KARACHI: The importers have expressed their deep concern over the non-clearance of hundreds of containers packed with pulses at Karachi International Containers’ Terminal (KICT) and Pakistan International Containers’ Terminal (PICT).
Sources told Customs Today that hundreds of containers containing pulses of different types have been waiting for clearance for the last 10 days, however, the authorities concerned of Plant Production Department and terminal operations are not yet paying any heed to resolve the issue.
Commenting on the recent situation, one of the importers dealing in the pulses clearance of the containers said that a clearance certificate is needed for the clearance of the pulses containers’ although the importers have complete documents in this regard but the authorities concerned at examination section are playing delaying tactics in order to clear the containers’ of pulses.
On one hand, the delay in clearance of the pulses containers has showed the working of examination staff at terminals while on the other hand, the importers have to pay demurrage and detention charges due to the delay in the clearance of pulses consignments.
The sources further informed this scribe that another cause of delay in clearance of the pulses’ consignments was non-availability of examination staff at both the terminals i.e. PICT and KICT.
“Most of the examination staff is still not return from their Eid-holidays yet and due to this the back-log at terminals is existed”, sources added.
The importers have demanded of the authorities concerned to take immediate measures in order to release the pulses’ containers as the people and the local market are have to face acute shortage of pusles in upcoming days.
