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ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP):The 12th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs on Tuesday chaired by its Chairman, MNA Abdul Qadir Patel, paid solemn tribute and offered prayers in remembrance of the tragic occurrence of the Army Public School (APS) incident.
During the meeting, the committee collectively paid tribute to the APS martyrs, as well as to all other soldiers and civilians who have laid down their lives in various incidents across the country, praying for the elevation of their ranks, eternal peace for the departed souls, and patience and strength for their bereaved families.
The committee also jointly extended a warm send-off to the Secretary of the Committee, who retired during the current month upon attaining the age of superannuation.
The Chairman and Members placed on record their deep appreciation for his dedicated, sincere, and meritorious services rendered to the Committee over the years, acknowledging his professionalism, commitment, and valuable contributions to the parliamentary process, and wished him good health and success in his future endeavors.
The committee confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and considered Agenda Item No. 2 regarding comprehensive reports on the implementation status of previous recommendations.
The committee reviewed each recommendation individually. On some recommendations, the committee was satisfied with the implementation and disposed of them, whereas for others, it expressed dissatisfaction and recommended further action, elaborating on each with detailed briefings supported by documentary evidence.
The recommendations reviewed included matters such as the utilization of CSR funds and the provision of original agreements signed by Karachi Port Trust (KPT) with KGTL and KGTML before the committee.
Regarding written questions submitted to the Ministry, it was decided that the members shall review the replies and, if dissatisfied, a separate meeting may be arranged with the members and the Secretary KPT to ensure complete satisfaction.
Concerning the lease policy, the committee was informed that it has been approved by the board and being duly followed. Regarding the firefighters’ recommendation, the Department briefed the committee that by outsourcing the project, it is saving Rs 35 million per annum while also availing uninterrupted and continuous services of experts, which might not be possible at the departmental level.
Furthermore, it was informed that a proposal for the establishment of a Facilitation Center is under consideration for the welfare and comfort of the public.
The committee considered all the Bills, i.e., the Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Material on Ships Bill, 2025, the Port Qasim Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Gwadar Port Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Karachi Port Trust (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
During detailed deliberations, members expressed reservations and concerns regarding various provisions of these Bills.
While the representative emphasized that the same may be passed, the committee, after considering all observations, deferred the Bills until the next meeting, with directions that members who have any suggestions, observations, or proposed amendments may submit them in writing to the Secretary of the Committee by 1st January 2026, so that these may be considered and placed on record before next meeting for further deliberation.