CSR funds: NA panel demands original pacts between KPT, gas transport companies

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Tuesday raised concerns over the use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and called for the submission of original agreements between Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and two key gas transport firms – Karachi Gas Transport Ltd (KGTL) and Karachi Gas Terminal Maintenance Ltd (KGTML).

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, chaired by Abdul Qadir Patel, emphasised the need for KPT to provide the agreements for transparency, and, despite some progress, decided to review additional documents and schedule a follow-up meeting to ensure full compliance.

In other discussions, the committee was briefed on the outsourcing of firefighting services at the ports, which has resulted in savings of Rs35 million annually. Officials explained that outsourcing provided specialised services that an in-house team could not.

Activities of Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim

The committee also considered a proposal for a Facilitation Centre aimed at improving public services. The members of the committee showed support for the initiative and requested regular updates on its development.

On the legislative front, the committee reviewed four key maritime bills: the Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Material on Ships Bill, 2025; Port Qasim Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Gwadar Port Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and Karachi Port Trust (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Although the Ministry of Law urged quick passage of the Hazardous Material Bill to meet international standards, the committee decided to defer all four bills for further review. Members were asked to submit any suggestions or amendments by 1 January 2026.

The deferral shows the committee’s careful approach to maritime legislation, especially in regard to meeting international environmental obligations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to thorough reviews of all proposed legislation and ensuring compliance with national and international standards.

Additionally, concerning written questions submitted to the ministry, it was decided that members would review the replies and, if dissatisfied, could arrange a separate meeting with the Secretary of KPT to ensure complete satisfaction.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025