Karachi: The Licensing Committee of the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement West convened a significant two-day meeting on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, at the Custom House in Karachi. This meeting, led by the Director General of Transit Trade, was focused on assessing the current state of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process and addressing key legal and operational concerns.
The primary agenda item for the first day was the evaluation of the number of applications submitted by tracking companies before the EOI deadline. By the end of the assessment period on January 1, 2024, the Directorate Headquarters had received a total of nine applications. After a thorough review, the Licensing Committee concluded that there was no necessity to extend the EOI deadline further.
On the second day, the committee turned its attention to the request from M/s Askari Insurance to commence tracking operations during the interim period. Representatives from M/s Askari General Insurance Co. attended the meeting and expressed their readiness to provide tracking services. They assured the committee of their possession of necessary PMDs (Portable Monitoring Devices) and CSDs (Cargo Security Devices) required for cargo monitoring. The Licensing Committee directed the representative to submit a written statement confirming their readiness.
Additionally, M/s V Tracking also affirmed their readiness to start operations within 25 days. The committee decided to inform both companies to establish their Control Room on the 2nd Floor of the Old Custom House and commence their tracking and monitoring operations promptly.
The third agenda item was a legal notice received from M/s TPL through their legal representatives, M/s HWP Law. The Licensing Committee evaluated the notice and determined that the litigation initiated by M/s TPL was based on a misrepresentation of facts and legal positions. In response, the committee resolved that the Directorate General of Transit Trade should robustly defend the case, even considering the option of hiring specialized legal counsel if necessary.
The Licensing Committee’s proactive measures and decisions during this meeting underscore its commitment to maintaining efficient and effective transit trade operations. By addressing both operational readiness and legal challenges, the committee aims to ensure smooth and robust tracking processes that support the overall integrity and efficiency of transit trade.
No tracking company has the facility of CSD. It is important that whichever company is given the contract should have the CSD facility.