Port Qasim Authority

Port Qasim Authority
AbbreviationPQA
Formation1973; 51 years ago (1973)
FounderGovernment of Pakistan
Founded atPakistan
TypeGovernment Authority
Chairman
Syed Hasan Nasir Shah
Websitewww.pqa.gov.pk

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.[1][2]

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.[3]

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.[4][5]

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).[6]

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.[7]

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 chairmen:[8]

  • Syed Hasan Nasir Shah (2019–present)
  • Asad Rafi Chandna (16-04-2018 to 12-07-2019)
  • Najaf Quli Mirza (17-01-2018 to 16-04-2018)
  • Agha Jan Akhtar (16-07-2013 to 28-12-2017)
  • Brigadier (Retd) Saeed Ahmed Khan (27-02-2013 to 10-07-2013)
  • Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Shafi (12-07-2010 to 26-02-2013)
  • Vice Admiral (R) M Asad Qureshi (28-05-2009 to 12-07-2010)
  • Mir Afsar Din Talpur (08-08-2008 to 27-05-2009)
  • Rear Admiral Syed Afzal (02-11-2007 to 07-08-2008)
  • Vice Admiral M Asad Qureshi (14-01-2006 to 01-11-2007)
  • Rear Admiral Saleem Ahmed Mennai (05-11-2004 to 03-01-2006)
  • Vice Admiral Taj Muhammad Khatta (26-11-2002 to 04-11-2004)
  • Rear Admiral Sikandar Viqar Naqvi (14-11-2001 to 25-11-2002)
  • M. Asad Arif (07-08-2000 to 13-11-2001)
  • Nazar Mohammad Shaikh (22-10-1998 to 20-07-2000)
  • Nazar Abbas Siddiqui (02-05-1998 to 13-08-1998)
  • Muhammad Kaleem (19-08-1996 to 27-10-1997)
  • M. Nawaz Tiwana (04-10-1993 to 02-04-1996)
  • Syed Sardar Ahmed (28-04-1993 to 02-10-1993)
  • Rear Admiral S. Wasi Haider (28-11-1991 to 01-09-1992)
  • Rear Admiral Akbar H. Khan (21-08-1988 to 20-08-1991)
  • Rear Admiral A. Waliulla (09-06-1980 to 20-08-1988)
  • Vice Admiral S.M. Ahsan (27-06-1978 to 09-06-1980)
  • Commodore I.H. Malik (02-09-1974 to 26-06-1978)
  • Ardeshir Cowasjee (15-02-1974 to 01-09-1974)
  • Commodore Mahmoodul Hasan (29-06-1973 to 14-02-1974)

References

  1. ^ https://moma.gov.pk/SiteImage/Misc/files/PQA%20Act%201973-Amended%202021.pdf
  2. ^ "Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Act, 1973". pakistancode.gov.pk.
  3. ^ "Cabinet gives powers of forming PQA board to premier". The Express Tribune. September 26, 2019.
  4. ^ Staff Report (April 25, 2018). "PSO signs agreement with Port Qasim Authority to meet fuel requirements". Profit by Pakistan Today.
  5. ^ "Pakistan State Oil Company Limited". psopk.com.
  6. ^ "NLC team discusses avenues with port authorities". www.thenews.com.pk.
  7. ^ "Dispute between Navy, Port Qasim Authority: SHC orders demarcation of 3,009 acres in Thatta". www.thenews.com.pk.
  8. ^ "Previous Chairmen | Port Qasim Authority - PQA".