PQA takes serious note of shutting out of export containers

The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has taken a serious view of the exporters complaints about shutting out of export containers on last loading days at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) and has sought comments from the Terminal's management, Port Qasim sources revealed.
The sources said that the PQA had a serious view of several press reports which spoke of delay in shipment of export cargo resulting in a number of containers missing the vessels on last loading days.
These reports suggested that a number of containers could not reach the terminal in time due to slow movement of cargo lined up outside the QICT gate waiting for their turn to enter the terminal's gate.
The slow movement was attributed by some exporters to a faulty gantry crane putting burden on other cranes.

The QICT management, however, in a circular to Karachi Custom Agents Group attributed the delay in shipment of export cargo to a 'sudden unanticipated surge of cargo at the terminal.
In view of the congestion at the terminal the QICT has advanced the cut off time by two hours for accepting export containers and acceptance of shipping documents.
According to the new cargo schedule that come into effect from February 6, the deadline for accepting containers on the last loading days is 6.00 pm and cut off time for accepting documents is 8.00 pm.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea) has criticised the new cargo schedule announced by the QICT and said that it negates the Government policy of providing maximum facilitation to exports.
Prgmea's zonal Chairman Razzak H. Paracha said in a statement that while Customs open its facilities even on closed holidays the QICT is reducing cut off time for acceptance of export cargo.
The new schedule of the QICT would hamper smooth flow of exports, which constitute lifeline of the national economy.
He strongly advocated for continuation of the existing overnight facilities, which were being enjoyed by the exporters for many years. Due to such facilities amount of exports increased and Pakistan has been able to achieve for the first time an export target of 10 billion dollar.