LAHORE: The restoration of freight train service at Mughalpura Dry Port will surely give a fresh impetus to business activities, generate employment opportunities and reduce congestion in Karachi which will lead to swift Customs clearance and assessment of export consignments.
Customs Collector (Appraisement) Zahid Khokhar expressed optimism while talking exclusively with Customs Today at the sidelines of inauguration of freight train service at Mughalpura Dry Port.
He drew a comparison that if there were 600 to 700 goods declarations (GDs) filed at one place and only 40 to 50 at the other, the hassle and problems would be far more at the former place, adding that equal filing of GDs at all dry ports of the country would enable Pakistan Customs to ensure better examination and clearance of goods consignments.
“Customs belongs to the entire country and there must be equal opportunities to all dry ports,” the collector emphasised.
Zahid Khokhar pointed out that restoration of freight trains services was a milestone and at least one freight train should be unloaded at the dry port on daily basis.
“In the past three to four locomotives would arrive at Mughalpura Dry Port on daily basis,” the Customs Collector recalled, adding that arrival of freight train at Mughalpura Dry Port would bring about hefty revenue, generate employment and reduce congestion of containers in Karachi.
Meanwhile, addressing customs agents, officials and labourers at Mughalpura Dry Port, he said that Mughalpura Dry Port was the oldest port of the country and had witnessed a golden era when it would teem with business activities to the extent that there would shortage of warehouse to accommodate goods and articles.
“It is very sad that today the port presents a deserted look. However, I am glad to know that freight trains have once again set foot in the dry port,” Khokhar expressed.
He expressed his hope that under the new government and management, the dry port would run smoothly which would lead to reduction in per unit cost, adding that restoration of freight service at the dry port would help ensure unhindered clearance of goods, benefiting both the businessmen and government befittingly.
The Customs Collector (Appraisement) asked the dry port management to work out facelift of the port and make available all basic amenities to attract public.
