ISLAMABAD, June 22: The federal government has, in principle, approved installation of a modern radar, VTS and security system for the Karachi Port to minimise human interaction in security-related issues.

Officials sources said here on Saturday that in the current geo-political situation tough security measures were required at the Karachi Port and that was why the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) had been asked to make necessary security arrangements.

The modern security system would not only minimize the security risks but improve the efficiency of the port as no manual checking of documents at the gates will be needed.

With the commissioning of the modern security system unauthorised entrants in the port area through smallboats could be checked and pilferage contained.

The new system will help security of the harbour waters and approach channel besides ensuring safety of harbour crafts and vessels during low visibility periods.

The total cost of the project is Rs794.9 million and it is being sponsored by the ministry of communication. It will mainly be financed by grant in aid from the Government of Japan.

The project envisages designing, procurement, installation, testing and commissioning of Radar and VTS system and will improve navigational system at the Karachi Port and bring the navigational facilities to modern shipping standards.

At present, there are no radar or electronic surveillance systems at the Karachi Port. Security of the Karachi Port and all its offices is the responsibility of the KPT’s Watch and Ward Department. Services of the Pakistan Navy have also been acquired for augmenting security at the gates and within the channel.

The security staff is equipped with vehicles, VHF, hand body scanners and vehicles’ checking mirrors.

The federal government has been informed that the Karachi Port has extended its limits from three nautical miles to 12 nautical miles and the proposed radar and VTS system will monitor and oversee the extended port limits.