KARACHI: Importers are complaining against long delays in delivery and clearance of containers at the Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) which has resulted in payment of huge demurrage and ports charges.

In a letter to Chief Collector Rashid Shaikh, Vice Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping Nasir M Chandna sought immediate resolution of the issue.

Mr Chandna also asked Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to look into the matter and hold an inquiry as to why the relevant port authorities continue to keep earmarking vessels at PICT where there was congestion and shortage of cargo handling equipments.

In the letter, Mr Chandna said the delay period for delivery of containers at PICT has increased to 2 to 3 days. He added that truckers have threatened to collect detention charges from importers in case containers are not delivered within working hours on the same day.

The importers lodged complaints against late delivery with the high-ups of the PICT but to no avail, he said. He further alleged that staff at the terminal expressed its inability in resolving the issue due to shortage and malfunctioning of equipments used for handling containers.

Talking to Dawn, CEO PICT Captain Zafar Iqbal Awan said the backlog was due to the long Eidul Fitr holidays.

Refuting allegations of deliberate delay, he said all containers are being processed and cleared under a system. Usually truckers belonging from upcountry go to their home towns almost 2 to 4 days before Eid and the year closing on June 30 contributed to the delay in clearance of cargo, he said.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2016