Minister for Communication, Babar Khan Ghauri while chairing a meeting convened to resolve the issue of claims of the stakeholders of M T Tasman Spirit on Monday directed the concerned authorities to forcefully plead the case for compensation to affectees.
"The matters of compensation for the stakeholders of M T Tasman Spirit to be contested on sound footing in order to safeguard the national interest," he told the meeting. He also directed to engage such a counsel who is well-versed in maritime affairs.
The European countries have appreciated the goodwill gesture by Pakistan in releasing the detained crew of the ship and making efforts to resolve the matter amicably. Matter of the contract of Capital Dredging of Karachi Port Channel also came under discussion.
The minister hoped, the Chairman, Vice Admiral Ahmed Hayat (Retd) would take personal interest in levelling the sea shore by removing the dumped sand to enable the heaviest vessels to embark on the sea shore of Karachi.
"Best facilities should be provided to the traders on Karachi Port to attract more and more businessmen from the neighbouring countries," Ghauri said.
He also directed to keep in mind the WTO standards in the process of facilities providing.
Secretary Communications, Iftikhar Rashid gave a background of the case. Additional Secretary, K. B. Rind highlighted the objectives of convening this meeting and the Chairman Karachi Port Trust presented his view point regarding the claims of the stakeholders of the ship. Rear Admiral Nauman Bashir, DG, Operations Karachi Ports gave some concrete suggestions to resolve the issue.