January 30, 2006	Monday	Zilhaj 29, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: Lack of coordination between the commerce ministry and the customs department has led to arms consignments being held up at Karachi seaport.

An official told Dawn that the ministry had recently issued a letter to customs officials, allowing the clearance of arms at nearest dryports, airports and seaport subject to the licensing condition.

The customs officials at Karachi seaport held up a large number of arms containers on the plea that it did not meet the required condition prescribed under the customs rules.

Under the transshipment rules, an importer could only clear arms at airports or a seaport.

But the letter of the commerce ministry also included dryports in the list of destination for clearance of arms.

The importers had to run from pillar to post during the last many weeks for seeking clearance from the department concerned to release their containers.

The holding up of containers also resulted in demurage charges for importers, thus increasing the cost of their arms.