KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Wednesday lauded the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) proactive efforts to remove operational bottlenecks at Karachi port terminals, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and facilitate smoother cargo movement.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, emphasized the Federation’s support for FBR’s facilitative and consultative approach. He appreciated the significant measures announced by Customs Appraisement South during a stakeholders’ meeting, which focused on addressing long-standing trade challenges at Karachi’s busy ports.
The high-level meeting brought together major trade organizations, including FPCCI, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA), All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA), terminal operators, off-dock terminal representatives, and senior customs officials, including the Chief Collector Appraisement and all three Collectors of Appraisement South.
During the session, Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted key issues affecting trade:
1. Delays in timely grounding of containers by terminal operators.
2. Frequent cargo damage, pilferage, and mishandling during customs examination.
3. Limited delivery hours at off-dock terminals causing congestion and additional costs.
Responding to these concerns, the Chief Collector Appraisement South assured stakeholders that under the leadership of FBR Chairman, Customs is committed to reducing port dwell time in line with international best practices. Immediate directives included extending cargo delivery hours at off-dock terminals, deploying trained and certified packers for stuffing and de-stuffing, and adhering to strict timelines for container grounding.
Atif Ikram Sheikh welcomed these initiatives, stating, “The business community has long raised these concerns. The meeting and firm instructions from Customs are a major step forward in trade facilitation. FPCCI remains committed to collaborating with FBR, Pakistan Customs, and all stakeholders to eliminate hurdles and promote ease of doing business for legitimate trade.”
FPCCI Vice President Asif Sakhi, who represented the Federation at the meeting, added that implementing these directives will significantly reduce delays, safeguard cargo, and ease terminal congestion. “This demonstrates that coordinated stakeholder dialogue leads to practical, timely solutions,” he said, underlining the importance of continuous engagement and swift enforcement to strengthen Pakistan’s position in regional and global trade.
