KARACHI: The importers and Customs agents are facing immense hardships in hearing of their cases, due to shortage of Pakistan Customs officers at Additional Collectors (ADCs) and Deputy Collector (DCs) level.
Importers and other stakeholders were of the view that they have to stand in long queues outside the offices of ADCs and DCs for hours, but no one entertained them in order to conduct their hearing till late evening.
One of the importers, on condition of anonymity told Customs Today that many of the importers and Customs agents have to stand in queue from 9.00am in morning to 9.00pm but they get free from hearing process after suffering a mental and physical agony of almost 12 hours.
It is pertinent to mention here that a delegation of Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) comprising its President Ifthikar Shaikh and other office-bearers met with the Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC)-Appraisement (West), Muhammad Saleem, few days ago, in which the KCAA delegation had raised its concern on prolonged hearing of their cases.
Later, Collector Muhammad Saleem assured the KCAA members that their problem regarding the hearing of the cases would be redressed.
When contacted, Collector MCC-Appraisement (West) Muhammad Saleem said that the Customs officials were working efficiently in limited resources and manpower.
Replying to a query, Collector Muhammad Saleem confirmed that the Pakistan Customs was facing shortage of officials, adding that two officials at ADC and DC level have been transferred from Customs House Karachi while the officials will take charge on their posts soon.
He further said that the Customs officers were also sitting in their offices for long hours to complete hearing of the cases of importers and Customs agents.
