The issue of waving demurrages at Pakistani ports is still hang in balance. Businessmen in Pakistan have requested again Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MOMA) to issue formal notification for waiving of demurrages being incurred by importers at Karachi Port and Port Qasim in Karachi, Sindh Province of Pakistan.

The issue is being advocated by United Business Group (UBG) for the benefit of port users.

They were of view that instruction of Federal Board Revenue (FBR) is not workable until concerned ministry issue same instruction. In this connection, United Business Group (UBG), which ruled apex trade body FPCCI in past, expressed hope that a positive decision from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs will be announced soon.

The sources also added that MOMA is the only body which has the authority to give WAIVER of storage & demurrage at the Ports & Terminals in Pakistan. As far as detention charges on containers by Foreign Shipping Lines/NVOCC’s is concerned, neither FBR nor Customs nor MOMA have the mandate to waive the charges. Meanwhile, Government clarification is awaited. However it is felt by Maritime Sector that the MOMA should Strongly Recommend to the Container Lines/ Nvocc’s to waive Demurrage & Detention charges on Containers for a minimum of 30 days over & above already agreed free time.