KARACHI: Sharjeel Jamal, the coordinator of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Standing Committee, has accused the officers and officials of the Air Freight Unit (AFU) Karachi of irregularities and negligence. He claimed that they are causing huge losses to the importers and the national economy by delaying the clearance and examination of consignments.
According to Jamal, the AFU officers and officials often come to the office around mid-day and ignore the complaints and requests of the importers and clearing agents. He alleged that they deliberately create hurdles and demand gratitude for the smooth processing of the shipments. He said that the examination of the consignments is also delayed for days, even after contacting the concerned officers.
Jamal said that due to these malpractices, the importers and clearing agents have to pay heavy detention and demurrage charges, which sometimes exceed the value of the consignments. He said that this is affecting the business and economy of the country negatively and discouraging the importers from using the air cargo facility.
Jamal has requested the Chief Collector of Customs, Yaqoob Mako, to take immediate action against the corrupt and inefficient officers and staff of the AFU Karachi. He has urged him to appoint honest and punctual staff who can facilitate the importers and clearing agents and ensure the timely clearance and examination of the consignments. He has also appealed to the Prime Minister and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to look into the matter and take necessary steps to reform the AFU Karachi.