The Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, chaired by Senator Muhammad Fesal Vawda, directed a comprehensive review of pending land allotments and ordered the cancellation of illegal allocations as part of wider efforts to clean up the maritime sector. The meeting focused on port performance, dredging operations, land management and export facilitation, and was attended by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Danesh Kumar, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Rubina Qaim Khani and others.
Committee members pressed for immediate action to vacate encroached land and to compile detailed data on land holdings across Fisheries and other port areas. The Committee observed that several autonomous boards require review and advised restructuring or removal of ineffective members to strengthen governance across the maritime sector.
Serious concerns were raised about container clearance at Karachi International Container Terminal, where 239 containers remained delayed due mainly to customs bottlenecks and the involvement of international companies. The Committee heard an allegation that corruption linked to container clearance amounts to roughly USD 40 million annually, with about Rs.112,000 allegedly taken per container; KICT was instructed to clear the backlog and eliminate corrupt practices.
Senator Fesal Vawda highlighted transparency and land management failures at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority, alleging that some officials are illegally sharing staff salaries with senior officers and that master planning and allotment rules are not publicly available. The Committee directed strict action against those involved and asked the Authority to upload its master plan, land allotment policy and regulations on its official website without delay.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar told the Committee the ministry is pursuing reforms step by step and sought the Senate’s full support. He announced the creation of a National Dredging Company intended to be cost-effective and more attractive to exporters, and confirmed that future dredging work will increasingly be allocated to this national entity while AD Ports has been awarded projects worth USD 60 million.
The Chairman of Karachi Port Trust reported a 9 percent growth in container handling and said the port recorded its highest cargo handling last year, currently ranking 90th among roughly 400 operational ports worldwide. KPT is increasing its draught depth to accommodate vessels up to 100,000 tons and is developing a bulk export facility with an 8 million ton storage capacity. Clinker exports are expected to rise from 4.5 million to 8.5 million tons as these projects come online.
On logistical improvements, the Minister said construction of a dedicated Lyari road and the Malir Expressway will support 24/7 container movement, with the expressway targeted for completion by mid-2026. The Chairman KPT added that four freight trains are expected to be operational by July 2026 and that ML-1 connectivity will further speed container transit.
Committee members raised dwell time concerns at the port; Ms. Rubina Qaim Khani noted persistent delays while the Minister said a dedicated committee has already produced visible reductions in dwell times. The Committee also tasked authorities to compile comprehensive records of land allotments after it was revealed that 42 properties were allotted over the past 15 years.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to recover land, vacate encroachments, remove property dealer influence and pursue land litigation where necessary. The Committee closed the session urging immediate transparency, tighter oversight and coordinated action across agencies to restore public trust and improve efficiency in the maritime sector.
