Pakistan customs agents call for clearing thousands of stuck containers at port

KARACHI : Khurram Ejaz, the Former President of the Karachi Customs Agents Association, has sharply criticized port authorities for their lack of preparation in clearing the stuck containers at Karachi Port. In a statement, Ejaz highlighted that the arrival of the world’s largest ship, a historic event for the port, was marred by administrative failures, leading to a significant backlog of containers awaiting clearance.

Ejaz remarked, “The docking of such a massive ship was known well in advance, yet no effective measures were taken to ensure the timely processing of the cargo. As a result, thousands of containers are now stuck, causing substantial financial strain on importers who are incurring hefty detention and demurrage charges.”

He commented on the Karachi Port administration’s readiness, saying, “Had there been adequate preparations for the prompt clearance of these containers, the situation at Karachi Port would be vastly different. Over a week has passed, and yet, the containers remain unexamined.”

Ejaz also directed criticism at the Minister of Ports and Shipping, pointing out that while the arrival of such a significant vessel is a notable achievement, it requires meticulous planning and stringent regulation to manage the increased volume efficiently.

He called for stricter regulatory measures to ensure the smooth functioning of port operations, emphasizing that the trade community and consumers, already grappling with inflation, should not bear the brunt of administrative oversights.

Ejaz urged the new Minister of Ports and Shipping to not only launch promising projects but also to enforce stringent measures where necessary to prevent such disruptions in the future.