KARACHI: MCC Appraisement West has transferred powers of appraising and examination officers to ACs and DCs so that smooth work at ports is continued which was halted due to strike of appraising officers.
Office order No 135/2017 said, “In exercise of the powers conferred under section 4 of the Customs Act 1969, the Collector MCC Appraisement West is pleased to order that Assessment and Examination powers of Appraising Officer, Principal Officer and Examination Officer shall be exercised by the respective Assistant Collectors/Deputy Collectors of the section concerned and the powers of Assistant/Deputy Collectors for review shall be exercised by the Additional Collectors of the respective section.”
Chief Collector Abdul Rashid Sheikh has taken up the issue so that clearance of consignments doesn’t get disturbed due to protest of appraising and assessment officers over harsh attitude of an Additional Collector. Earlier complete shutdown was observed at all ports and Customs House.
Chief Collector Abdul Rashid Sheikh in a press release said that the state functions could not be held hostage by a handful of miscreant assessment officials who were attempting to cause loss to the economy by obstructing the clearance of imported goods from Karachi port and interrupting the extremely important function of revenue collection. Sabotaging the operations of the Custom House will have a direct impact on the economic operations of businesses.
Sources said that transfer of powers to ACs and DCs will not be helpful to ensure speedy clearance of consignments.
Collector Appraisement West Shahnaz Maqbool, Collector Preventive Dr. Iftikhar and Chief Collector Enforcement Manzoor Memon tried to resolve the issue through negotiations, but the Action Committee refused to talk to them.
On the other hand, Appraising and Assessment officers are demanding action against the Additional Collector so that their self respect is protected. They have announced to continue their strike till fulfilling of their demands.
