- Calls to immediately stop the KPTland transaction, find detailed report on the matter in the coming weeks
Islamabad: On Wednesday, the Senate Standing Committee for Marine Affairs expressed strong reservations over the allotment of Karachi Port Land at only 40 billion, demanding “immediate and complete investigation” of “Mega scandal” called “called the mega scandal”. Gone.
This development came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Senate Affairs, chaired by Senator Faisal Wowda.
During the session, Wada allegedly expressed anger at the “low price of 500 acres of prime Karachi Port Land”, in which it was argued that the property market value was more than Rs 60 billion.
He questioned how such an agreement was approved without the formal clearance of the concerned authorities.
“This is a clear misuse of public assets. We will ensure transparency in the Karachi Port’s land allotment, “he said, adding that the special investment facility will be reviewed with the Council (SIFC).
During the meeting, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh and Maritime Secretary Zafar Ali Shah claimed “ignorance before the deal”.
His response resulted in further investigation by the members of the committee, who demanded a full report on the transaction.
Beyond the allotment of controversial land, the Senate Committee highlighted the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) operations wider.
Senator Dinesh Kumar noted that the outdated rules are hindering the development of the port, the rules that rule the Qarachi port have been operating for more than a century, and Port Qasim has been working under legal framework over 50 years of age. Yes.
Officials immediately acknowledged the need for policy reforms and announced that a new Maritime policy would be introduced soon.
Senators also pointed to financial mismanagement in KPT, citing the news, saying that some drivers of the organization earn Rs 350,000 a month, in which Rs 800 million is allocated annually for medical benefits.
Kumar criticized the strong influence of the labor unions, claiming that KPT management often gains the pressure of the union, making reforms difficult.
“The port department is acting like a white elephant. Whenever a new government takes charge, we get a briefing full of minor differences, but there are no real reforms. Kumar added that the time for serious action has come.
Members of the committee warned that unorganized ground allotment and mismanagement in Karachi Port could result in economic loss. He called on the government to strengthen surveillance, update maritime laws, and fully audit the Karachi Port’s land.
Wada emphasized that more ground deals at Karachi Port should move forward without full transparency.
“The approval of the board was ignored, and federal officials claimed ignorance – it cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
With the increasing pressure from the lawmakers, the committee has demanded immediate stop of the Karachi port land transactions, while officials have been instructed to submit a detailed report on the matter in the coming weeks.
