Page 1 of 25 THE PAKISTAN LAND PORT AUTHORITY ACT, 2025 CONTENTS CHAPTER-I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title, extent, and commencement 2. Definitions 3. The Authority CHAPTER-II CONSTITUTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY 4. Governing Council 5. Meetings of the Governing Council 6. Powers and Functions of the Governing Council 7. Composition of the Authority 8. Meetings of the Authority 9. Powers and functions of the Authority 10. Appointment of the Managing Director 11. Powers and functions of Managing Director 12. Employment under the Authority 13. Employees to be public servants Page 2 of 25 CHAPTER-III COORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, TRADE FACILITATION AND BORDER CONTROL 14. Coordination, Trade Facilitation and Border Controls CHAPTER-IV CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND REMOVAL 15. Conflict of interest 16. Members Not to engage in other businesses 17. Removal, resignation etc. of Member CHAPTER-V DECLARATION OF LAND PORTS AND SETTLEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 18. Declaration of Land Ports 19. Assets and Liabilities CHAPTER-VI LAND PORT MANAGEMENT BOARD 20. Land Port Management Board 21. Powers and function of Management Board 22. Power to implement directions CHAPTER-VII CONTRACTS BY AUTHORITY, OUTSOURCING AND LICENSING 23. Contracts by Authority etc. 24. Grant of Licenses CHAPTER-VIII OFFENCES 25. Offences 26. Cognizance of offences CHAPTER-IX STRATEGIC SUPPORT 27. Strategic support Page 3 of 25 28. Power of the Federal Government to issue Policy Guidelines CHAPTER-X FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 29. Authority to charge fees, rent etc. at land ports 30. Exemption and power to remit 31. Pakistan Land Port Authority Fund 32. Bank Accounts 33. Borrowing powers of Authority 34. Budget and Accounts 35. Audit 36. Recovery of fees, charges etc. CHAPTER-XI ADJUDICATION BOARD AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION 37. Complaint Cell 38. Adjudication Board 39. Dispute Resolution 40. Review and appeal of any order or decision CHAPTER-XII MISCELLANEOUS 41. Submission of annual report 42. Acquisition of land 43. Purchase, lease or exchange of property 44. Custody and disposal of lost property 45. Co-operation with international organizations 46. Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1969, etc. not to apply 47. Symbol, design or representation of Authority 48. Power to make Rules 49. Power to make Regulations Page 4 of 25 50. Authority to be exempt from taxation 51. Confidential Information 52. Indemnity 53. Savings and Transition 54. Act not to derogate 55. Removal of difficulty Page 5 of 25 THE PAKISTAN LAND PORT AUTHORITY ACT, 2025 ACT NO. XXV OF 2025 AN ACT [29th August, 2025] to provide for establishment of Pakistan Land Port Authority WHEREAS, it is expedient to establish a Land Port Authority to provide and administer an integrated system of facilities for cross border movement of goods and passengers at land ports in Pakistan and to make provision for its operation, management, development of Land port and matters connected therewith and ancillary matters; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to prov ide a framework for the declaration, regulation, security and oversight of all land ports for purposes of promoting trade, fostering free competition, implementing border control and protecting the national and strategic interests of Pakistan for effective governance of land ports; AND WHEREAS, it is imperative to establish a robust mechanism to carry out effective coordination with border agencies for trade facilitation in pursuance of the commitments of Pakistan under international agreements and conventi ons for enhanced land port efficiency and regional port competitiveness. It is hereby enacted as follows:__ CHAPTER-I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title, extent, and commencement .__ (1) This Act shall be called the Pakistan Land Port Authority Act, 2025. (2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan. (3) It shall come into force at once. 2. Definitions.__ (1) In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,__ (a) “Administrative Division” means the division to which the business of the Authority stands allocated; (b) “Adjudication Board” means the Adjudication Board established under section 38; (c) “Authority” means the authority constituted under section 3; (d) “border control” means integrated systems and measures put in place to monitor and regulate the movement of people, vehicles and goods across land ports and Page 6 of 25 to ensure the security of land ports and border crossing points in coordination with all relevant Government Agencies; (e) “border crossing point” means the territory or part of territory of border railway stations, border stations and any crossing point that allows for cross border movement of goods and passengers by road or rail as notified under the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969) and under any other applicable law or rules for the time being inforce; (f) “Controller” means the Controller of the Management Board; (g) “goods” means any goods as defined under the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969); (h) “Governing Council” means the Governing Council constituted under section 4; (I) “Government Agencies” means the ministries, divisions, departments, authorities, law enforcement agencies, corporations and other instrumentalities of the respective Governments and shall include their officers and representatives; (j) “infrastructure” means infrastructure required for setting up cargo and passenger terminals, administration center, infrastructure for handling, storage and transportation of goods including warehouses, container depots, canopies and cargo complexes for storage and processing of goods, facilitation of passengers, cargo and passenger transport, information communication technology and for providing facilities including but not limited to power, water and any other utilities and infrastructure required for land port operation and giving effect to the provisions of this Act; (k) “land” includes buildings and benefits arising out of land and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth; (l) “land port” shall mean any land customs station, border crossing point, or any area that provides or is intended to provide controlled entry into or departure from Pakistan of goods, vehicles and passengers with terminal services and facilities at the border, excluding seaports and airports as declared under section 18, (m) “land customs station” means any land customs station declared under the relevant provision of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969) for the cle arance of goods or any class of goods imported or to be exported by land or inland waterways; (n) “land port operations” shall mean the services and facilities for the handling, storage and transportation of goods, facilitation of passengers and vehicles, and any other services and facilities necessary for carrying out the operations of a land port as authorized and include such other operations as may be prescribed by Rules; (o) “land port operator” shall mean the person or an organization holding a license Page 7 of 25 or engaged under contractual agreement under this Act for carrying out land port operations; (p) “Managing Director” means the Chairperson of the Authority appointed under section 10; (q) “Member” means the members of the Governing Council, Authority or the Management Board, as the case may be; (r) “Management Board” means the Land Port Management Board constituted under section 20; (s) “Person” includes an association of persons or joint -venture, whether incorporated or otherwise, undertaking, firm, public or private concern, company, corporation, department, organization, agency, authority, or a body corporate set up or controlled by the Federal Government, or as the case may, a Provincial Government; (t) “prescribed” means prescribed by Rules or Regulations made under this Act; (u) “President” means president of the Governing Council; (v) “Regulations” means the regulations made under this Act; (w) “Rules” means the rules made under this Act; (x) “Secretary” means the secretary of the Authority; and (y) “Service Provider” means all persons other than Government Agencies and land port operators that provide services at the land ports relating to food, catering, health, recreational facilities and other general amenities. 3. The Authority.__ (1) On commencement of this Act, there shall stand established an Authority to be known as the Pakistan Land Port Authority for carrying out the purposes of this Act. (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power to purchase, procure, sell, exchange, hold, acquire, and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, as well as interests therein, and may, by its name, sue or be sued. (3) The head office of the Authority shall be at Islama bad. The Authority may establish and operate regional offices at such other places, as the Authority may determine, from time to time. CHAPTER-II CONSTITUTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY 4. Governing Council.__ (1) On the commencement of this Act, the Prime Minister of Pakistan shall constitute a Governing Council consisting of the following members, namely:__ (a) Minister of the Administrative Division President Page 8 of 25 (b) Secretary of the Administrative Division Member (c) Secretary, Ministry of Commerce Member (d) Secretary, Ministry of Communications Member (e) Secretary, Ministry of Defence Member (f) Secretary, Revenue Division Member (g) Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Member (h) Secretary, Ministry of National Food Security & Research Member (i) Managing Director Member (j) Director General, Immigration and Passport Member (k) Chief Executive, Trade Development Authority Pakistan Member (l) Member Customs (Operations) Member (m) (n) President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry or his nominee Economic Expert, having at least a Master degree in Economics or Trade from a recognized institution or University, and a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the fields of trade, commerce, or economic policy Member Member (o) Legal Expert, who is an advocate of the High Court with at least fifteen years experience with demonstrated expertise in customs laws; Member (2) The relevant Additional Secretary of the Division concerned shall be the Secretary of the Governing Board. (3) The Governing Council may, for its assistance, invite any person having special knowledge or expertise in any relevant field to attend its meeting. Such person may be invited in such manner, having such qualification on such terms and conditions, as the Governing Council may determine. Such invitee shall not be entitled to vote. 5. Meetings of the Governing Council.__ (1) The meetings of the Governing Council shall be called by the President at least twice a year at such time and place as may he specified by him or on his direction, the Managing Director may call such meeting. (2) The quorum for a meeting of the Governing Council shall be half of the total members: Provided that no meeting of the Governing Council shall be held in the absence of the President and the Managing Director. (3) The decisions of the Governing Council shall be taken by a majority of the members present and noting. Page 9 of 25 (4) The President or in his absence, the Managing Director shall preside over the meetings of the Governing Council. (5) The President may invite any relevant Person to attend a meeting of the Governing Council on any specific agenda item taken up for consideration at such meeting. (6) In circumstances of urgency or exceptional necessity, when it is not reasonably practicable to convene physical meeting of the Governing Council, a virtual or hybrid meeting shall be held using secure video conferencing platforms. All decisions made in such meeting shall be duly recorded and shall be placed before the next physical meeting of the Governing Council for ratification and inclusion in the official minutes. (7) No act or proceedings of the Governing Council shall be invalid merely on the ground of the existence of any vacancy in or any defect in the constitution of the Governing Council. (8) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Governing Council shall have the power to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business. 6. Powers and Functions of the Governing Council .__ (1) The Governing Council shall he responsible for the overall supervision of the Authority for the purposes of carrying o ut the functions under this Act, (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Governing Council shall__ (a) supervise, monitor and review the functions of the Authority; (b) recommend for consideration by the Government requisite policy initiatives; (c) provide guidelines and directions to the Authority for carrying out its functions under this Act; (d) review plans and initiatives of the Authority; (e) conduct annual performance review of the Authority in such manner as may be prescribed by Regulations; (f) review and approve annual budget of the Authority, and ensure transparent utilization thereof in the manner prescribed by Regulations; and (g) transact such other business as entrusted to it under this Act. (3) The Governing Council may, in such manner as may be prescribed, constitute committees and sub -committees, from time to time, and entrust such powers and functions to t hem, as the Governing Council may deem appropriate. (4) The Governing Council may, in exceptional circumstances and for the purpose of carrying out the objectives of this Act, delegate any of its functions to the Authority or to any member thereof; subject to such conditions as it may deem appropriate and upon recording in writing the reasons for such delegation. Page 10 of 25 (5) The decision taken by Governing Council under this Act, shall be binding on Government Agencies to follow at land ports. 7. Composition of the Authority.__ (1) The Authority shall comprise of the following members, namely:__ (a) Managing Director - Chairperson (b) Additional Secretary of the Administrative Division - Member (c) Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence - Member (d) Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce - Member (e) Chairman, National Highway Authority - Member (f) Member Customs (Operations) - Member (g) Director Military Operations, Military Operations Directorate - Member (h) Additional Director General Immigration, FIA - Member (i) Director, Pakistan Land Port Authority - Secretary (2) The Authority may, as deemed appropriate, co-opt logistics and supply chain professionals or any other relevant Person as member, from time to time, in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. (3) The Managing Director shall be the chief executive and principal accounting officer of the Authority and shall be responsible for carrying out the functions of the Authority. 8. Meetings of the Authority .__ (1) The Chairperson may call and preside a meeting of the Authority at such times and at such places as may be specified by him or in his absence, the Additional Secretary of the Administrative Division may call and preside the meeting. (2) The quorum of a meeting of the Authority shall be the majority of the total members and all order and decisions of the Authority shall be taken by vote of majority of the members present, and shall be recorded, in writing, by the Secretary. (3) If an ex-officio Member is unable to attend the meeting, he may authorize any of his officer, not below the rank of BPS-20 or equivalent, to attend the meeting in his place. (4) No proceeding, meeting, or decision of the Authority shall be called in question or invalidated for the reason of a defect or vacancy in the constitution of the Authority. 9. Powers and functions of the Authority.__ (1) The Authority shall exercise the powers and perform the functions necessary for the achieving the purposes of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of sub -section (1), the Authority shall have the power to__ (a) develop, administer and manage land ports and exercise powers of regulation of processes at land ports for facilitation of trade and implementation of border control; (b) inspect, monitor and administer the performance of land port operators; Page 11 of 25 (c) monitor and coordinate with the Government Agencies engaged in or deployed at land ports; (d) stipulate and implement measures for reducing dwell time in clearance of goods at land ports in coordination with Government Agencies, and to formulate and develop strategies as well as procedures for carrying out its functions in accordance with the provisions of the Act and rules made thereunder; (e) grant, issue, recognize, suspend, and revoke licenses, agreements and contracts for any commercial facilities for land port operators; (f) establish liaison and communication with foreign port authorities, international organizations and designated counterparts; (g) arrange and promote training sessions, seminars, workshops, and constitute working groups for implementing programs aimed at improving the functionality of land ports; (h) facilitate the process of optimizing logistics costs and other related charges under the market economy; (i) to collect or cause to be collected fees, dues, charges, levy, rents and other amounts under the Act; (j) establish cold storages, quarantine facilities, certification laboratories, hotels, residential buildings, restaurants, s hops, restrooms and other recreational centers for facilitating passengers at land ports or any other facility as required; (k) accredit equipment and infrastructure, implement systems, and frameworks for the development and efficient operation of land ports; (l) develop and operate information technology systems for implementing integrated business processes, port community system and integrated cross - border cargo management systems for carrying out the purposes of this Act; (m) implement and facilitate pr ograms for ease of doing business at land ports to ensure a trade-friendly environment; (n) purchase, procure, acquire, hold, sell and dispo se of land and property, as welt as interests therein, for carrying out the purposes of this Act; (o) procure, insta ll, maintain, and modernize infrastructure including land port management system at land ports to ensure efficient provision of terminal services and facilities; (p) plan, construct and maintain roads, terminals and infrastructure within the limits of land ports in order to ensure their smooth functioning; (q) design, approve, execute any scheme, and to undertake any works for carrying out the purposes of this Act; (r) plan, develop and undertake any commercial undertaking or project individually Page 12 of 25 or through joint venture or public private partnership with local and international agencies, government institutions and private sector for carrying out the purposes of this Act; (s) carry out investigation, survey, exploration or feasibilities studies and to collaborate in, carrying out, or procure the carrying out of, research relating to its functions under this Act and publish information that results from the research; (t) acquire lands for carrying out purposes of the Authority and to lease, purchase, procure, sell, exchange, mortgage or rent out or otherwise dispose of any movable or immovable property; (u) may, in accordance with applicable policy of the Federal Government, requisition or engage officers or members of staff from government agencies as may be necessary for the effective discharge of its functions under this Act; (v) raise funds through borrowing, investments, leasing of assets or any other means in the manner prescribed by Regulations and incur any expenditure necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act; and (w) performing other functions connected therewith or ancillary thereto. (3) The Authority may, in such manner as may be prescribed by Regulations, constitute committees and sub-committees, from time to time, for the purposes of this Act. (4) The Authority may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed by Rules, delegate any of its functions to the Managing Director. (5) The Authority shall exercise all the administrative, executive and financial powers and do all acts, which are required to be exercised or done by the Authority for the purpose of this Act. 10. Appointment of the Managing Director.__ The Prime Minister shall appoint a Managing Director of the Authority who is serving or has served in BPS -22 having such qualifications, experience and on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by Rules. 11. Powers and functions of Managing Director.__ (1) The Managing Director shall exercise such administrative, operational and financial powers with regards to the functioning of the Authority, as may be delegated to him by the Authority under this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to generality of sub-section (1), the Managing Director shall__ (a) administer day-to-day affairs of the Authority in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Governing Council; (b) appoint a Director General to the Authority, after the approval of the Pr ime Minister, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed, who shall perform such functions as the Managing Director may assign; (c) ensure implementation of the directions and guidelines issued by the Governing Council; Page 13 of 25 (d) manage and supervise the officers, members of the staff and other employees of the Authority; (e) perform any act or function that may be assigned to him, under this Act; and (f) carry out all activities connected therewith or ancillary thereto for the purposes of this Act. (3) The Managing Director may, either by himself or through any officer designated by him in this behalf, carry out correspondence and sign, verify, pursue and file all pleadings, contracts, and such other legal documents on behalf of the Authority at appropriate forum. (4) For the efficient management of the Authority, the Managing Director with the approval of Governing Council may, from time to time, subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed, delegate any of his powers and functions to any Member or officer of the Authority. 12. Employment under the Authority.__ (1) The Authority may, from time to time, appoint, engage, induct, remove or transfer as deemed appropriate, any person as an employee, officer, staff, expert, consultant, advisor, public servant on deputation, or through initial recruitment, contractual or other basis by such procedures on such and the terms and conditions of their service may as be prescribed by Regulations. (2) The Authority with approval of the Federal Government, from time to time, establish, create, sanction, approve, abolish, or merge any post, office, or directorate, as may be required. (3) In case of any adverse finding by the Authority against any public servant on deputation shall forwarded such findings to the relevant agency for disposal of case, which shall be d ecided by the relevant agency under its relevant laws and rules made there under. 13. Employees to be public servants .__ The Managing Director, Members, employees, directors, staff, functionaries, and officers of the Authority shall, when acting or purport ing to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, be deemed to be public servants, within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860). CHAPTER-III COORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, TRADE FACILITATION AND BORDER CONTROL 14. Coordination, Trade Facilitation and Border Controls .__ (1) For the performance of functions under this Act, the Authority shall provide office space and areas, duly designated for different Government Agencies within each land port and ensure provision of basic requirements. (2) The Authority shall be solely responsible for coordinating with all relevant Government Agencies for performance of their functions and for implementing border control, and shall facilitate the working of such agencies at land ports. (3) For purposes mentioned in sub -section (2), the A uthority shall issue standard operating procedures, code of operations and may enter into arrangements, where required, with Government Agencies. (4) The Authority may, whenever required, request the assistance of Government Agencies to Page 14 of 25 maintain peace and security at land ports, in accordance with applicable laws. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any provisions of this Act, the Government Agencies shall discharge their functions under their respective laws. (6) If any dispute arises with regard to coordination amongst the Government Agencies, standards or in their roles and duties amongst each other or any other dispute under this Act, such disputes shall be settled by the Authority. (7) If any Government Agency is not satisfied with the resolution of the dispute under sub - section (6), such agency may refer the matter to the Governing Council, which shall decide upon the matter on expeditious basis and such decision shall be binding on all Government Agencies. (8) For the purposes of trade facilitati on, integrated border management, interagency cooperation, implementing standards, reduction in dwell time and othe r inter agency issues for clearance of goods, the working of relevant Government Agencies shall be coordinated for operational efficiency. The data and information in this respect shall be maintained and published by the Authority. CHAPTER-IV CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND REMOVAL 15. Conflict of interest.__ (1) Every Member shall arrange and manage his affairs in a manner that prevents such person from having a conflict of interest, direct or indirect, pecuniary or otherwise, with the affairs of the Authority, and shall make a declaration to this effect in such manner as may be prescribed by Regulations. (2) Any person who is in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1), or submits a false or inaccurate declaration to such effect, shall be proceeded against in such manner as may be prescribed under Regulations may result in his removal as well. 16. Members Not to engage in other businesses.__ Any Member, except the president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry or his nominee, shall not, during their respective term of office, engage with, for compensation or profit, any person or entity engaged in land port operations, or any part thereof, under this Act. 17. Removal, resignation etc of Member .__ (1) Any Member, other than an ex-officio member, may be removed from such body, by the appointing authority, if such member__ (a) is found guilty of misconduct; (b) is inefficient or becomes incapable of discharging his responsibilities and functions under this Act; (c) is declared insolvent by a competent court of law; (d) is declared to be disqualified for employment in, or has been dismissed from the service of Pakistan or has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction, of offences involving moral turpitude or financial embezzlement; or (e) enters into plea bargain under any law for the time being in force. Page 15 of 25 (2) Any Member, other than an ex-officio member, may resign from his office under this Act at any time by writing under his hand addressed to the appointing authority, and such resignation shall be effective from the date of its acceptance by the appointing authority. CHAPTER-V DECLARATION OF LAND PORTS AND SETTLEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 18. Declaration of Land Ports.__ The Authority may, with the concurrence of the concerned Provincial Government, from time to time, by notification in the official Gazette, declare, define, alter or extend the limits of any land port after the same have been duly verified under the Custo m Act, 1969 (IV of 1969) for the purposes of this Act: Provided that such extension shall only apply to areas that are contiguous to the existing land port boundaries. 19. Assets and Liabilities .__ (1) On the date of notification of the Authority or any ti me afterwards as specified in the said notification, all lands, buildings, equipment and all other forms of property relating to land port, whether real or personal, and all interests therein, as immediately before the issue of that notification or specified date, as the case may be, were in the ownership or possession or lease of the Federal Government, subject to such limitations if any Federal Government may, in such notification specify, shall vest in the Authority and such vesting shall also be deemed to include liabilities and obligations in relation to such assets. (2) The notification under sub -section (1) shall be issued only after the concurrence of the concerned Government Agencies, in case where such properties are owned or controlled by any of such Government Agency. (3) Notwithstanding any thing contained in this Act, except with the prior written permission of the Governing Council, the Authority shall not sell any land vested in the Authority. (4) Any contract, agreement, and working arrangeme nt subsisting in relation to land ports, immediately before the date of notification of Authority under section 3, shall be succeeded by the Authority with such modifications and adaptations or execution as are necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act. (5) Where at the time of the transfer of any functions by or under this Act, any legal proceedings are pending to which any Government Agency is a party and those proceedings relate to the functions transferred by or under this Act, the Authority shall be substituted in those proceedings for such Government Agency and the proceedings shall not abate by reason of the substitution. (6) If any question arises as to whether any asset has become the property or responsibility of the Authority, that question shall be decided by Federal Government. CHAPTER-VI LAND PORT MANAGEMENT BOARD 20. Land Port Management Board.__ (1) The Authority shall constitute a Management Board for each land port consisting of the following ex-officio members, namely: Page 16 of 25 (a) Controller (serving or retired BPS -19 or 20, or equivalent officer) - Chairperson (b) Officer of Federal Investigation Agency - Member (c) Assistant or Deputy Collector of Customs posted at the concerned land port - Member (d) Officer of Anti-Narcotics Force - Member (e) Border Terminal Operator - Member (f) An officer of relevant Civil Armed Force responsible for security of the relevant land port duly nominated by the Authority Member- cum- Secretary (2) The Management Board may, as deemed appropriate, invite any other officer of the relevant Government agency for a particular issue. (3) The Controller shall be responsible for managing affairs of the Management Board as well as the execution of the functions assigned or delegated to it under this Act. (4) The Management Board shall meet at such times and in such places and manner, as may be determined by the Controller. In the absence of the Controller, the Management Board may elect one of its members to preside. (5) The Management Board shall meet at least once every week. 21. Powers and function of Management Board .__ The Management Board sh all monitor and regulate the activities of land port operators, Service Providers and coordinate with other Government Agencies for smooth operations at the land port, and for implementing Border Control as per the provision of this Act. 22. Power to implement directions.__ (1) Any person may lodge a complaint regarding any of the matters enumerated in sub-section (1), to the Controller. (2) The Controller shall, either on his own or upon the complaint of any person under sub - section (2), immediately place the matter before the Management Board. (3) The Management Board, if the complaint pertains to any employee of the Authority or any land port operator, shall decide the matter within three days after providing such delinquent an opportunity of being heard. Where the complaint is against a person of the other Government Agencies, the matter shall be forwarded to the concerned officer of that Government Agency to be dealt under their respective laws. (4) Where a complaint has been received against Chairperson of the Management Board, the same shall be placed before the Authority, who shall decide the same within seven days, in the manner prescribed: Provided that the decision of the Authority, under this sub-section, shall be final. CHAPTER-VII CONTRACTS BY AUTHORITY, OUTSOURCING AND LICENSING 23. Contracts by Authority etc.__ (1) Every contract on behalf of the Authority, shall be made by the Managing Director or such other officer of the Authority as may be generally or specially Page 17 of 25 empowered in this behalf by the Authority and shall be sealed with the common seal of the Authority. (2) The Authority may enter into any contract or arrangement with any person, entity, company, agency, authority, or organization national or international and may outsource land port operations and any of its functions or activities, including development works, through any mode including pubic private partnerships: Provided that the land port operations can be out sourced to only such land port operators who is registered under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969) and rules made thereunder. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, the Authority shall prior to inviting proposals for bids, prescribed by regulations the criterion for selection of land port operator and Service Provider and award contracts accordingly. (4) For the performance of functions and carrying out activities, the Authority may delegate, outsource or lease or assign the right and collection of any user fees, dues or charges under this Act to such private entity, operator or entity as the case may be. (5) In accordance with the provisions of the Public Private Partnership Authority Act, 2017 (VIII of 2017), and rules and regulations made thereunder, the Governing Council may, by regulations, prescribe the manner, methods and procedures for undertaking public private partnerships under this Act. (6) In accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002 (XXII of 2002), any rules and reg ulations made thereunder, the Governing Council may, by regulations, prescribe the manner, methods and procedures for undertaking procurement under this Act. 24. Grant of Licenses.__ (1) Unless an agreement is executed under section 23, no person or entity may provide services relating to land port operations or any services at a land port or perform any functions under this Act, otherwise than in terms of a licence issued to it under the prescribed Rules. (2) Subject to the conditions stipulated under this Act and in accordance with existing laws or in the manner as may be prescribed, the Authority shall have the power to grant, issue, recognize, renew, extend, modify, amend, suspend, review, cancel, re-issue, revoke, or terminate a license for any person to carry out any component of land port operations as may be prescribed by Rules. CHAPTER-VIII OFFENCES 25. Offences.__ (1) Any person who knowingly__ (a) undertakes, without a valid license or agreement, any of the activities envisaged under this Act; (b) performs any act with the intention of interfering with, obstructing, or encumbering, without authorization, the land port operations; (c) undermines or defrauds the lawful exc hange of persons, goods and services in or across land ports; and Page 18 of 25 (d) causes physical damage to the establishment, installation or infrastructure, or any part thereof, of a land port, land port operator or service provider; shall be guilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment upto three years and fine upto two hundred millions rupees under this Act: Provided that the punishment and fine under this Act shall be in addition to the punishment and fine provided under any law for the time being in force. (2) Any person who attempts or aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of an offence under this Act shall be punishable with the same punishment provided for the offence he so aids, abets, counsels, or procures. (3) The provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2) shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, any law for the time being in force. 26. Cognizance of offences .__ Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in-force, unless there is anything inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act No. V of 1898) shall mutates mutandis apply to the proceedings under this Act. CHAPTER-IX STRATEGIC SUPPORT 27. Strategic support .__ (1) For the proper and efficient performance of its functions, the Authority may, whenever required, seek the assistance of the Federal Government or the Provincial Governments, as the case may be, in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. (2) All Government Agencies, land port operators, and Service Providers shall render such assistance to the Authority, as may be required for the exercise or performance of activities and functions, of the Authority under this Act. (3) The Authority may requisition or engage officers or members of the staff of the Government Agencies, on deputation or secondment basis, as per the applicable policy regime of the Federal Government, for carrying out its functions under this Act. 28. Power of the Federal Government to issue Policy Guidelines .__ The Authority shall be bound to comply with the policy guidelines issued by the Federal Government, to the extent that these are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. CHAPTER-X FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 29. Authority to charge fees, rent etc. at land ports.__ (1) The Authority shall be competent to impose, levy and collect such fees, dues, charges, rentals, and other amounts at such rates separately for each land port from time to time as under,__ (a) handling and transportation of cargo, storage, warehousing, weighment, entry and parking fees for trucks/cargo vehicles, transshipment and any service or facility offered in connection with transport operations; Page 19 of 25 (b) parking spaces and other amenities given to the passengers and visitors; (c) in respect of commercial exploitation of properties of the Authority, whether movable or immovable including land, building and infrastructure; (d) fees paid in connection with any accreditation, survey, in spection, permit, authorization, license, approval either issued or renewed and for rendering any other services provided by the Authority; (e) collection of fine and penalty for violation of the Act, rules and regulations framed thereunder; and (f) any other fee or levy as prescribed from time to time. (2) Before approving any fees or charges u nder clauses (a) and (b) of sub section (1) the Authority shall consider the recommendations of the Government Agencies and invite objections from public or private sector at least two weeks before notifying the same in a consultative process. 30. Exemption and power to remit.__ In special cases, the Authority may, with the approval of the Governing Council, waive or remit in full the whole or any portion of fees, dues, charges, rentals and other amounts under section 29 on such terms as specified in the aforesaid approval. 31. Pakistan Land Port Authority Fund.__ (1) On commencement of this Act there shall be constituted a non-lapsable fund vested in the Authority known as the “Pakistan Land Port Authority Fund” hereafter refer to as “The Fund” to be utilized by the Authority to meet charges in connection with its functions under this Act including the payment of salaries and other remuneration to the Managing Director, Members, officers, employees, experts and consultants of the Authority. (2) The sources of the Funds shall be__ (a) funds, loans or grants provided by the Federal Government or Provincial Government or local bodies; (b) local loans obtained by the Authority; (c) foreign aid and loans obtained from any source outside Pakistan; (d) all sums received by the Authority as fees, charges, rentals, etc. and other moneys received or collected the Act; (e) income from lease and sale of assets of the Authority; (f) funds from bonds, sukuk and other forms of finances obtained on the basis of participation term certificates, musharika certificates, term finance ce rtificates or any other financial or debt instruments or securities issued by the Authority; and (g) all other sums received by the Authority such as damages, costs, refunds, fines, penalties etc. (3) The Authority shall have the power, subject to the prov isions of this Act, to spend such sums as it thinks fit to cover all administrative, business development expenses of the Authority and Page 20 of 25 for performing any function of the Authority and such sums shall be treated as expenditure out of the fund of the Authority. (4) All moneys standing at the credit of the Authority which cannot immediately be applied as provided under sub-section (3) shall be__ (a) deposited in bank accounts as provided in section 32; and (b) invested in the securities of the Federal Government or in such manner as may be prescribed under rules. 32. Bank Accounts.__ The Authority may open and maintain its non-lapsable bank accounts in scheduled banks and shall operate such accounts in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations: Provided that till the time the Regulations and made the Authority may operate such accounts in accordance with the directions of the Governing Council. 33. Borrowing powers of Authority .__ The Authority, with approval of the Federal Government, for the purp oses of its capital expenditure, working capital requirements or for performing any of its functions may raise loan in any currency from any: (a) scheduled bank or financial institution located within Pakistan; (b) financial institution in any country outside Pakistan in compliance with the laws for the time being in force; and (c) funds from bonds or securities. 34. Budget and Accounts .__ (1) The Authority shall maintain proper accounts and other records relating to its financial affairs includ ing its income and expenditures and its assets and liabilities in such form and manner as may be prescribed under Rules. (2) The Governing Council shall approve the annual budget of the Authority for a financial year in the manner prescribed by Rules. (3) The Managing Director shall have the power to re -appropriate funds in various heads of accounts as per the Rules and Regulations applicable therein. 35. Audit.__ (1) The accounts of the Authority shall be audited every year by the Auditor General in terms of Articles 169 and 170 of the constitution. (2) The accounts of the Authority, as certified by Auditor General of Pakistan together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Division concerned for examination and laying before both Houses of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). (3) The Authority may, in addition to the audit under sub -section (1), cause to be carried out internal audit of its accounts. 36. Recovery of fees, charges etc .__ All fees, charges, dues, fines and other sums du e to the Authority under this Act shall be recovered by such modes of recovery as may be prescribed by Rules. Page 21 of 25 CHAPTER-XI ADJUDICATION BOARD AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION 37. Complaint Cell.__ (1) The Authority shall establish a complaint cell at each land port, which shall receive complaints from any land port user or any person aggrieved on any non-contractual matter relating to land port. (2) The Complaint Cell shall enter all complaints in serially numbered register and shall undertake expeditious measures to reso lve the complaint within twenty one days from receipt of complaint. (3) The complainant shall remain informed about the status of the complaint. 38. Adjudication Board .__ (1) There shall be established an Adjudication Board by the Authority for speedy disposal of complaints, claims and disputes of general public, users of land port services and parties having claims or aggrieved by actions of the Authority under the Act, r ules and regulations shall be consisting:__ (a) a person qualified to be Session Judge or equivalent; (b) an advocate with a minimum of ten years experience preferably in Customs laws; and (c) a Chartered Accountant or qualified Accountant with at least te n years of professional experience. (2) The conduct and procedure of Adjudication Board shall he such as may be prescribed by Rules and the proceedings before the Adjudication Board may be conducted in person or by virtual communication. (3) The Adjudication Board referred to in this section shall perform the following functions namely:__ (a) to receive and adjudicate reference on any dispute or differences including fines imposed by the Authority or claims arising under this Act, rules and regulations or relating to rights and obligations of parties within the framework of their agreements entered with the Authority, and to pass orders after considering and hearing all the parties involved in the dispute; (b) to look into the complaints receiv ed from land port users or general public against the services and terms of services rendered by the Authority, if not addressed by the Complaint Cell within the stipulated time and to pass necessary orders after hearing the parties concerned; (c) conduct an inquiry in any case; and (d) to look into any other matter relating to the operations of the Authority, as may be referred to it by the Federal Government, Governing Council or the Authority, and to pass orders or give suggestions, as the case may be. Page 22 of 25 (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Adjudication Board shall have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (V of 1908), while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:__ (a) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at such place and at such time as may be specified by the Adjudication Board; (b) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on oath; (c) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents; to receive evidence on affidavit, to compel a person to given evidence and to produce any document or other material; (d) requisition information from any office; (e) issue summons to any party, witness; and (f) any other matter which may be prescribed. (5) Any proceeding before the Adjudication Board shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding. (6) The Adjudication Board shall execute its decisions in such manner as may be prescribed by Regulation. (7) During the course of any proceedings before the Adjudication Board and before passing a final order, the Adjudication Board may pass such interlocutory orders as it may consider appropriate in the circumstances. 39. Dispute Resolution.__ In case of any dispute between the Authority and any entity arising out of the public private partnership agreement or concession agreement or any other agreement having contract value above one hundred million rupees, then notwithstanding any provisions of the Act, the parties shall resolve the dispute in the following manner namely;__ (a) the parties shall first deliberate to achieve a consensus; and (b) if no consensus is achieved, the parties shall settle the dispute in an amicable manner by mediation or arbitration as provided under any contract agreement entered into with the Authority. 40. Review and appeal of any order or decision .__ (1) If there is any clerical and manual calculation errors in any decisions or order of the Adju dication Board and party aggrieved by such decision or order may apply for a review of such decision before the Adjudication Board, in such form and manner and within such time, as may be prescribed by Regulations and the Adjudication Board may make such order thereon, as it thinks fit. (2) Any party aggrieved by any decision or order of the Adjudication Board, may file an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal, within thirty days from the date of communication of such decision or order to him: Provided that no a ppeal shall lie from a decision or order passed by the Adjudication Board with the consent of parties. Page 23 of 25 (3) The composition, conduct, procedure of the Appellate Tribunal and its functions shall be such as prescribed by Rules and the proceedings before the A ppellate Tribunal may be conducted in person or by virtual communication. CHAPTER-XII MISCELLANEOUS 41. Submission of annual report.__ (1) The Authority shall, within three months of the end of a financial year, submit to the Federal Government an annual report. (2) the Annual report under sub-section (1) shall consist of,__ (a) the statement of accounts and audit reports of the Authority; (b) a comprehensive statement of the work and activities of the Authority during the preceding financial year and its proposed projects; and (c) such other matters as may be prescribed by Rules or as the Authority may consider appropriate. 42. Acquisition of land .__ (1) The acquisition of any land or any interest in land for the purposes of performing the functions of the Authority shall be deemed to be an acquisition for public purposes. (2) Where any land is required for the purposes of the Aut hority, the Federal Government or as the case may be, the Provincial Government may, at the request of the Authority, procure the acquisition thereof under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (I of 1894) or any other law for the time being in force. After payment by the Authority of the compensation awarded under that Act and of the charges incurred in connection with the proceedings, the land shall vest in the Authority. 43. Purchase, lease or exchange of property .__ The Authority may purchase , lease or exchange any land or building or any other property by entering into an agreement with the owner of the property, or a person legally competent to sell, lease out or exchange such property. 44. Custody and disposal of lost property .__ Subject to other provisions of this Act and Regulations as prescribed, the Authority shall provide for securing the safe custody and disposal of any property, which, while not in proper custody, is found on any premises belonging to the Authority or under its overall control. 45. Co-operation with international organizations.__ The Authority may, subject to the prior approval of the Federal Government, co -operate with foreign port authorities or international organizations in the field of transportation, logistics, port management, cross border movement of goods and people or related fields on the terms and conditions of any program or agreement for co - operation to which such authority or organization is a party, or p ursuant to any other international agreement made earlier or after the commencement of this Act. 46. Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1969, etc. not to apply .__ Nothing contained in the Industrial Relations Act, 2012 (X of 2012) or in any other law relating to labour or trade unions for the time being in force shall apply in relation to the Authority or any of the members, employees, functionaries, officers, experts, consultants and advisors of the Authority. Page 24 of 25 47. Symbol, design or representation of Authority .__ (1) The Authority shall have the exclusive right to the use of such symbol, design or representation as it may select or devise and thereafter display or exhibit it in connection with its activities or affairs. (2) Any person who, knowingly or otherwise, uses a symbol, design or representation identical with that of the Authority or which resembles the symbol, design or representation, which causes or is likely to cause a deception of the identity of the Authority, shall be punished in such manner as ma y be prescribed by Rules. 48. Power to make Rules .__ (1) The Federal Government shall make rules not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, for giving effect to the provisions of this Act. (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality to the foregoing, rules may be framed for, inter alia, the following, namely.__ (a) administrative, operational, and financial management of the Authority; (b) procedure of the issuance, modification cancellations and revocation of licenses under this Act; (c) regulation and control of movement of vehicles, goods, entry and exit of passengers and other personnel at land ports; (d) the inspection and regulation of commercial services, Service Providers and land port operators, the conditions under which infrastructure may be operated, managed, maintained, monitored, evaluated and for services provided; (e) the inspection or supervision of properties of the Authority for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Act; (f) provisions for accreditation; (g) imposition and collection of fines subject to provisions of the Act; and (h) any other matters as provided in the Act. 49. Power to make Regulations.__ (1) The Authority may make regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or the rule s made under this Act, for carrying out the purposes of this Act: (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality to the foregoing, Regulations may be framed for, inter alia, the following, namely:__ (a) appointing, inducting, removing or regulating employees, officers, staff, consultants or advisors of the Authority; (b) terms and conditions of service for the employees, officers, staff, consultants or advisors of the Authority; (c) procedure for appointment of members of various committee s, as well as the procedure or conduct of such committees; and Page 25 of 25 (d) any other matter connected therewith or ancillary thereto. 50. Authority to be exempt from taxation.__ Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, for a period of five years starting from the commencement of this Act, the Authority shall be exempt from the payment of income tax. For this purpose, the Federal Government may take all necessary administrative measures, and pass all requisite orders, instructions or notifications. 51. Confidential Information.__ (1) Except as provided under the Rules made under this Act, no person shall communicate or allow to be communicated, any record or information obtained pursuant to this Act, to a person not legally entitled to that record or information or allow any person not legally entitled to that record or information to have access to any record obtained under this Act. (2) Any person who contravenes the p rovisions of this section, shall be punished in such manner, as may be Prescribed. 52. Indemnity.__ No suit, prosecution or other legal or judicial proceedings shall lie against the Governing Council, Authority, Managing Director, Secretary, members, employees, officers, members of the staff, experts, consultants or advisors of the Authority, in respect of anything done or purported to be done in good faith, under the provisions of this Act or the Rules and Regulations made hereunder. 53. Savings and Transition .__ Any existing contracts or arrangements of parties engaged in land port operations at land p orts prior to the commencement of this Act shall continue till awarding of contracts or licenses under this Act by the Authority for such land ports: Provided that such transitory arrangements shall remain in force only for a period as deemed necessary by the Authority in the interest of fostering free competition. 54. Act not to derogate .__ The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any law governing any Government Agencies involved in connections with the affairs of land port and in case of any conflict the provisions of this Act shall prevail. 55. Removal of difficulty .__ If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision of this Act, the Federal Government may, give such directions, not inconsistent with the provi sions of this Act, as deem appropriate. RGN.Dated.26-09-2025