KARACHI, Feb 25: The decade-old land management dispute between Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority and Fishermen Cooperative has been resolved, it is learnt here.

Fisheries sources said a notification has been issued by the Sindh government, authorising the KFHA to enter into a lease agreement with the FCS in respect of component of fish harbour, comprising a total area of 24,102 square yards for an immediate implementation.

The components are old fish market, excluding cold storage, a National Bank branch, a post office, a customs office, with a total area of 2,818 sq yds. The FCS offices on the first floor occupy an area of 3,130 square yards.

The other components are: new fish market, excluding cold storage, a branch of the Habib Bank and KFHA office on a total area of 2,686 square yards, besides a board room, a store, seven godowns on a total area of 2,261 square yards, the chairman’s offices (1,540 square yards), south pier (2,362 square yards), pier in front of new fish market (1,523 square yards), pier in front of ice store, (318 square yards), pier in front of old fish market and pier of turning basin (6,201 square yards).

According to the sources, the agreement will be executed for 15 years at the rate of Rs 650 per square yards per annum instead of 50 per cent of 6.25 per cent commission with the subsequent agreement as regulated by Rent Regulations of Sindh government from time to time.

It may be renewable with mutual consent of both parties and the Government of Sindh keeping in view the satisfactory performance of management of operational activities (hygienic condition, quality control conditions and general cleanliness in accordance with European Economic Commission standards in the area presently declared as Export Zone by the FCS at its own cost and expenditure.

It is further learnt that a joint meeting of the boards of directors of KFHA and FCS will be soon held to give a formal shape to the agreement.

After the approval of the agreement by the joint board of directors, the FCS will withdraw its suit pending in court against the KFHA.

The controversy over land management in the harbour between KFHA and FCS had been lingering on for about a decade. However, with the appointment of Syed Tayyeb Naqvi as the chairman of the FCS and KFHA, efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably.

Last year, a joint meeting of the board of directors of both the parties was held on the initiative of the FCS chairman. Subsequently an agreement was reached between two bodies which was referred to the provincial government for an approval.