The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) is an authority in Pakistan established in 1973, responsible for managing Port Qasim, which is the second busiest port in the country.
Establishment and legislation The Port Qasim Authority was formed through the Port Qasim Authority Act, 1973 (Act No. XLIII of 1973). This legislation outlines the creation and operations of the Port Qasim Authority, detailing its roles, authority, internal structure, and regulations concerning the management and navigation within maritime and inland waterway ports.
In 2019, the cabinet has approved the delegation of authority to the Prime Minister for the appointment of the Port Qasim Authority's board of directors and oversight of board proceedings.
Achievements and initiatives Revenue The Port Qasim Authority demonstrated robust financial performance in the past few years. During the fiscal year 2020–2021, the Authority experienced significant revenue growth of 29%, resulting in a net profit of 19.76 billion rupees.
Collaborations and partnerships In 2018, the Port Qasim Authority entered into a significant Fuel Supply Agreement with Pakistan State Oil (PSO). This agreement outlined that PSO would fulfill all of PQA's fuel needs by providing Action Plus Diesel (HSD) and Altron Premium (PMG) for a period of three years.
The Port Qasim Authority has engaged in various collaborations and partnerships to enhance its operations. In 2023, the authority has discussed different avenues of collaboration with the National Logistics Cell (NLC).
Controversies and challenges Land Disputes and resolutions In 2023, a disagreement arose between a party and the Pakistan Navy regarding a 3,009-acre land located in Mirpur Sakro, Thatta. The matter was taken to the Sindh High Court, which instructed for a clear delineation of the land to address the dispute.
The Port Qasim Authority encountered difficulties regarding taxation, specifically regarding the general sales tax (GST) imposed by the Sindh government on the channel development cess (CDC) collected from vessels transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Authority contemplated challenging this taxation issue.
Chairmen + List of Office Holders No. Name Term of office 1 Commodore Mahmoodul Hasan 29 June 1973 – 14 February 1974 2 Ardeshir Cowasjee 15 February 1974 – 1 September 1974 3 Commodore I.H. Malik 2 September 1974 – 26 June 1978 4 Vice Admiral S. M. Ahsan 27 June 1978 – 9 June 1980 5 Rear Admiral A. Waliulla 9 June 1980 – 20 August 1988 6 Rear Admiral Akbar H. Khan 21 August 1988 – 20 August 1991 7 Rear Admiral S. Wasi Haider 28 November 1991 – 1 September 1992 8 Syed Sardar Ahmed 28 April 1993 – 2 October 1993 9 M. Nawaz Tiwana 4 October 1993 – 2 April 1996 10 Muhammad Kaleem 19 August 1996 – 27 October 1997 11 Nazar Abbas Siddiqui 2 May 1998 – 13 August 1998 12 Nazar Mohammad Shaikh 22 October 1998 – 20 July 2000 13 M. Asad Arif 7 August 2000 – 13 November 2001 14 Rear Admiral Sikandar Viqar Naqvi 14 November 2001 – 25 November 2002 15 Vice Admiral Taj Muhammad Khatta 26 November 2002 – 4 November 2004 16 Rear Admiral Saleem Ahmed Mennai 5 November 2004 – 3 January 2006 17 Vice Admiral M. Asad Qureshi 14 January 2006 – 1 November 2007 18 Rear Admiral Syed Afzal 2 November 2007 – 7 August 2008 19 Mir Afsar Din Talpur 8 August 2008 – 27 May 2009 20 Vice Admiral (R) M. Asad Qureshi 28 May 2009 – 12 July 2010 21 Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Shafi 12 July 2010 – 26 February 2013 22 Brigadier (Retd) Saeed Ahmed Khan 27 February 2013 – 10 July 2013 23 Agha Jan Akhtar 16 July 2013 – 28 December 2017 24 Najaf Quli Mirza 17 January 2018 – 16 April 2018 25 Asad Rafi Chandna 16 April 2018 – 12 July 2019 26 Rear Admiral (R) Syed Hasan Nasir Shah 2019–2024 27 Rear Admiral (R) Moazzam Ilyas 2024–present
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