Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) strongly rejects the inaccurate and misleading claims recently published in the print media. The report misrepresents terminal operations and fails to reflect verified operational facts. KICT confirms that there is no examination backlog at the terminal. At no point has KICT stopped or held any Customs-released containers from delivery. The allegation that KICT is holding 38,000 undelivered containers is completely erroneous. In fact, KICT’s real-time yard inventory is significantly lower, and the cited figure exceeds the terminal’s total container holding capacity by more than double, making such claims operationally impossible and factually incorrect. These statements misrepresent the actual situation on the ground.
Additionally, the news that the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement, West Pakistan Customs, has issued a warning notice to KICT is also inaccurate. KICT collaborates closely with Pakistan Customs and regularly implements improvement measures as advised by the authorities. KICT remains fully compliant with all regulatory requirements and continues to work in partnership with Customs authorities.
The mention of the Delay & Detention Certificate (DDC) issues in the report is equally misleading. All DDC-related matters are currently sub judice and pending before competent courts. KICT is committed to complying with the court’s decisions.
KICT maintains a strong working relationship with the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), which provides additional yard space to manage overflow cargo during periods of high import volumes. This collaboration ensures uninterrupted operations and showcases proactive capacity planning by both organisations.
To support trade facilitation, KICT has implemented several proactive measures, such as increasing labour resources, deploying additional equipment, and enhancing 24/7 operational coverage.
KICT regrets the publication of an unverified, factually incorrect report that undermines the collective efforts of KICT, Pakistan Customs, and trade unions, all of whom are working to facilitate trade under challenging conditions. KICT reiterates that there is no examination backlog and no operational crisis at the terminal. The terminal’s gates, systems, and records are fully open for verification by any competent authority.
KICT reassures the trading community of uninterrupted service and smooth operations. With a long-term commitment to supporting Pakistan’s trade growth, KICT shareholders are already engaging with the Government on future expansion plans and on modernising equipment and facilities to enhance container-handling efficiency at the terminal further.
