KARACHI: Change of guard in PNSC has entered next phase with information coming from Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MOMA) Islamabad that its Secretary has curtailed financial and administrative powers of Rizwan Ahmed, disobedient Chairman. All Directors of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation are asked to listen to owner of Company which is government of Pakistan having 89 percent of shareholding.

According to informed sources, another big fuss has been discovered between Minister of Finance and PNSC for payment of just inducted two second-hand tankers. Sources said that Ministry of Finance had no knowledge of this deal and they were taken by surprise for payment of $ 42.75 million. Hence, former Chairman Rizwan Ahmed may be asked to vacate office and sit at home to wait for court judgment. In Islamabad on August 16, 2022 a meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs was held with Senator Rubina Khalid in chair. She expressed resentment over PNSC Rizwan Ahmed’s refusal to vacate office for Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed, recently appointed by Prime Minister and maintained that non-compliance with PM House’s order is a criminal offense and henceforth refused to take briefing from him.

Officials of PNSC informed Committee that recently on instructions of former Chairman; PNSC bought two vessels worth $ 42.75 million which were 14.5 years old and can be further used for next 5 and half years only. Chairman Committee directed Ministry to initiate an inquiry into matter and refer it to Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission. Chairman Committee also directed to take stern action and curtail financial and administrative powers of former Chairman. Senators Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot, Nuzhat Sadiq, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Moula Bux Chandio, Muhammad Akram, Naseema Ehsan and Senator Saifullah Abro. Secretary, Ministry for Maritime Affairs Mathar Niaz Rana, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority and concerned officers attended meeting.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 19 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.