KARACHI: Approximately 3,500 Goods Declarations (GDs) are currently pending clearance in Karachi, resulting in significant losses to the national exchequer. For the first time, GDs are in the system but have not been assigned for assessment since Dec. 17, leading to demurrage and detention for importers.
The situation arose following the launch of the Faceless Customs Assessment system on Dec. 15. Critics have noted that this system was implemented without a pilot project, directly affecting major collectorates.
Interestingly, authorities had reduced the clearance through the green channel to 30%, but from Thursday, the ratio of green channel consignments increased to over 50%. This change was made without any defined or notified criteria, simply increasing the green channel ratio.
In the south region, 44 appraisers and 6 principal appraisers are responsible for assessments. Their official duty hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, staff members in the Faceless System are required to check in at 9 a.m., lock their mobile phones in a locker, and remain on duty until 9 p.m. This 12-hour shift is enforced without any additional benefits. During these hours, they cannot leave the assessment office, disconnecting them from the outside world.