Mr. Mansha Churra, Vice President FPCCI, has shown his serious concern on long and extended delays in clearance of containers at Qasim International Container Terminal, QICT at Port Qasim Karachi. He emphasized that trade facilitation has become an important tool for improving competitive edge of the country in the market place through completion of all transaction requirements and formalities to achieve just-in-time clearance and at the least cost of doing business.

He highlighted that problems at QICT are getting bad to worst day by day. Thousands of containers are stuck up, which is causing severe problems and miseries for trade and industry. These delays in clearance are affecting the Industry and creating shortage in the supply of raw material which is raising the cost of doing business.

Mr. Mansha urged the high ups and Ministry of Ports and Shipping to take serious note of this problem. Though QICT is bound to ground the containers after getting intimation for examination, however it takes at least seven to ten (7-10) days to ground a container, but no one is taking note on this annoying situation, being faced by traders and businessmen. He insisted that container dwell times are well above international norms and procedures remain complex, which need improvements for smooth handling of operations for achieving acceptable levels of productivity on custom clearance system.

Mr. Churra emphasized that above mind set approach is causing delays in commitments and cancellation of orders from local and foreign traders. It is strongly recommended that no further ship should be berthed at QICT which is already over burdened in order to avoid damages, demurrages, and container terminal charges for traders. He appreciated that Pakistan International Container Terminal, PICT and Karachi International Container Terminal, KICT in Karachi are grounding the containers within 24 hours after the arrival of the vessel.

He requested the Federal Secretary Ports and Shipping to take serious note of this unprofessional attitude and approach of officials at QICT and requested him to advise the concerned authority to adopt efficient and effective measures of quick handling and clearance of shipments.