KHYBER AGENCY: Due to the introduction of the Web-Based One Custom (WeBOC) system and extra examination formalities for trucks, loaded with export and import commodities the custom clearing agents in protest halted clearing process at Torkham custom center on Tuesday.
President of the custom clearing association, Torkham, Haji Hayatullah said that from day one we have been asking the custom officials to facilitate the customs community with priority introduction of modern custom clearing systems at the customs center. However, he added that on Tuesday morning, the customs officials started inspecting every single truck, loaded with export and import commodities which was an extra delaying tactic of the officials. “We are not against the full-fledged examination of the vehicles, but the Torkham customs center lacks modern equipment and one truck takes three to six hours to unload and re-load after an inspection, Hayatullah said.
The custom community was on the view that besides the delay in consignment’s delivery in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the traders suffer a financial loss because of the unloading of the goods.
They regreted that no such restriction had been implemented in other border crossings including Chaman, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan that was unfair to them.
Published in Daily Times, December 13th 2017.
