Turkish ship-mounted rental power plant stays in nautical limits of Pakistan as formalities such as clearance of dues are yet to be completed between the foreign company and authorities concerned here. According to sources, authorities concerned have not allowed the ship to leave the sea limits until all formalities are over.
The ship is still here despite the clearance of the plant by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) through a No Objection Certificate. Interestingly, according to the NOC, a copy of which is available with Business Recorder, the ship was cleared by NAB on October 11, 2012.
The NOC/letter, No 2(1-RPP)/SOD/2012/NAB dated October 11, says that pursuant to the judgement of the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan dated March 30, 2012 in Human Rights Case No 7734-G/2008 & 1003-/2010 and Human Rights case No 56712/2010, the NAB has completed its inquiry into Karkey Rental Power Project.
It says" NAB confirms that after having completed its enquiry, it is satisfied that Karkey Karadeniz Elektrik Uretim (KKEU), its wholly owned subsidiaries affiliates, sponsors, shareholders, directors, employees, servants, representatives, agents, advisers, sub-contractors both past and present whosoever located ("KARKEY") have settled the agreed account between Karkey and Lakhra Power Generation Company Limited. Resultantly, Karkey has no liability under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 and there remains no basis or evidence for proceeding(s) by NAB or any other entity against Karkey and/or its project investment and that NAB has completed and closed its enquiry in respect of Karkey."
"In view of the above, all ministries, divisions, departments, organs, agencies, instrumentalities and functionaries of the Government of Pakistan are directed to facilitate the immediate release, repatriation and/or re-export of Karkey's assets, including without limitation the power ship, supplies and monies, and its personnel from Pakistan, free of any charges, exchange controls, duties or taxes," it added.
The letter further said, "the above is tantamount to the No Objection Certificate sought and issues with the approval of competent authority." The official sources at NAB were not available for comments. A representative of KKEU Asad claimed that the ship was stationed at another area near Port Qasim. "We stand of the earlier stance that until all formalities are finalised, the plant would be stationed around port (Port Qasim) area."
The ship had left the sea area near Karachi following an agreement signed with the authorities concerned. It was claimed by NAB that as per the settlement made under the directive of SC, the Turkish company was allowed to move back after paying Rs 1.65 billion penalty to Government of Pakistan for not meeting the agreed terms.