By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Top business leaders have strongly opposed the decision to centralize customs appraisement in Karachi, terming it unacceptable and detrimental to trade efficiency and economic growth. Speaking at a media briefing held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Office in Lahore, FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer, FPCCI Vice President Zaki Aijaz, and former Chairman of the Customs Agents Association Amjad Chaudhry expressed serious concerns over the policy shift.
They acknowledged the government’s initiative to implement a faceless system to enhance transparency but insisted that customs appraisement should continue at local ports across the country to avoid unnecessary delays and financial losses.
“Relocating appraisement operations solely to Karachi has led to significant delays in customs clearance. What previously took 2 to 3 days is now taking 15 to 20 days. This inefficiency is causing increased demurrage and detention charges, placing a heavy burden on the business community,” said Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry.
The leaders criticized the move for sidelining regional ports, particularly in Lahore, where four ports are reportedly underutilized due to flawed policy decisions. They called on the government to immediately review and reverse the decision, emphasizing the need to ensure equal facilitation for businesses operating in all regions of the country.
S.M. Tanveer added, “The business community is fully committed to supporting the government’s revenue targets. However, decisions that hamper trade operations and threaten livelihoods must be reconsidered.”
Addressing another major concern, the leaders also urged the government to engage with the traders of Lahore’s Circular Road Market to resolve ongoing disputes. They warned that dismantling the market without proper planning would result in the unemployment of nearly 70,000 families. They emphasized that any relocation plan must be carried out in coordination with the business community and proper alternate arrangements must be made beforehand.
The event saw strong participation from representatives of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association, Solar Association, PASPIDA, Electronics Goods Importers Association, and various other business bodies, reflecting the widespread concern across the business spectrum.
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