A growing backlog at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) has caused major disruptions in customs clearance and delivery operations, with more than 450 import containers now stuck in limbo. The delays, which have stretched container grounding times from the standard 24 hours to nearly six days, are impacting shipments of critical goods including industrial raw materials, grains, and textiles.
Importers and customs agents are raising alarm over the mounting logistical and financial strain. Arshad Khurshid, Chairman of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association, expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of response from KICT management despite repeated written appeals. He blamed terminal congestion and poor operational coordination for the worsening crisis.
“When a container has to wait five or six days just for customs examination, the entire clearance system begins to collapse,” Khurshid said, warning that ripple effects are being felt across the supply chain. The delays have already resulted in millions of rupees in avoidable demurrage and detention charges, further burdening importers. Even after customs clearance, containers are reportedly held for an additional two to three days due to inefficient restuffing and delivery procedures.
Khurshid also highlighted mishandling and sequencing issues, noting that in some cases, importers were forced to arrange double deliveries due to poor coordination at the terminal.
He urged KICT to restore timely container grounding within 24 hours and streamline post-clearance operations, including descaling, examination, and restuffing, to prevent further disruption and financial losses.
The situation has raised serious concerns among trade stakeholders, who fear that prolonged inefficiencies could undermine Pakistan’s import-dependent industries and erode business confidence in port operations.