A pivotal meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs concluded with the deferral of four significant bills, including legislation crucial for environmental safety in ship recycling, after lawmakers raised multiple concerns and requested more time for review.
The parliamentary body, chaired by MNA Abdul Qadir Patel, postponed deliberations on the Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Material on Ships Bill, 2025, along with amendment bills for the Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, and the Karachi Port Trust. The panel instructed its members to submit any proposed amendments in writing before January 1, 2026.
During the session at Parliament House, the Ministry of Law emphasized that the Hazardous Material Bill was essential for fulfilling Pakistan’s obligations under the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009. Despite a recommendation to pass the legislation, the committee opted to put its consideration on hold for further deliberation.
The meeting also involved a comprehensive review of the implementation status of earlier recommendations. While the committee expressed satisfaction with progress on some directives, it noted that other issues, including the utilization of CSR funds and the submission of original agreements by Karachi Port Trust (KPT), required additional action.
Officials reported that KPT’s new lease policy had been approved by its board and was being followed. The panel also noted that the outsourcing of fire-fighting services was yielding annual savings of PKR 35 million while ensuring uninterrupted expert services. A proposal for establishing a Facilitation Center to enhance public welfare was also under consideration.
The session commenced on a solemn note, with prayers in remembrance of the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) tragedy and all other Pakistani soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives in various incidents.
In a separate gesture, the committee extended a warm farewell to its retiring Secretary, with the Chairman and members acknowledging his dedicated service and valuable contributions to the parliamentary process.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, several MNAs including Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, Romina Khurshid Alam, and Isphanyar M. Bhandara, and senior officials from the ministry, Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA).