Goods worth millions at risk as containers held for weeks

Containers deployed for the past 15 days to block the route of the PTI long march are now turning into a costly headache for traders as medicines, dry fruit, toys, clothing bales and other goods inside them are being damaged.

The traders say cargo that has remained locked for two weeks is already suffering from the intense heat generated when the containers were welded together, while other goods are deteriorating simply from being kept sealed.

Traders and other wholesale markets have demanded that they be immediately allowed to remove goods from containers carrying medicines, fruit, dry fruit and other perishable or sensitive items.

They warned that the cargo had already remained trapped for two weeks and could stay there for another 10 days, putting millions of rupees at risk.

According to traders, more than 100 containers loaded with commercial goods are believed to be among the 10,000 to 12,000 containers taken into custody.

They said containers carrying medicines, toys, clothing bales and dry fruit were particularly affected after containers were welded together, with the heat from the welding scorching the goods inside. Other cargo, they said, was also beginning to deteriorate because the containers had remained sealed.

Wholesale Dealers Association Vice President Sajid Khan said consignments of dry fruit and fruit had been brought from Quetta and their loaded containers were taken into custody and welded shut at Attock Bridge.

The heat generated by the welding had scorched the fruit, he said.

Sheikh Azmat, a dealer at the wholesale market in Narnkari Bazaar, said containers carrying spices were also among those being held.

"We only want permission to take our goods out. The administration can keep the containers in its custody," he said.

Bohr Bazaar trader Shafqat Abbasi said containers carrying surgical and medical supplies should also be opened to allow the goods to be removed.

"All this material is being damaged and rendered useless. If it remains locked in the containers for another week, wholesale dealers could suffer losses running into millions of rupees," he said.

The Deputy Commissioner's Office said the administration had taken empty containers into custody. However, it added that such requests would be examined and positive action would be taken after verification.

"Traders earn a halal livelihood and they will not be allowed to suffer financial losses," the office said.