ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs convened on Monday reviewed the agreements between the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Dubai–based AD Ports Group concerning the Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose (Private) Limited (KGTML).
The committee met here at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA, where the members expressed dissatisfaction that the documents were not provided.
Ministry officials explained that the sensitive agreement had limited copies and could not be shared immediately, though they had not refused outright and might provide a copy later. The Maritime Affairs secretary added that the agreement is largely commercial, and the UAE-based company requested confidentiality.
The members insisted the document must be shared, suggesting an in-camera session if necessary. Chairman Patel stated, “If national security matters can be discussed in-camera, why not this agreement? You must either provide a briefing in-camera or hand over the copy to us.”
The committee noted that its recommendations are not being fully implemented by the ministry and its departments. It observed that concealing information from parliamentary forums is a serious breach, leaving the committee no option but to consider moving for a breach of parliamentary privilege. The chairman concluded that the matter would be revisited in the next meeting.
The committee also examined the Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Materials in Ships Bill, 2025. It directed the ministry to clearly define the composition of the authority established under the bill, terming the current provision in Section 3 as vague. While acknowledging that ratifying the international convention is an obligation, the committee stressed the need for local laws to align with this commitment. It further advised the ministry to urge provinces to ensure environmental and labour rights protection in their legislation and sought a record of consultations with provinces and stakeholders on the bill, deferring further discussion to the next meeting.
Regarding the Karachi Port Trust, the committee directed the continuation of the anti-encroachment drive on KPT land and agreed to include a representative of Sindh Rangers in the committee already constituted under the Commissioner of Karachi for this purpose. It was informed that court cases on encroached property are being pursued rigorously, with out-of-court settlements considered only when in the government’s best interest.
The committee also expressed concern over traffic congestion on roads leading to the port and decided to summon the Karachi commissioner with a report on proposals to ease it. Finally, the committee observed that while the Governing Boards of state-owned entities are independent, they should refrain from granting themselves unjustified financial benefits.
