ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs, Faisal Vawda, has revealed major irregularities in land allotments at Port Qasim and Karachi Port Trust (KPT), causing an estimated loss of Rs100 billion to the national exchequer.
Massive Financial Losses in Land Allotments Port Qasim
Chairing a committee meeting at Parliament House, Vawda disclosed that the sale of 500 acres of land at Port Qasim resulted in a staggering loss of Rs60 billion. Additionally, KPT land, valued at Rs40 million per acre, was allotted for just Rs1 million per acre, leading to a further loss of Rs40 billion.
“These corrupt deals cannot continue. We are taking immediate action to cancel the illegal allotments and hold those responsible accountable,” Vawda stated. He directed authorities to prepare a detailed report on those involved in the malpractice and assured that strict legal action would follow.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability Port Qasim
Vawda emphasized that similar illegal allotments in previous governments must also be scrutinized. Shockingly, even the Port Qasim Authority chairman was unaware of these illicit transactions.
“If billions of rupees have been lost, we will recover them. If needed, the matter will be handed over to NAB and other relevant authorities for further investigation,” he affirmed.
Government’s Response and Maritime Sector Challenges Port Qasim
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Sheikh, responded, saying, “To my knowledge, no transfers occurred without board approval. However, we will collect all necessary details regarding the matter.”
He also highlighted the broader issues in Pakistan’s maritime sector, including stalled projects, financial losses of Rs6 billion, and inefficient management.
The Need for a Strong Maritime Strategy
The committee addressed key challenges facing Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure, especially in Karachi and Gwadar. Senator Pervaiz Rashid criticized the lack of a comprehensive strategy, stating that poor coordination among departments has hindered progress.
“Overloading and road damage are major concerns. Our ports need to be treated as commercial assets, not just state-owned entities,” he said.
Other committee members, including Senators Danesh Kumar, Nadeem Bhutto, Rubina Qaimkhani, and Zeeshan Khanzada, stressed the importance of developing ports and resolving key maritime issues.
Future Plans for the Maritime Sector
Secretary of Maritime Affairs, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, presented some positive developments. The maritime sector earned Rs90 billion in profit last year and aims to increase earnings by Rs14 billion.
“We are digitizing port operations to boost efficiency. A digital system can generate an additional $100 per container daily,” he highlighted.
Gwadar Port Developments
The committee also reviewed progress at Gwadar Port. The chairman of Gwadar Port highlighted a $1 billion Japanese grant for industrial pollution control and efforts to improve trade connections with Central Asia.
“Gwadar has immense potential, particularly in fertilizer imports and export links. Our goal is to engage the local community and promote sustainable development,” he stated.
Security and infrastructure enhancements, including the Lyari Expressway project, were also discussed to improve trade routes.
Financial Mismanagement by Former Minister Ali Zaidi
Vawda revealed serious financial mismanagement by former Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi concerning a dredging contract at KPT. Due to unnecessary delays and poor financial handling, dredging costs escalated from Rs5 to Rs15 per cubic yard, significantly increasing overall expenses.
“This negligence caused a major financial burden. Such mismanagement must be addressed to prevent future losses,” Vawda stressed.
Ensuring Accountability and Sustainable Growth
The committee concluded the meeting strongly committed to ending maritime affairs corruption.
“We will make the Ministry of Maritime Affairs a land bank, preventing misuse for personal gain. Transparency and accountability are our top priorities,” Vawda asserted.
To ensure full transparency, the committee will conduct on-ground inspections at Port Qasim, KPT, and Gwadar, evaluating all land acquisitions and maritime development projects.
