Despite the passage of three months, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has failed to appoint a regular chairman of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
With its failure to make the appointment, the ministry has once again sought an extension in the additional charge of KPT chairman given to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs secretary. The cabinet is scheduled to discuss the issue on Tuesday (today).
KPT has a board of trustees, which comprises its members and the chairman is appointed under Section 6 (l) of the relevant Act by the federal government.
After the term of regular KPT chairman expired on December 8, 2020, the additional charge of chairman was given to Nadir Mumtaz Warraich (BS-22) for a period of three months or till the appointment of the chairman, whichever is earlier.
The tenure of the additional charge expired on March 7, 2021. The vacant position had been advertised in the media on December 18, 2020 and scrutiny of applications is underway.
Furthermore, the Establishment Division was requested on February 23, 2021 to notify the board for the selection of the chairman.
The Establishment Division is of the view that Warraich, presently posted as the maritime affairs ministry secretary, may be assigned the charge of KPT chairman for a further period of three months or till the appointment of the regular chairman, whichever is earlier. In this regard, the ministry has sought approval of the cabinet.
Social welfare fund
The government has decided to give representation to a member of the provincial assembly to head a committee in the constituency in which local or foreign exploration companies are engaged in oil and gas exploration activities.
At present, a member of the National Assembly chairs the committee for executing social welfare projects in the area where local and foreign oil and gas exploration companies operate.
Petroleum Policies 1994, 1997, 2001, 2009 and 2012 and petroleum concession agreements bind exploration and production (E&P) companies to spend a specific amount on the respective block/lease area for the welfare of local inhabitants.
The initiative is aimed at promoting a participatory approach between local communities and E&P companies to achieve the core objective of exploration and production of oil and gas from the area.
It is also aimed at improving the quality of life in the operational area by providing access to basic needs and passing on ownership of projects to communities for their empowerment and long-term self-sustainable development.
As per Petroleum Policy 2012, the amount of social welfare fund pledged by the local and foreign companies in their respective agreements must be utilised to have lasting impact on the communities.
Social welfare projects must be agreed with the local communities and civil administration as per guidelines issued by the government of Pakistan from time to time.
The Ministry of Energy had issued revised guidelines for the utilisation of social welfare fund 2021.
Now, the energy ministry has proposed that in case an area of a block falls in more than one constituency, the MNA of the constituency having larger part of the area will be the chairman. Projects will be identified in the areas of health, education, water supply and drainage.
