Sit-in to block import and export of cargo
Tehreek-e-Insaf to stage protest against drone strikes.
KARACHI:
The planned protest and sit-in by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, against drone strikes by the United States, on the main artery leading to the port is expected to block movement of import and export cargo over the next two days, trade industry officials say.
Different transport associations, while supporting the protest, have also announced that they will not take trade cargo from the Karachi Port to other parts of the country.
“The sit-in and suspension of cargo movement will stop export shipments from the port, which will cause losses to the traders and government,” said Pakistan Chemical and Dyes Merchants Association Chairman Mohammad Haroon while talking to The Express Tribune.
Haroon said energy shortages and law and order situation had already badly affected the trade and industry, adding in some areas there had been no electricity for the past many days, leading to protests in these areas. “This has also affected the flow of raw material to industries and transport of export cargo to the port,” he said.
Every day, the Karachi Port clears 1,800 to 2,000 import containers while 800 to 1,000 export containers arrive at the port, said Haroon, who is also a senior member of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
An official of the Karachi Port Authority’s Public Relations Department said the port would operate normally on Saturday and the city and provincial governments should deal with the situation outside the port premises.
Karachi Customs Agents Group senior member Haji Asif said importers may have to pay demurrage charges in case of delay in clearance of cargo at the port, while exporters may miss vessels meant to carry their cargo. “This will not only affect importers and exporters, but also the clearing agents,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2011.
The planned protest and sit-in by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, against drone strikes by the United States, on the main artery leading to the port is expected to block movement of import and export cargo over the next two days, trade industry officials say.
Different transport associations, while supporting the protest, have also announced that they will not take trade cargo from the Karachi Port to other parts of the country.
“The sit-in and suspension of cargo movement will stop export shipments from the port, which will cause losses to the traders and government,” said Pakistan Chemical and Dyes Merchants Association Chairman Mohammad Haroon while talking to The Express Tribune.
Haroon said energy shortages and law and order situation had already badly affected the trade and industry, adding in some areas there had been no electricity for the past many days, leading to protests in these areas. “This has also affected the flow of raw material to industries and transport of export cargo to the port,” he said.
Every day, the Karachi Port clears 1,800 to 2,000 import containers while 800 to 1,000 export containers arrive at the port, said Haroon, who is also a senior member of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
An official of the Karachi Port Authority’s Public Relations Department said the port would operate normally on Saturday and the city and provincial governments should deal with the situation outside the port premises.
Karachi Customs Agents Group senior member Haji Asif said importers may have to pay demurrage charges in case of delay in clearance of cargo at the port, while exporters may miss vessels meant to carry their cargo. “This will not only affect importers and exporters, but also the clearing agents,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2011.