The Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Vawda, convened a meeting today to deliberate on the current state and future trajectory of Pakistan's maritime sector. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, senators Pervez Rashid, Rubina Qaim Khani, Chairmans KPT, PQA, GPA, and other officials of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs attended the committee meeting. Federal Secretary Maritime Affairs Syed Zafar Ali Shah presented an in-depth briefing to the Committee, highlighting critical aspects of maritime policies and departmental operations. Secretary Syed Zafar Ali elucidated the working mechanisms of various departments under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, providing a detailed account of their functions and operational challenges. A significant portion of the discussion was related to the questions about the feasibility of managing Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority (PQA) as separate entities versus a potential merger. The Federal Minister responded by underscoring the unique business model of PQA, which includes an industrial complex with 18 berths, a unique blend of public-private partnerships (PPP). He highlighted the competitive advantages of PQA, such as lower tariffs compared to KPT and its strategic location near LNG zones, projecting its operational sustainability until 2040. The Minister emphasized that maintaining two distinct ports fosters healthy competition and enhances overall performance. The Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the immense potential for attracting substantial investments in Pakistan's maritime sector, signaling a blue economy revolution. Foreign investors from China, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have expressed keen interest in investing in the sector. The strategic development of Gwadar Port was a focal point, with discussions addressing security concerns, infrastructure deficiencies, and the necessity for a direct passageway to Central Asia, and China. The development of a free zone, initiation of industrial activities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the construction of the second-largest airport in Gwadar were identified as transformative projects. Committee recognized the fisheries sector as a key area for economic growth, applauding the recent budgetary measure reducing duties on fish seeds and hatcheries to zero. Committee members unanimously emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure development in Gwadar, including access to clean drinking water and electricity. The Minister acknowledged these critical needs and suggested holding a committee meeting in Gwadar to directly address these issues. Senator Pervez Rasheed articulated the multifaceted utility of coastal assets for commercial, tourism, and industrial purposes, advocating for a shift from confrontation to cooperation policies. The Committee supported the notion of leveraging coastal assets for broader economic benefits. Chairman GPA discussed the operational timeline for the Gwadar Port Authority, emphasizing the need for decisive policy actions to attract Chinese and other international investors. Security requirements and timelines were addressed, with plans to host an expo later this year to showcase progress and attract further investment. The meeting concluded with a unanimous call for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to enhance the maritime sector's contribution to Pakistan's economy. The Committee members reiterated their commitment to facilitating the Ministry's efforts and ensuring all departments work cohesively towards shared goals and made following recommendations: The Committee pledged robust support to the Maritime Ministry in identifying and resolving sectoral issues. A timeline is being developed to clarify land ownership across various maritime departments. There is a strong call for reevaluating board members to strengthen governance and oversight within the Ministry. The Committee requested comprehensive documentation for all ships acquired during previous regimes. Detailed scrutiny of major procurements was mandated to ensure transparency and efficiency. The Committee also highlighted the need to address labor issues decisively, with potential extreme measures if necessary. Strong measures were proposed to combat land grabbing and safeguard maritime assets.
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