KARACHI, April 9: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghuari said on Monday that the shipping protocol with India had proved beneficial for Pakistan and the PNSC.

Addressing a ceremony held to distribute keys of motorcycles among low-ranking staff of the PNSC, Mr Ghauri said that when the present government took over, the PNSC was at the verge of bankruptcy and had no Pakistan flag carrier. “Now we have a sizeable fleet and two oil-tankers and a bulk cargo carrier will be inducted very soon,” he said.

As the profit and earning of the PNSC would grow, dividend would be paid to employees and there would be more bonuses and raise in salaries, he added.

He also announced that 200 acres of land would be given by the Port Qasim Authority to the PNSC for housing society of its employees. “We are expecting a piece of land on National Highway from the Sindh government and out of it, land for the society would be given,” he said.

The federal minister, while eulogising the performance of the present government, said that due importance was given to workers’ welfare.

He said: “We will be contesting elections on the basis of our performance and will return successful.”

Earlier, the PNSC chairman said that the shipping protocol between India and Pakistan had revitalised the corporation.

While talking to reporters after the ceremony, the minister said the PSNC building was cleared of any structural damage in the recent fire incident.

There was no expert in Pakistan who could determine the cause of the fire and therefore services of a foreign expert had been hired.

LOADSHEDDING: Mr Ghauri expressed concern over the frequent power outages and water shortage in the city.