KARACHI: Iron and steel industry in Lahore is running short of raw material as MCC Appraisement East has illegally stopped transshipment (TP) of their consignments imported from China for home consumption.
These consignments were shipped in bulk carriers because of the nature of products, which could not be stuffed in containers. But, Collector MCC Appraisement East who has earned a bad name has stopped processing of these TPs destined for dry port Lahore.
The TPs for the above mentioned consignments were filed by bonded carriers namely M/s Limsa Agencies Pvt Ltd, M/s M.A Land Pvt Limited, M/s Tricon Shipping and M/s Al-Tajir.
Importers are of the view that Manzoor Memon was intentionally delaying these consignments through various excuses to force the importers getting their consignments cleared in Karachi.
According to Law, a Collectorate cannot stop the TP consignment. Assistant Collector or Deputy Collector’s approval is required for filing TP pertaining to bulk loose cargo while Deputy Collector Port after physical examination can give the approval.
Despite completion of legal obligations and formalities, the assessment staff is not processing the consignments. Sources said that Manzoor Memon had strictly advised the assessment staff that these bulk loose cargo TPs must not be processed.
Talking to Customnews.pk, importers said that only MCC Appraisement East was having such problems and hurdles while all other Collectorates were doing fine.
It may be recalled that Manzoor Memon, who had illegally holding transport permits of consignments being transported to Lahore dry port, finally cleared the goods after the importers approached high-ups.
Sources said that Memon was willing to increase his collectorate’s collection by usurping the jurisdiction of other collectorates.
Importers said that they were incurring heavy demurrages because of these inappropriate acts of Collector Appraisement West.
Sources said that the goods held-up attracted duty and taxes of millions of rupees and Manzoor Memon was desperate to show increased revenue collection to avoid his transfer from this ‘lucrative’ post.
Sources said that FBR is quite committed to remove Manzoor Memon from his existing post because of his not good reputation and attitude. He has been nominated by Establishment Division for the management course.