Heaps of imported cargo causing congestions on both the harbours, have created problems for parking of hundreds of Nato's armoured cars as scores of trucks are waiting outside the harbours for their turn to load and unload goods, seaport sources said on Thursday. "Around 600 armoured cars of Nato forces parked at Karachi port are waiting for shipment to US and European countries, forcing many trucks loaded with military vehicles to stay for several days outside the harbours," they said.
Shipments of armoured vehicles may be delayed further because of the transporters refusal to carry supplies for the western armies, because of roads blockade in Peshawar in the wake of continuing joint sit-in protest by PTI and JI activists.
Transporters told Business Recorder that the supplies to Nato forces have almost been ceased, in the wake of protest in Peshawar, on fears of increasing security threats to the drivers and their vehicles.
"Unless the government ensures a foolproof security arrangement the transporters there will be no supplies of Nato goods to Afghanistan at least through Torkhem corridors," they said.
Seaport authorities said the piled up cargoes are likely to take several more days to be cleared and to give sufficient space to export cargoes. "It needs ample time to clear the harbours," they said. An official at Karachi port, on the condition of anonymity, said "a shipment is expected to take place in few days as a vessel to transport the armoured vehicles to the US and Nato member countries is expected today (Nov)".
There is also gridlock on Karachi eastern and western wharfs since the transporters have ended their strike, causing huge traffic jams
The supply of Nato armoured vehicles, however, continues from Karachi port to Afghanistan. "Nato supplies are going on a regular basis," they said, adding that "such supplies are passing through Chaman border to reach Afghanistan.