PESHAWAR: Despite massive burden of importing and exporting goods, Peshawar dry port still lacks basic facilities of shelter for customers, customs agents and labourers who keep waiting for loading and unloading process of containers in raging heat under open sky.
It has been witnessed at Peshawar dry port that labourers and customs agents wait in scorching Sun having no shelter to protect themselves from summer heat. There is not a single washroom or any canteen inside the dry port. Some labourers and customs agents are preparing their food in extremely polluted environment where dust flows through the air.
Talking to Customs Today, one of the custom agents said that he was visiting the dry port every morning for clearing the goods but he was facing numerous problems.
He said that the dry port needs modernization and proper facilities as hundred of labourers, drivers and custom agents are working there to export and import goods. However, there is no clean drinking water, proper washrooms, shades or waiting lounge.
He said that it is responsibility of federal government and FBR altogether to take steps for the development of Peshawar dry port which is consistently playing important role in the economy of the country.
Peshawar dry port was established in 1986. Since its establishment no single step has been taken for its up-gradation. In the recent past Pakistan Railways offered conditional up-gradation of the dry port. However, FBR did not agree to the terms and conditions of Pakistan railways.
