GILGIT-BALTISTAN: About eight consignments of local and two of Chinese companies reached the Sost Dryport after the seasonal holidays ended but local importers are reluctant to clear their consignments as they have also stage a protest against the installation of the WeBOC at the Sost Dryport.
It was told by the official sources of the GB Model Customs Collectorate while talking to Customs Today that pressure was building up on the customs officials by the local administration regarding the stoppage of installation of WeBOC at the Sost Dryport. When the GB Customs Administration demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of the WeBOC against One Customs then the local administration got very comfortable and appreciated the Pakistan Customs’ efforts for installation of the WeBOC at the Sost Dryport.
The sources told CT that eight containers, belonging to the local importers of GB, are not getting cleared due to new developments. He added that their threat to the customs authorities that they will block the Karakram Highway if Customs Department does not agree on their demands. It was told that two containers of Chinese companies also reached the Sost Dryport but, due to various threats like blocking of roads, the Chinese companies are also hesitating to clear their consignments.
Sources said the installation of WeBOC is not an unusual thing everywhere in the country like Torkham, Peshawar and Kohat. So the installation of facility at the Sost will not only boost the business but the local business community will also get comfortable to do the genuine business. If situation gets out of control then the GB Customs can call out the Rangers and other law enforcement agencies to provide security to the consignments when they are sent to other destinations from Sost.
