FPCCI welcomes customs steps to ease operational bottlenecks at Karachi ports

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has commended the facilitative and consultative approach of the FBR and appreciated the significant measures announced by Customs Appraisement South in a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at removing operational bottlenecks that have been hampering trade efficiency at Karachi ports.

A meeting, attended by leading trade bodies including the FPCCI; the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI); the Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA); the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA); the Chief Collector Appraisement; all three Collectors of Appraisement South; terminal operators; and off-dock terminal representatives, decided to resolve the issues.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh outlined major issues faced by trade, such as persistent delays in the timely grounding of containers by terminal operators, frequent incidents of cargo damage, pilferage and mishandling during examination, and restricted delivery hours at off-dock terminals causing congestion and additional costs.

In response, the chief collector appraisement south said that the customs appraisement team was committed to reducing port dwell time as per international best practices. He issued the following directives for immediate implementation: off-dock terminals must extend cargo delivery hours; trained and certified packers should be deployed for cargo stuffing/de-stuffing; and strict timelines should be followed for the grounding of containers.

Sheikh welcomed the developments and announcements: “The business community has been raising these issues for a long time. The meeting and the firm instructions given by customs are a major step forward in trade facilitation. FPCCI remains fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the FBR, Pakistan Customs and all stakeholders to eliminate hurdles and promote ease of doing business for legitimate trade and industry.”

Asif Sakhi, vice president of the FPCCI, who represented the FPCCI in the meeting, stated: “The directives to resolve the issues highlighted by trade bodies will significantly reduce delays, protect valuable cargo from damage and ease congestion at cargo terminals. This is a clear demonstration that when stakeholders sit together, practical solutions are found quickly.”

Sakhi reiterated that continuous dialogue and swift enforcement of such decisions are essential to strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.