February 02, 2008	Saturday	Muharram 23, 1429

KARACHI, Feb 1: The Karachi Port Trust has resented the imposition of $100 surcharge on imports by shipping lines saying that there are no valid reasons for the action.

It said in a statement that a slight delay did occur in cargo clearance, which in no way affected discharge of cargo from ships or delayed the ships’ movement.

The KPT further said that the output of gantry cranes of PICT and KICT was maintained during and after the December 27 assassination of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto.

There was no delay in work at the port and the fact is further testified that there was zero waiting time for ships at outer anchorage from December 27 to 30 when the law and order situation reached its peak, the statement added.

It, however, admitted that the slight congestion did occur for a day but it was covered by providing additional backup area in the East and West wharves.