KARACHI: There is an alarming situation at two container terminals in Karachi, where consignments of explosives and fireworks are lying at PICT and NLC posing severe threats to the entire area.

A consignment of explosive material/fireworks was seized in 2012 and since then these goods are lying at the port. Moreover, in September 2015, Customs Intelligence seized huge quantity of explosive material/fireworks and these goods are lying at PICT. Director Customs Intelligence Yaqoob Mako had written to PICT that these explosives should be kept at some separate and safe place to avoid any untoward happening.

There are several  issues in the container handling at terminals. Several other goods particularly chemicals, which are highly inflammable, are kept with other goods even the fireworks are being handled leniently.

The entire situation poses a severe threat to the entire terminals, human lives along with other losses. Container terminals do not have any designated places to handle with inflammable material and explosives etc. It is needed that some special zones away from ports should be made where such goods could be placed safely.