PESHAWAR: Pakistan has a functional transport sector that accounts for about 11 percent of its GDP, 17 percent of Gross Capital Formation and 6 percent of employment said by the owner of M/s Sarhad Kakakhel Goods Transport Company in Peshawar.
Zia ur Rehman owner of goods transport business at Peshawar while talking with Customs Today said that the transport sector consumes 35% of the total energy annually and accounts for approximately 15% of Public Sector Development Projects.
However, much of the economic gains that can be reaped from an efficient transport sector are lost in Pakistan’s case due to poor performance of the customs I&I field offices who take bribe up to Rs15,000 to Rs20,000 from single truck which passes from customs check post established at Sakkur posing loss of millions.
According to some estimates the country suffers a loss of 8.5 percent of GDP annually due to leakages to the revenue. Ziaur Rehman said that the transport sector contributing for efficient functioning of the domestically supply chain.
Efficient transport and telecommunication network reduces production and transaction cost in poor regions which serves as stimulus for domestic commerce but transporters in Pakistan has been rubbed at various check posts established by customs officials of Intelligence and Investigation wing specially in Southern Punjab borders.
In a study this loss ranges between 4-6% of GDP annually. Pakistan’s logistics mostly rely on the road network, he added.
This market distortion has led to an overemphasis on trucking in Pakistan and despite an outdated fleet trucking is the backbone of freight transport in Pakistan.
He was really chuffed to have his photo taken. Niamat Ali said that often he has been caught by the Customs I&I team and with empty pocket to provide the money his truck has been taken into custody despite clear cheat from Karachi sea port he remain stranded on Sakkur check post.
He added that often the owners cut of the paid amount to I&I field from our salaries which increase burden on us. He demanded of the Customs high ups to take serious notice of the corruption been done with trucking on the way from Karachi to Peshawar.
