Latest news with #PQA


Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PAC panel finds Rs185b PQA irregularities
The locomotives will be used for transporting imported coal from Karachi's Port Qasim to the Sahiwal Power Plant in Punjab and the Jamshoro Power Plant in Sindh. PHOTO: APP A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has uncovered major irregularities in the Port Qasim Authority's (PQA) financial affairs, including the unauthorised use of Rs185 billion over two fiscal years. At a meeting chaired by Convener Moin Amir Pirzada, audit officials revealed that the PQA spent the huge amount during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years without securing the required approval from the federal government, in clear violation of rules. The maritime affairs secretary attributed the lapse to the authority's former practice of preparing its own annual budget, which used to be cleared by the board. However, the chair emphasised that irregularities had occurred nonetheless and directed a full audit of the matter.


Business Recorder
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan to expand shipping capacity by 600% in next three years
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched a major initiative to expand and modernise the national shipping fleet as part of efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign vessels. Chairing the agreements' signing meeting, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the maritime minister, said the initiative is designed not only to cut sea freight bills and conserve foreign exchange, but also to support climate-smart maritime practices by strengthening a cleaner, more efficient domestic fleet. Junaid said Pakistan plans to increase its shipping capacity by 600% over the next three years, with a focus on incorporating greener technologies and energy-efficient vessels into the state-owned fleet, read an official statement. Pakistan's PNSC partners with Chinese firm to explore maritime investments The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority (PQA) have signed separate agreements with the state-run Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), pledging financial support for the fleet expansion plan. The agreements were signed by A. Abdullah Zaki, representing KPT's Transition Management Committee, and Rear Admiral (R) Syed Moazzam Ilyas HI(M), Chairman of PQA, with PNSC CEO Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi. According to the statement, the accords were finalised days after a high-level policy meeting chaired by Junaid Chaudhry, in which maritime stakeholders agreed to align fleet modernisation with environmental sustainability and national climate goals outlined by the prime minister's office. KPT and PQA officials stressed that modernising the fleet would not only conserve foreign exchange and enhance trade connectivity but also significantly lower the environmental cost of sea freight by minimising fuel consumption and enabling compliance with international emission standards. 'This initiative reflects our broader vision to modernise the maritime sector, boost operational efficiency, and introduce advanced technologies across all institutions,' Junaid said, adding that the government remains committed to transparency and merit-based decision-making.


Business Recorder
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PQA: charges cut in half for exporters
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Monday, announced cutting port charges at Port Qasim Authority (PQA) by 50 percent for exporters, aligning with the government's reform agenda to enhance trade and economic growth. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry made this announcement here, while chairing a high-level strategic roadmap meeting. Chaudhry emphasised the government's commitment to creating opportunities for local businessmen and encouraging domestic trade through ports and fisheries. The government's reform agenda in the maritime sector, including the charge reduction at Port Qasim, signals a strong commitment to supporting the business community, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting economic development across coastal regions, he added. He announced plans to establish an Aquaculture Industrial Zone aimed at promoting business activities in the marine and aquaculture sectors. He revealed that Pakistan's first-ever Marine and Aquaculture Policy will be introduced soon to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development in these areas. The meeting also reported impressive achievements by the Marine Fisheries Department, which has met its export target of $410 million this year through fisheries and aquaculture exports. Additionally, the ship recycling industry has generated revenue of 6 billion Pakistani rupees, reflecting the growing potential of maritime industries in the country. Chaudhry underscored the importance of green shipping initiatives, aligning with global trends to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable maritime practices. He stressed that the government is focused on modernising port infrastructure, streamlining customs operations, and fostering a business-friendly environment to enhance Pakistan's competitiveness in international trade. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is actively working on reforms to unlock the economic potential of vast coastline and maritime resources. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to transform the maritime sector, boost exports, and contribute significantly to the country's GDP, he noted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


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