Delay in tariff, transport by NLC piling up ATT goods

The backlog of consignments arrived under Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) is piling up at both ports of Karachi, awaiting green signal from National Logistic Cell (NLC).
The delay would result in huge losses in terms of freight revenue to NLC which still waits for freight tariff till a tentative date of November 25 to the Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Clearing Agents Group, exactly after wasting ten days of formal approval (November 15) from the Central Board of Revenue (CBR).
Sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday that officials in NLC would inform the group on November 25, regarding their freight tariff.
In this regard, NLC would seek help of private transporters or hire trailers for transporting the ATT consignments from both ports at Karachi, sources said.
On the other hand, Pakistan Railways is still unable to meet the demand placed earlier for transportation of huge backlog of ATT.
General Secretary of group, Amir Altaf, said that on Saturday and Monday, the railways provide only 22 platform rakes called 'ZBC Wagon' of freight wagon each, which is equivalent of 88 covered rail wagons.
He said, "It does not serve the purpose, as we are receiving many containers daily."
On November 16, the office-bearers of the group held a meeting on the issue and asked NLC to provide them freight tariff to transport the cargoes. The group is trying to save demurrage charges, as consignments are also lying stacked at transit shed. About 4,000 ATT containers have been awaiting clearance for final journey at both ports.
The group asked NLC to help to clear the backlog of ATT cargo from both ports. The freight and empty return charges should be competitive with Pakistan Railways.
The group's priority is clearance of loose cargo, which has been de-stuffed at the transit sheds at Karachi Port and needs vehicles fitted with containers. The ATT also needs short-wall vehicles for sugar transportation.
The reasons for delay in providing tariff and transport to the group could not be known but it is due to increased demand of transport for upcountry, he said.