Islamabad 22nd September, 2025: Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs has directed the Ministry to clearly define the composition of the Authority being established under the Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Materials in Ships Bill, 2025. The Committee termed the present provision of Authority under Section 3 of the Bill was vague and needs to be properly defined in terms of its composition and functions. The Committee met under the chairmanship of Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA in Parliament House, Islamabad this afternoon. 

While examining the proposed Bill clause by clause, the Committee observed that ratifying the international convention was an obligation and bringing the local laws in consonance with the international commitment were imperative. The Committee further observed that the Ministry should convey to the provinces to ensure protection of environment and labour rights in their legislation. The Committee also sought the record of consultation carried out by Ministry with provinces and other stakeholders on the proposed bill. It was decided to discuss the bill in next meeting of the Committee. 

 

The Committee while discussing issues related to Karachi Port Trust, directed for continuation of ongoing drive against encroachment on KPT land. The Committee also agreed for inclusion of representative of Sindh Rangers in the Committee already constituted under Commissioner Karachi on encroachments. The Committee was apprised that the court cases on encroached property were being rigorously pursued, besides going for out of court settlement opted by the litigants. It was also informed that out of court settlement was agreed upon only upholding the best interest of the government. The Committee also expressed its concern on the traffic congestion on roads leading to the Karachi Port causing inconvenience to the public. The Committee decided to summon Commissioner Karachi along with report on proposal under consideration of provincial government to ease the traffic congestion. 

 

During the course of discussion, the Committee observed that recommendations of the Committee were not being fully complied with by the Ministry and its departments. The Committee of the view that concealment of Information from parliamentary forums was a sheer breach and the committee would have no other option but to resort to moving for breach of parliamentary privilege. The Committee also observed that Governing Boards of state owned entities were independent but they should abstain from giving unjustified financial Benefits to themselves. 

 

The Committee meeting was attended by Mr. junaid Anwar Chaudhry Minister for Maritime Affairs, MNAs Mr. Ahmad Attique Anwar, Ms. Romina Khursheed Alam, Mr. Isphanyar M. Bhanadara, Sardar Ahmad Nabil Gabol in person and Mr. Pullain Baloch, Mr. Shakir Bashir Awan, Mr. Muhammad Usman Badini, Mr. Hassan Sabir through zoom. The ministry was represented by Secretary, while its organisations were

Represented by Chairman KPT, Chairman Port Qasim Authority and other senior officers of the concerned departments.