Fishing Jetties will be registered in Sindh

KARACHI, May 10,2022-The Sindh cabinet has approved Sindh Registration and Regulation of Fishing Jetties Rules-2022” saying that different agencies have reported that a number of illegal jetties were being operated along the coastal areas of Sindh.

This entire activity was reported to be completely unchecked by government agencies causing an approximate loss of Rs. 4 to 5 billion annually in the form of evasion of taxes or duties to the government and affecting fish exports.

The meeting was told that these jetties were feared to be used for smuggling of goods, fish, fuel and even drugs to and from Pakistan and could also be used by terrorists/ foreign hands to penetrate their agents into Pakistan.

In pursuance of the information, the chief secretary held a meeting, wherein it was decided that the issue of rules/regulations with regard to jetties should be resolved.

The cabinet was told that there were 64 unregistered jetties, including five at Kiamari, 27 Malir, 29 Thatta, two Sujawal and one at Badin.

Sindh cabinet decides to affix electronic devices in the body of habitual offenders

The cabinet approved the Rules and directed the Fisheries department to lease/license the jetties against a prescribed fee for a period of three years.

According to the Rules the department would have the authority to conduct inspection of the jetty prior to its registration and licensing. The provincial Marine wing of Fisheries department would raise Marine Police to provide security to the Jetties and maintain law and order there.

Water shortages

The provincial cabinet expressed serious reservations on the opening of CJ Link Canal at a time when Sindh has acute shortage of drinking water. The cabinet urged IRSA to take necessary measures to close CJ Link Canal.

KFHA Board of Directors

The cabinet also approved a 15-member Board of directors of Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority under Minister Fisheries & Livestock.

Land for displaced families from canals

The cabinet approved allotment of 200 acres land at Taluka Rohri, District Sukkur for the displaced families of canals. The cabinet decided that the land would be leased out for a period of 99 years and each displaced family would be given 80 square yards. The chief minister said that the allotment of the land was pending from 2017, therefore he directed the BoR to hand over the land to Commissioner Sukkur for onward allotment to the families.

Technology Park at NED University

The cabinet approved establishment of a Technology Park at NED University under PPP mode. The NED University was also allowed to initiate the process and seek the status of Special Economic Zone for eight years. The provincial government would also financially support the university’s IT Intervention Fund.

Exemption from payment of Property Tax

The cabinet granted exemption from payment of Property Tax in respect of properties owned by Ms Dawat-e-Hadiyah, Karachi and some other properties owned by Bohra Community in the city.