KARACHI: The installation of tracking system on cargos of Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) has helped tremendously to eliminate the incidents of pilferage or missing of containers.
According to an official report, more than 45,000 containers were tracked through the installation of security instruments, such as container security device (CSD) and Prime Mover Device (fixed on truck and inter-linked with CSD).
The report termed the first year’s performance of tracking ATT cargos through sensitive devices satisfactory, citing the industry’s demand for the expansion of the system to other areas like transshipment and export trade of the country.
The trade and industry had been complaining about smuggling through ATT, dealing a severe blow to domestic industry and import trade originated through official channels.
Besides many scandals were reported about large number of missing ATT containers, most of them alleged to have never crossed the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and were either unloaded within the city jurisdiction or elsewhere in the country.
Though tracking of the ATT is being carried out by a private company and Customs Collector (Preventive) is heading the project.
The system works on real-time basis and in case of any deviation in the set route by the prime mover (truck), central or regional control rooms can monitor and trace it.
Around 3,990 (9.13 per cent) cases were recorded on basis of route deviation during the period.
However, the unusual stoppage remained on higher side and stood at around 35,107 or 80.3pc of total trips. The drivers of prime movers (trucks) have yet to understand the value of timely delivery of goods in Pakistan and they have to be educated about modern era challenges of timely delivery, an official said.
Undoubtedly, the central and regional control rooms of the tracking company also recorded door alerts which were around 4,509 or 10.31pc of total ATT containers.
There were around 92 major incidents of pilferages, but the official claimed that all were recovered and performance remained 100 percent.
The report said there was a dire need for engaging more companies in the tracking system of cargo so that smuggling and missing of containers could be checked.
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