GILGIT: A ‘record revenue’ of around Rs1 billion was collected from trade activities at the Sost dry port in the first 20 days of December, customs officials have claimed.

The revenue was collected from duties and taxes as a result of clearances of import consignments that were stuck at the post due to a month-long strike in November.

The strike was called by traders against the mismanagement of customs officials in October. They blamed the then Gilgit-Baltistan customs collector for ‘creating hurdles’ in the way of clearance of goods.

After the strike, the Federal Board of Revenue changed the collector on Nov 29 and Abdul Waheed Marwat took charges as new collector customs on Dec 5.

After his appointment, Mr Marwat met the traders as well as the GB Chamber of Commerce and Industry representatives and assured them of timely clearing of goods.

A coordination committee with traders’ representatives was constituted to address the issues and ensure timely clearance and additional staff was deputed under the port’s assistant collector to expedite the process.

After a break of two months, the clearance resumed on Dec 8 and around 170 containers carrying fabric, hosiery, shoes, dry fruits and miscellaneous items stuck at the port were cleared.

Officials said the clearance of goods was a huge challenge as winter was approaching and heavy snowfall could result in closure of roads.

GB importers and exporters association president Iqbal Hussein and local trader leader Haji Liaquat Ali said they cooperated with customs officials and fulfilled all legal formalities.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2022