STAKEHOLDER’S CONCERN ON NATIONAL HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY 2022
In pursuance of the Honorable Prime Minister’s direction, Mr. Mathar Niaz Rana, the Federal Secretary Ministry of Maritime Affairs chaired a meeting to address and resolve the issues of Pakistan Ship Breakers Associations (PSBA) on National Hazardous Waste Management Policy 2022 in Islamabad today.
The meeting was attended by Chairman Balochistan Development Authority (BDA), representative of Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), Pakistan Ship Breakers Association (PSBA), Gaddani Ship Breakers Association, and officials of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The Secretary Maritime Affairs welcomed the participants to the meeting and appreciated the role of ship breaking industry in the economy of Pakistan and ensured complete assistance in resolving their issues.
On the occasion, the representative of PSBA expressed reservation on National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, 2022 issued by Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC). According to them some clauses of the policy – based on Basel Convention – are against Ship Breaker’s business model. It was apprised to the participants that Basel Convention has become obsolete now and recycling / ship breaking of ship is done on Hong Kong Convention which has not been adopted yet.
The Secretary appreciated all stakeholders and desired to support Ship Breaking Industry as they contribute heavily in the national exchequer through taxes. He assured that a committee will be formed to resolve the issue of PSBA and to expedite the ratification of Hong Kong Convention. He also suggested that the MoMA will move a summary to the Cabinet for making changes in the Rules of Business to designate Ship Recycling / Ship Breaking Industry and directed officials of the MoMA to start the process of ratification of the Hong Kong Convention.
The meeting ended with the vote of thanks to and from chair.