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Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt to build Rs3b aquaculture park
Listen to article The federal government has decided to establish a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour (KoFHAH), Karachi, under a public-private partnership framework aimed at boosting the country's blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. The project is estimated to cost Rs3 billion. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the plan while chairing a high-level meeting on the development of the blue economy. The meeting was attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haq Baloch, representatives from the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHAH), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The 120-acre aquaculture park is projected to produce between 360 and 1,200 tonnes of marine products annually, depending on the species cultivated and the farming systems used. Revenue potential is estimated between $720,000 and $7.2 million per year, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity. Officials informed the meeting that land costs have been determined based on an extensive farming model, offering an affordable entry point for private investors. Experts highlighted that Pakistan's coastal waters offer ideal conditions for aquaculture, making them highly suitable for farming a variety of marine species. To fast-track the initiative, the martime minister directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days. Chaudhry also proposed replicating the aquaculture model in Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. In a move to improve coordination, the maritime minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department sub-office to the Gwadar Port Authority premises. This administrative shift is expected to streamline inter-agency collaboration and expedite decision-making in blue economy projects. In a separate meeting, the federal minister reviewed progress on land allotment and the lease policy of Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials reported that the Survey of Pakistan has been tasked with identifying and demarcating PQA-owned land. It was also revealed that the PQA master plan is being revised in line with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, currently underway. Chaudhry reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, reiterating that investment in aquaculture and port infrastructure is essential for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and creating employment across coastal regions. The series of meetings chaired by the maritime minister mark a significant step in the government's maritime development strategy, focused on harnessing the full potential of Pakistan's coastal resources through innovation, institutional coordination, and private sector participation.
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt announces halving port charges at Karachi Port
ISLAMABAD: The government Saturday announced to cut port charges at Karachi Port by 50 per cent, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of trade logistics and foster sustainable growth. The decision was announced by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, saying the initiative is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise the maritime sector and improve energy efficiency in port operations. He said reforms include a 50 per cent reduction in port handling, vessel, and storage charges, while scrapping the previously planned annual five per cent hike in these fees, a step will benefit exporters of dry bulk goods and reduce emissions through faster, less congested port activity. 'By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience.' 'Climate resilience': govt cuts export cargo handling charges by 50% at Karachi Port This isn't just a financial measure; it's a pivot towards low-impact, future-ready maritime trade,' said the minister. 'A more efficient port reduces idle time for vessels, lowers fuel consumption, and supports greener supply chains.' The minister highlighted that these changes are part of a national strategy to modernise port infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and transition towards the smart maritime practices. The maritime ministry is trying to enhance port efficiency, including forming a high-level committee to cut container dwell time by 70 per cent and deploying advanced technologies such as AI and drones for monitoring operations, further underlining the government's proactive stance in modernising maritime trade logistics. Charing a meeting, the Maritime Affairs' Minister on the development of blue economy also announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour (KoFHAH), Karachi, at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion. The meeting besides others was attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haq Baloch, representatives from Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHAH), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The estimated annual production of a 120-acre aquaculture park ranges from 360 to 1,200 tons, depending on the species cultivated and the farming system employed. Its annual revenue potential is projected to be between $720,000 to $7.2 million, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity. The minister said the project, covering 120 acres, should be developed under a public-private partnership framework, aiming to boost the country's blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. The meeting was informed that the land cost for the Aquaculture Park has been set according to an extensive farming model, offering an affordable and efficient foundation for private investors. Experts informed the meeting that Pakistan's coastal waters possess highly conducive conditions for aquaculture, providing an ideal environment for farming a variety of marine species. To accelerate the process, the Federal Minister directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days. Emphasising replication of success, the minister proposed extending the aquaculture model to Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. In a move aimed at enhancing coordination, the minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department sub-office to the premises of the Gwadar Port Authority. This administrative shift is expected to streamline inter-agency collaboration and expedite decision-making in blue economy initiatives. In another separate meeting, the minister also reviewed the progress on the land allotment and lease policy of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials informed him that the Survey of Pakistan has been engaged to identify and demarcate PQA-owned land. Furthermore, it was conveyed that the revision of PQA's master plan is being aligned with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, currently under way. Minister Junaid Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, asserting that investments in aquaculture and port infrastructure are essential for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and generating employment across coastal regions. The series of meetings held by the maritime minister marked a significant step in the government's broader maritime development strategy, focused on harnessing the full potential of Pakistan's coastal resources through innovation, institutional cooperation, and private sector engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Supplying MDMA at parties, gyms; 2 held
Bhopal: The Bhopal Crime Branch on Saturday claimed to have arrested two drug peddlers and seized 15.14 grams of MDMA powder, a scooter, and a mobile phone—collectively worth approximately Rs3 lakh. This crackdown is part of an ongoing operation targeting 'the growing party drug culture among the youth'. So far in 2025, the Crime Branch seized 40 grams of MDMA powder from five accused persons. According to additional DCP (Crime Branch) Shailendra Singh Chauhan, the accused, Saifuddin, 28, a resident of Bhoipura Budhwara and a wanted criminal carrying a bounty of Rs5,000, was arrested alongside Ashu alias Shahrukh, 28, a resident of Bag Farhat Afza Aishbagh. Saifuddin was absconding in a previous narcotics case. Supplied MDMA in Club Parties, Exploited Girls: Cops Additional DCP Chauhan said that it was revealed that the accused reportedly supplied MDMA powder at club parties and allegedly exploited women by getting them addicted to the drug. According to police, some girls visiting clubs were provided free drugs to attract more youth into the party circuit. The accused also lured young people by promising high-paying jobs to get them involved in party culture and drug use. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo by Taboola by Taboola They targeted youths and girls from rural areas too. Some gym-goers were misled by being told the drug helped with weight loss and fitness. Once addicted, youths were roped in like a chain marketing system to sustain their drug expenses. There are even allegations that a quack treating depression misled a patient under the guise of therapy and initiated them into drug use. The drug was provided free initially to build dependence and was later sold at a high price. Arrest Made Near Govindpura On Tip-Off DCP Chauhan said that acting on a tip-off, a Crime Branch team nabbed the duo near the tin shed vegetable market in Govindpura.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
FIR lodged against principal for extortion, mental harassment of teacher
Nagpur: The Hudkeshwar police have registered an offence against the principal of a school and junior college in Avdhut Nagar under Section 308(2) of the BNS, following allegations of extortion and mental harassment levelled by a senior teacher. The accused is also the joint secretary of the education society which runs the junior college, and is the son of the organisation's head. According to the complaint filed by Sarang Chaudhary, who has been working at the institute since 2016, the principal demanded Rs20 lakh in cash and five per cent of his monthly salary in exchange for regularising his post. Initially hired on an unaided basis, Chaudhary's post was made permanent in March 2023. However, he claimed he was coerced into transferring five percent of his salary — approximately Rs3,800 monthly — either in cash or into the account of a staff member. Chaudhary alleged that when he stopped the payments in October 2024, his salary account was frozen. He claimed that a letter was issued to his bank's branch in Narendra Nagar, instructing that his salary account be blocked. "Despite multiple complaints to education authorities and two separate orders from the deputy director of education in March and April 2025 directing the school to resume his salary, no action was taken by the management," he stated in the complaint. The complainant further alleged systematic harassment, including denial of attendance sign-ins, non-payment of arrears, exclusion from essential service records, and repeated demands for already-submitted appointment documents. The FIR also mentioned that his mobile phone was regularly confiscated during duty hours without any official reason. Chaudhary has alleged additional harassment, including being assigned non-teaching tasks, forced attendance at civil defence training meant for other teaching staff, and denial of recognition for completed government-mandated training. Chaudhary claimed that this harassment has caused financial distress to his family, pushing him to approach the police. Based on his complaint and supporting evidence, the Hudkeshwar police registered an FIR which identified the principal as Vikas Ingole. Senior inspector Dnyaneshwar Bhedodkar, PSI Omprakash Bhalavi, and PSI Yogesh Korde are conducting investigation.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Principal booked for extortion, mental harassment of teacher
Nagpur: The Hudkeshwar police have registered an offence against the principal of a school and junior college in Avdhut Nagar under Section 308(2) of the BNS, following allegations of extortion and mental harassment levelled by a senior teacher. The accused is also the joint secretary of the education society which runs the junior college, and is the son of the organisation's head. According to the complaint filed by Sarang Chaudhary, who has been working at the institute since 2016, the principal demanded Rs20 lakh in cash and five per cent of his monthly salary in exchange for regularising his post. Initially hired on an unaided basis, Chaudhary's post was made permanent in March 2023. However, he claimed he was coerced into transferring five percent of his salary — approximately Rs3,800 monthly — either in cash or into the account of a staff member. Chaudhary alleged that when he stopped the payments in October 2024, his salary account was frozen. He claimed that a letter was issued to his bank's branch in Narendra Nagar, instructing that his salary account be blocked. "Despite multiple complaints to education authorities and two separate orders from the deputy director of education in March and April 2025 directing the school to resume his salary, no action was taken by the management," he stated in the complaint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The complainant further alleged systematic harassment, including denial of attendance sign-ins, non-payment of arrears, exclusion from essential service records, and repeated demands for already-submitted appointment documents. The FIR also mentioned that his mobile phone was regularly confiscated during duty hours without any official reason. Chaudhary has alleged additional harassment, including being assigned non-teaching tasks, forced attendance at civil defence training meant for other teaching staff, and denial of recognition for completed government-mandated training. Chaudhary claimed that this harassment has caused financial distress to his family, pushing him to approach the police. Based on his complaint and supporting evidence, the Hudkeshwar police registered an FIR which identified the principal as Vikas Ingole. Senior inspector Dnyaneshwar Bhedodkar, PSI Omprakash Bhalavi, and PSI Yogesh Korde are conducting investigation.
