KARACHI: A transporters association has forcibly seized as many as six containers said to be loaded with foodstuff after two cranes were destroyed during the destruction of these containers being expired goods. These containers cannot in any way stay in the custody of some people who do not have the jurisdiction.
The transporters have seized six containers of the total 20 brought to Hawks bay from PICT for destruction. During destruction of these goods, a fire broke out with explosions and two cranes owned by transporters were also destroyed by fire.
Some 14 containers had been destroyed, the rest 06 containers were confiscated by the transporters. They claim compensation equal to the value of cranes, which according to their claims comes at Rs30 million. It is more alarming after the explosions as it is not clear about the contents of these containers.
Although the Customs authorities have declared the goods to be expired foodstuff, however it is known that the goods were actually highly inflammable aerosol insecticide sprays.
It is more interesting to note that such destruction of expired or confiscated goods is undertaken, as per FBR’s directives, in the presence of several officials including representatives of PSQCA, PCSIR, the detecting officer and others. However, in this instant case no such official was present on the occasion.
General Manager PICT Zafar Awan is in talks with United Goods Transporters Alliance for the release of the containers, which are illegally in their custody. Mohammad Khalid President, Rana Mohammad Aslam Vice President, General Secretary Mohammad Shoib, Syed Noor Shah Joint Secretary and Shakoor Alam are representing the alliance.
Customs authorities are of the view that all the concerned officials mentioned above which are required to be present during destruction had been issued intimation letters but none appeared. Principal Appraiser Nasrullah and two examiners of PICT were present on the occasion.