All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA) has expressed concern over the issues related to the shipping agents. Arshad Jamal, senior vice chairman APCAA in a letter sent to customs authorities stated that custom agents were facing immense difficulties in dealing with shipping agents as no authority bothered to regulate them, causing delays in issuance of delivery order.
He said customs agents were required to submit pay orders of security deposits to the shipping agents for the clearance of goods but at the time of refunding the same, they were using delay tactics and alleged the shipping agents for refunding the security deposit through cheques instead of pay orders.
Moreover, he said shipping charges had so far not been prescribed that led opening the doors for corruption and added that numerous complaints were received against the shipping agents but no authority had so far stepped to make them accountable and give maximum relief to the stakeholders. He said APCAA had approached all concerned quarters but nobody was keen to pay heed on the hue and cry of the customs agents.
Furthermore, he said APCAA had chalked out comprehensive strategy for customs authorities to resolve the issues related to the services & procedures of shipping agents and urged to convene meeting with the representatives of APCAA in this regard. Arshad apprised that there were number of unregistered companies, which were unlawfully acting as third party for collecting security deposit on behalf of shipping agents, causing to monopolise the whole process. He also appealed the prime minister to look into the matter and take remedial measures to provide relief to the stakeholders.
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