Thousands of containers are stuck at Karachi Port due to a strike by employees of the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) over non-payment of bonuses and other benefits.
FPCCI Vice President Khurram Ijaz stated that the strike halted clearance certificates from PSQCA for importers and exporters.
As of the filing of this report, fertilizers, edible oil, machinery, and equipment have not been cleared for two days at Karachi Port.
It is pertinent to note that PSQCA clearance certificates are mandatory for clearing goods. Business persons said: "If the goods are not cleared, importers and exporters will incur millions in demurrage fees."
PSQCA employees have completely ceased work in their offices and have displayed strike banners.
Arshad Khursheed, President of the Karachi Customs Agent Association, has demanded that the government end the strike.
The port is expected to become more congested due to the holiday on Saturday and Sunday.
