11,000-12,000 Afghan and Central Asian Republic transit containers stuck at Karachi port
PESHAWAR:
The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has warned that the prolonged closure of major border crossings at Ghulam Khan, Spin Boldak, Kharrachi and Torkham has resulted in massive financial losses for traders on both sides of the border.
More than 10,000 Pakistani and Afghan traders, as well as goods in transit, are believed to be stuck at the Karachi port, causing billions of rupees in damage.
In a statement, SCCI President Junaid Altaf said the chamber highlighted that 11,000-12,000 Afghan and Central Asian Republic transit containers were stuck at Karachi port due to border closure. He added that thousands of export and import trucks belonging to traders are also parked at these borders as perishable goods deteriorate, causing mounting losses.
“The container backlog has forced traders to pay hefty demurrage and detention fees on a daily basis, while border closures have disrupted the transit trade supply chain, crippling port, transportation and logistics services,” Altaf said. He warned that this situation was not only seriously affecting domestic exports, but was also contributing to rising unemployment and placing traders dependent on cross-border trade under immense financial pressure.
