KPT observes Independence Day with traditional fervour

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The Karachi Port Trust (KPT), observed the 65^th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan, with traditional fervour on August 14. Quran Khwani and special prayers were held at all the KPT mosques after Fajr Prayers while the siren of KPT Head Office and entire vessels in the harbour sounded for two minutes started at 8:58 am.

The newly appointed KPT Chairman, Jawed Hanif Khan, performed the flag hoisting at a graceful ceremony at the Head Office at 9:00 am and inspected the neatly dressed squads of Port Security Force, Port Fire Service, Port Civil Defence, Traffic Department, Marine Apprentices and Karachi Sea Scouts while a neatly dressed band presented the guard of honour.

As usual, the KPT Head Office and Keamari Boat Basin building were profusely illuminated during the nights falling on August 13 and 14.

The KPT Chairman distributed the Best Employee Awards of the Year to each of the selected candidates of every division of the organization, encouraging them and all others to perform even better in future.

Jawed Hanif Khan, a veteran of the District Management Group of the Civil Superior Services (CSS), replaced Mohammad Aslam Hayat as Chairman of the KPT a couple of weeks ago.

He had started his professional career in 1986, having done Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Master of Arts (Economics) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Karachi.

Before joining the KPT, he was serving as Director General of Planning and Development at the Port Qasim Authority. Previously he worked as District Coordination Officer of the City District Government Karachi, Deputy Commissioner of Karachi Central and Deputy Commissioner of Sukkur and Badin.

Jawed Hanif’s rich experience of management and administration would come handy for a vibrant institution like the KPT which has initiated quite a few mega projects, with the collaboration of private sector, during the last few years which include the state-of-the-art food court, Port Grand, at Native Jetty and Jinnah Rotary Bridge.

The KPT will be further strengthened with his expertise as more development work is planned to be carried out in the near future aimed at making Karachi Port the primary hub of maritime activity in the region.