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Hormuz Strait Toll Charges Violate International Law, Says United Nations

New York: The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations has stated that imposing tolls or transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz is contrary to international law. The organization also expressed serious concern over the safety of thousands of seafarers stranded in the Gulf amid ongoing regional tensions.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a near standstill since hostilities resumed on July 12 and 13. According to him, nearly 500 vessels are currently anchored in the Gulf, with around 6,000 seafarers facing significant security risks.

He emphasized that global trade depends heavily on these seafarers, as nearly 90 percent of the world’s goods are transported by sea. Any prolonged disruption to maritime shipping, he warned, would have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.

Dominguez noted that the international shipping industry has already been under immense pressure in recent years due to multiple crises, and the current conflict could further exacerbate the situation. He urged commercial vessels to avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz until the conflict subsides.

According to the IMO, the immediate priority is the safe evacuation of all seafarers stranded in the Gulf as a result of the conflict. Once their safety is ensured, efforts should focus on clearing naval mines, restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz, and gradually resuming maritime traffic so that the waterway can return to its pre-conflict average of approximately 135 vessel transits per day.

The IMO Secretary-General further clarified that under international law, no country has the legal authority to impose tolls or additional transit charges on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Citing the 2007 cooperation framework for the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, he noted that no additional fees are charged for vessels using those international waterways, underscoring the principle of freedom of navigation.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.