Islamabad, Feb 23: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has denied allegations of irregularities in its land allotment process, particularly regarding a controversial 500-acre land deal that has come under Senate scrutiny. The clarification follows discussions in the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs on February 19, where concerns were raised over possible financial mismanagement.
In an official press statement, PQA stated that the land was originally allotted through a competitive bidding process in 2010, based on a procedure initiated in 2005. However, the successful bidder failed to make the required payments, leading to a cancellation notice in 2012. PQA further explained that the land, located in a low-lying area, was never physically handed over.
For over a decade, the issue remained in legal limbo due to a stay order from the Sindh High Court. In 2024, the PQA Board suggested an out-of-court settlement to resolve the dispute, but no action was taken after NAB Karachi requested case records. PQA maintained that it has strictly followed legal procedures, rejecting any accusations of financial misconduct.
Meanwhile, Senate Committee Chairman Faisal Vawda has taken a firm stance against questionable land transactions at Port Qasim, calling for the cancellation of all irregular allotments. Speaking on Aaj News, Vawda claimed that Port Qasim suffered losses of Rs40-60 billion, as land valued at Rs40 million per acre was allegedly sold for just Rs1 million per acre.
Vawda vowed to reverse such deals and push for legal action, insisting that all related files be reviewed by the Prime Minister and the Special Investment Facilitation Council. He also proposed selling 6,000 acres of port land for international investment, including the construction of a seven-star hotel as part of broader maritime sector reforms.
Additionally, Vawda called for stricter regulations on heavy vehicle speeds to curb road accidents, proposing a 40 km/h speed limit for dumpers and 80 km/h for buses on highways. As scrutiny over land transactions at Port Qasim intensifies, the PQA continues to defend its policies, while authorities push for greater transparency and reforms in the maritime sector.
