Petroleum Division to float tenders for offshore blocks by June 30. Earlier, US energy giant ExxonMobil participated in offshore drilling in Karachi but it did not yield desired results. Now, the government hopes that Russian firms will also take part in bidding for offshore blocks. Speaking to meeting participants, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar underscored the government's commitment to creating a secure and investment-friendly environment for the exploration and production (E&P) sector. He emphasised the need for developing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the circular debt and introduce sustainable gas pricing mechanisms to enhance financial stability of the energy sector. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted the steps taken to address challenges of the energy sector. He stressed that the government was focused on indigenisation and integrated energy planning. The deputy PM appreciated the announcement of offshore and onshore bidding rounds, terming it a significant step towards unlocking Pakistan's hydrocarbon potential and attracting foreign and local investment. He also welcomed the notification allowing E&P companies to sell 35% of gas to third parties and called it a key reform that would promote competition, improve payments and increase investment in exploration activities. While discussing the security issues faced by E&P companies, the committee commended the support of the Pakistan Army, Ministry of Interior and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for ensuring a stable operating environment. It was acknowledged that the completion and connection of the Shewa discovery in Waziristan to the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's (SNGPL) network would not have been possible without their support. Discussions also covered long-term energy planning, with a focus on optimising domestic resources to reduce reliance on imports. The meeting reviewed LNG procurement and supply chain challenges, aiming to ensure uninterrupted gas availability to industries and consumers. The deputy PM reaffirmed the government's resolve to implement reforms, expedite regulatory approvals, and facilitate private sector participation in the energy sector. He directed relevant authorities to take immediate steps to address the identified challenges and strengthen Pakistan's energy security. "The government remains committed to fostering a robust E&P sector, ensuring sustainable energy development, and driving economic growth," the meeting was told.
