April 23, 2002	Tuesday	Safar 9, 1423

KARACHI, April 22: Customs have started releasing detained Indian red chillies from Monday after re-affirmation from the PCSIR and Department of Plant Protection that the commodity is free from any fungal disease or injurious insects.

An official in Appraisement Collectorate told Dawn that orders had been issued to the port authorities this morning to clear the detained Indian red chillies.

He said within next one or two days, around 100- 150 tons of chillies will be released.

Customs had sought another clean report from PCSIR and the Plant Protection Department but higher officials in these departments had reassured the Appraisement Collectorate that there was no need to issue another clean report.

Customs had held up 550 tons of Indian red chillies. Out of 550 tons, 350 tons had been held up at the port on which sample reports from PCSIR and Plant Protection Department are awaited while these departments had given their reports on 200 tons, which were at clearance stage.

The appraisement official said that the 350 tons of red chillies will remain detained till the Customs receive the clean report from the two main sources.

Local traders had imported over 1,000 tons worth around Rs34 million chillies in order to overcome shortfall in the market besides helping in stabilizing the prices as against the soaring prices of locally produced red chillies.

Senior Vice Chairman of Pakistan Kiryana Merchants Association (PKMA), Jaffer Kudia said that his members had started their consignments from the Customs on Monday.