KARACHI, April 25: Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony of Gulshan-i-Qasim Township at Port Qasim on Monday. The federal minister directed PQA Chairman Rear Admiral Saleem Ahmed Meenai to expedite the plans, maps and other formalities of the scheme so that the plots could be handed over to the employees soon.

He warned that stern action would be taken against such officials who were taking commission for allotment of plots in the scheme, reserved for the employees of the Port Qasim Authority.

He said that mere owning a plot was not enough. “One should also funds to build a house.” In this regard, he said, banks had been asked to provide loan on low mark-up to facilitate PQA employees. He further said that the development charges from widows would be received on old rates.

The minister said that it was being considered that the commercial area of the project be auctioned and money received would be utilized for development charges to lessen the burden from the PQA employees.

On the occasion, the minister announced that the banks had been directed to give leasing facilities to low-income employees for purchasing motorcycles. He promised to look into the bonus and promotion policies of the PQA and rectify the problems faced by its employees.

Meanwhile, a committee comprised of Rear Admiral Mahmood Khan and Col Tariq was formed to monitor the development of Gulshan-i-Qasim.

Later, the minister unveiled the plaque of the scheme. The function was largely attended by the PQA officials. — PPI