The notices were issued to Chief Secretary Sindh, Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Headquarters Commander Pakistan Navy, Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Additional Attorney General of Pakistan, Advocate General Sindh, Secretary Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Secretary Local Government Sindh, Secretary Industries Sindh, Secretary Fisheries & Livestock Sindh.
Besides, Secretary Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), G M Operation KPT, Director General SEPA, Managing Director KFH, Managing Director Korangi Fish Harbour, Managing Director Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KW&SB) and Managing Director Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SWSB) have been directed to appear in person in the hearing.
Earlier, one-man judicial commission headed by former Justice Amir Hani Muslim took up the issue of pollution at harbours. Captain Rizwan Ahmed, representative of Headquarter Commander Karachi briefed the commission on the harbour pollution.
The overall picture portrayed by Pakistan Navy's representatives was horrible due to inaction on part of stakeholders that multiplied the issues of pollution.
It appears that none of the departments is discharging its lawful duties, the commission was informed. The inaction has resulted in great loss to national economy by reducing foreign exchange after European Union and United States of America (USA) imposed sanctions on the export of seafood, originating from Pakistan.
Pak Navy's representatives told the commission that constant flow of untreated waste into sea is more disturbing by damaging the marine life permanently. The national strategic installations and platforms are also exposed to destruction due to increasing pollution of sea.
It was pointed out that the filth in the harbour has been added because of direct discharge of industrial & municipal waste from different points of Karachi. The issues need to be addressed on war-footing basis, the commission was informed.
Former Justice Amir Hani Muslim observed that in view of the dismal situation at the harbour, the commission has left with no option to summon the top officials of relevant departments of the federal and provincial governments to come with remedial measures to resolve the multiple problems at the harbour.
Meanwhile, the commission also summoned Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad, Municipal Commissioner Hyderabad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cantonment Board and others to appear on Friday over the cleanliness and sanitary situation in the city.