"We strongly condemn the rumours that are circulating targeting soyabean cargo which was being discharged partly at Karachi Port Trust at berth No. 10/11 East Wharf.

It may be noted that the cargo was discharged only during night of Sunday 16th February, 2020 (discharging commenced at 19:00 hours) and day of Monday 17th February, 2020 (discharging stopped at about 22:00 hours). Total of more than 600 labor worked on the ship none of them have been affected.

This cargo has been arriving at Karachi Port since the last many years and up till now not a single incident has occurred or has been reported.

When the cargo was being discharged the wind direction was North East (NE) which means it was towards Manora direction not towards land.

We wish to also point out that the first person who was hospitalized was before the ship commenced discharging.

Ship Agents Association and Stevedoring Conference strongly advise that we should try and investigate the true nature of this incident considering the ground realities rather than getting involved in rumor mongering or speculation.

This cargo is used to make edible oil, ie, it is a agricultural commodity and does not have chemicals in it.

Plant Protection Department visited the ship on 18th February, 2020 with gas detectors to check for any harmful or toxic gases. No gases were detected.

We strongly recommend that this ship should not be shifted and cargo should be discharged at Karachi Port only.

We confirm that we along with labor force of about 2,000 to 3,000 will stay at Karachi Port Trust berth during discharging operations.

We must have the courage of our convictions."-PR