Representatives of the Ministries of Climate Change, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Resources informed the committee that as per their record no such LNG terminal existed and they were unaware of any NOC issued or under process for the project by the Port Qasim Authority. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on climate change on Tuesday sought a report on construction of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Bundle Island Karachi, which could pollute the sea water and pose threat to defence installations.
The committee meeting, chaired by Samina Abid, directed the Ministry of Climate Change to hold inter-ministerial consultations with the ministries of Defence, Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ports and Shipping and the Sindh government on the construction of the terminal and submit a clear report within a week.
The committee was holding discussion on a ‘calling attention’ notice moved by Senators Taj Haider, Sherry Rehman and Karim Ahmed Khawaja about the construction of the LNG terminal resulting in obstruction of Bundle Island causing threat to security and safety of the Island as well as the defence infrastructure in the area.
The committee expressed concern over conflicting statements about the terminal, saying it required a clear reply.
It directed the ministry that the report should also contain all relevant details including the number of operational as well as proposed LNG terminals, applications for no-objection certificates, besides any negative effects of these terminals on the maritime life and threat to defence installations.
Representatives of the Ministries of Climate Change, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Resources informed the committee that as per their record no such LNG terminal existed and they were unaware of any NOC issued or under process for the project by the Port Qasim Authority.
They said till date no such application had been received, if any request comes, it would be evaluated keeping in view concerns of the committee and other stakeholders.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Saleem Zia, Sitara Ayaz Taj Haider and Sherry Rehman, besides senior officials of the Ministries of Climate Change, Defence, Petroleum and natural Resources.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2016.
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