The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) officials have been accused of concealing information pertaining to the allotment of land and development plans by the PQA board members.
According to draft minutes of the 62nd meeting of the PQA Board, held here on August 7, the convenor of the development committee, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Communications K. B. Rind, and other two members President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Riaz Ahmed Tata and Syed Saleem Ahmed Zaidi jointly protested to the Chairman that in pursuance of the Land Allotment Committee (LAC), the information called for from the PQA has not been provided despite repeated reminders.
Neither the information about the pending list of applicants for allotment of land in different zones has been communicated nor the information about the development plans, water supply and sewerage facilities in various zones sent as required, it pointed out.
The committee unanimously protested and contended that if the non-co-operative attitude of the PQA officials continues, perhaps the committee would be justified to resign from their positions and request the Chairman to form a new committee.
The Director General, Planning and Development (P&D), conceded that the requisite lists were immediately provided to Riaz Ahmed Tata, a Karachi-based member of the Board in his office in good faith and on the basis of that information, Tata subsequently compiled the data of land and presented in the Board meeting.
The lists could not be furnished to the convenor of the development committee, which were later on sent to him in Islamabad.
He regretted for inconvenience caused to the convenor due to the late supply of lists.
The Chairman assured the committee members full co-operation of the PQA and while rejecting the perception of non-co-operation by the PQA officials, also assured that he would look into the situation and take appropriate action against any officials if ever found guilty for non-co-operation with the Board members.
He further requested that the committee might meet after 15 days and discuss all the issues pertaining to the land allotment/development in various zones, and comprehensive information would be provided to the members before those meetings.
It also felt that after scrutiny of the applicants for allotment in NWIZ, those found ineligible should be called and heard in person to ensure that no victimisation takes place and all applicants get equal and fair treatment before any decision is reached.
The allotment in various zones has to be fair, transparent and merit based. It should be as per PQA rules/policy.
Tata reiterated that in all fairness land reserved in various zones for various purposes as per Master Plan needed to be reviewed as requested earlier.
The situation has changed and the master plan needs to be revisited so that genuine investors are encouraged to come and invest in the PQA industrial/commercial areas for the interest of overall development of the Port.
K.B.Rind informed that the above proposal was with the Ministry and reply was still awaited. Thereafter following decisions were taken:
-- Meeting of the development committee to be called for three consecutive days with effect from August 26 to 28. The Chairman would also attend the meeting.
-- All applicants of NWIZ who are found ineligible after scrutiny should be called for personal interview to give them fair opportunity to prove the genuineness of their credentials.
-- The allotment of land in Eastern Zone would be discussed in the meeting of Land Allotment Committee and the decision about overall allotment in Eastern Zone will be taken once, the Board and the Ministry take decision about the area available at Eastern Zone for allotment to the applicants.
-- Syed Saleem Ahmed Zaidi, Member of the Board will henceforth head the scrutiny committee for transfer/allotment of plots in the PQA industrial zones. The recommendations of the committee will be put up to the Board for consideration/approval.
-- Director General (Ops) to inquire into the unpleasant incident which took place on July 29 and resulted in abrupt discontinuation of scrutiny committee's meeting headed by Board Member and submit its report within seven days to the Chairman.
The Board approved nine cases of transfer of land duly cleared by the scrutiny committee during its meeting held on July 28/29.
It pointed out that at the earlier Board meeting, the Director General (P&D) apprised the Board that Ministry of Commerce desired to develop 1,000 plots of 1,200 square yards at the PQA for overseas Pakistanis whose cost will be paid in foreign exchange. Later on the Minister for Communications also discussed the issue in detail during his visit to the PQA on April 5. He also perused the standard application form prescribed by the PQA for allotment and observed that it was too complicated for overseas Pakistanis who would be applying for small plots. Consequent upon Minister's verbal approval, a simplified application form for overseas Pakistanis has also been prepared.
He also directed that the scheme should be floated on the prevailing rates immediately and that he would himself introduce and promote the scheme amongst the Pakistani community during his visits abroad.
The Minister, however, directed that, if any amendment required to be made in the land allotment policy, the same should be also done.
Tata observed that while cutting the plots in smaller units it might not be cost effective for the PQA to provide required facilities to each and every allottee.
K.B.Rind opined that fetching of foreign investment and incentive for overseas Pakistanis needed to be given more importance.
Different options to change the rates were discussed, but keeping in view the on-going visit of the Minister to the UK, the Board did not change the proposed amount.
THE BOARD ACCORDED APPROVAL FOR:
-- The application form for overseas Pakistanis should be made part and parcel of the land allotment policy 2000.
-- 300 acres of land to be reserved for the above purpose carving out plots of 1,210 sq. yards each and the planning process to be initiated.
-- Suitable amendments to be introduced in the land allotment policy, if needed.
-- Foreign currency A/C be opened in US dollars for receiving the PDC and other charges from overseas Pakistanis and to refund in US dollars, as and when required.
-- Application forms be publicised and issued through relevant channels for overseas Pakistanis, and
-- PDCS for plots be as prevalent charges ie Rs 250,000 per plot to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis.
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