Senate Freezes Land Acquisition Payments in Port on Irregularities
ISLAMABAD: Following the exposure of irregularities that caused the cancellation of the 500-acre Port Qasim land sale last month, the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs has directed with immediate effect that pending payments against land acquisition contracts at Port Qasim, KPT, Gwadar Port, and PNSC be frozen.
The committee, which was headed by Senator Faisal Vawda, was informed by concerned officials about the status of Port Qasim’s land assets. The meeting was joined by Senators Danesh Kumar, Naseema Ehsan, Rubina Qaimkhani, Husna Bano, and Nadeem Bhutto, as well as high-ranking officials.
Port Qasim owns approximately 14,000 acres of land with 9,574 acres leased out. The authority has further acquired 1,000 acres of land and is awaiting the transfer of 1,250 acres from the government of Sindh.
The committee also examined the controversial sale of 500 acres at Port Qasim. The land was sold for a mere 2% advance payment, which is a fraction of its real value, estimated at Rs60 billion. Senator Vawda questioned the validity of the sale, saying, “Why was the land sold for Rs5 billion if it was worth Rs60 billion, and why was the transaction reversed within 72 hours?”
Port authorities justified the sale, stating that it was done properly and as allowed by the board. But the committee voted to act, freezing all outstanding payments on land transactions at the ports and PNSC.
The committee further suggested that the Shawn Refining project be thoroughly probed and recommended that it be discontinued if criminal negligence is established. Senator Danesh Kumar emphasized the absence of stable leadership at Karachi and Gwadar ports and urged stable leadership to enhance the sector. Senators also suggested the inclusion of technocrats and business professionals from the private sector in port management boards to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The subsequent committee meeting will address appointments to important maritime ministries and take up the pending issues of the Port Qasim land sale and other maritime issues.
