KARACHI: Port Security Force of Karachi Port Trust is fully vigilant and well equipped to thwart encroachment of
China Creek, said Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo here Thursday.
Briefing the members of National Assembly’s Standing Committee at KPT House, that specifically held its meeting to assess existent status of China Creek, apparently exposed to serious risk of being encroached as per question (#44) raised on floor of house by MNA Dr, Arif Alvi, the minister said KPT squad was engaged in regular patrolling of the site.
All needed measures were being taken in accordance to rules and regulations, said the federal minister mentioning that any partial encroachment of the creek was also efficiently handled.He on the occasion also informed the NA Standing Committee, led by MNA Ghulam Mustafa Shah that reported dumping of 480 million gallons of waste into the sea, in the year 2016, and consequent recommendations by sub-committee headed by MNA Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani were also being implemented.
It was agreed that the issue could also be addressed through re-cycling of the waste disposed off through various culverts in the city.
Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping said needed interventions are underway and that deliberations between authorities including Sindh Governor and Chairman, Karachi Port Trust, Mumtaz Ali Shah have repeatedly taken place so as to expedite the process.
Members of the NA Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping were of unanimous opinion that all stakeholders must be taken on board including relevant ministers of Sindh and Balochistan as well as officials of the fishery, industry, local government and environment departments representing the two provinces.
MNAs Syed Ghualm Mustafa Shah, Chaudhry Muhammad Tufail, Dr. Arif Alvi, Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Seema Mohiuddin Jamali, Shaheen Shafiq, Rumina Khursheed Alam, Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla, Khalil George, Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi, Malik Amir Dogar and Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo agreed that matters related to territorial water jurisdictions will be discussed in the committee’s next meeting.
The NA Standing Committees on Ports and Shipping with an agenda to confirm minutes of its previous meeting held on September 7, expressed its satisfaction that a PAC sub-committee headed by Dr. Arif Alvi is already working on the issue related to marine pollution.
Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs / Ports and Shipping besides KPT officials were also present on the occasion.
