January 15, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 14, 1426

FAISALABAD, Jan 14: Federal of Pakistan Dry Ports Chairman Shahzad Ali Siddiqi has demanded of the government to abolish wharfage rates and dual-service charges of Karachi ports and terminals.

In a statement here on Saturday, he said that shipping lines frequently increased their charges and imposed penalties for late collection of bills of lading. “Limited free days are granted for cargo of dry ports, besides the levy of exorbitant containers detention charges upon importers.”

Shahzad Ali, who is also Chairman of the Pakistan Dry Ports Association (PDPA), said the government body, Shipping Rate Advisory and Shipping Board, had failed to keep a check on these high charges. He urged the ministry of ports and shipping to make the board an effective body.

He also urged the Pakistan Shipping Association to rationalize sea freights and take the PDPA into confidence while dealing with other related matters.

He demanded a permanent seat for the association in the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) so that the problems being faced by the upcountry dry ports could be resolved through discussions.