The previously disenchanted traders have seconded as the Philippines operators of Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) claimed to have cleared a backlog of thousands of containers stranded at the container terminal after a weeklong Eid holidays.
"The backlog is no more. There were nearly 6500 to 7000 containers that have been cleared in shortest possible time," PICT Chief Executive Captain Zafar Awan told Business Recorder. Nasir Chandna, vice chairman at FPCCI's ports and shipping standing committee, confirmed the claim saying "The backlog at their place (PICT) has now been cleared".
Earlier, the trader had complained that while "thousands" of imported and exportable boxes were stuck up at PICT the terminal operators were lacking in space, equipment and computerised record of some missing Twenty-Feet Equivalent Units (TEUs). PICT chief Awan, who attributes the problem mainly to the absence of transport post weeklong Eid holidays coupling with financial closures in the wake of federal budget, said his side had cleared the port off faster than other terminals. "It happens every year on Eid occasions. This year it coincided with the federal budget and so became a bit sever," he explained, lauding the efficiency of Customs authorities.
All praise for Captain Awan, Chandna from Federal of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said: "There is nothing pending for the purpose of delivery or examination". He said the PICT officials got the affected containers placed and made available for examination besides deputing additional staff to get the examination done even on Sunday to remove the backlog and processing of documents.
"Thousands of containers were stacked together and not traceable," he said. The FPCCI, Chandna said, viewed that the PICT would get its system computerized on modern lines, like other terminals, to provide better services to help avoid the difficulties faced by trade and industry.