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Saturday, July 07, 2012
Pakistan to scan all NATO supply containers* Officials say checks to ensure convoys conform to parliamentary guidelines barring lethal supplies
KARACHI: All containers passing through Pakistan to supply NATO troops in Afghanistan are to be scanned to ensure they do not contain lethal supplies, customs officials said on Friday.
A number of trucks have already crossed into Afghanistan, but the vast majority are still at Karachi, where they have languished for the past seven months.
The two sides are still rebuilding trust and officials in Karachi, where thousands of trucks and containers languished during the blockade, said there would be thorough checks to ensure the convoys conformed to Pakistani parliamentary guidelines barring the transport of lethal supplies.
“We scanned the containers randomly in the past, but now every container will be duly scanned,” Karachi customs spokesman Qamar Thalho said. “We can seize any item, anything that be, if it is not mentioned in the agreements between Pakistan and Afghanistan and Pakistan and NATO.”
An official speaking on condition of anonymity said the move was intended to stymie opposition parties and religious groups – who have criticised the resumption of supplies. “A strict scanning of the cargo is just one important measure not to give enough space to the opposition to exploit public sentiments,” the official said.
All Pakistan Goods Carrier Association Vice President Rana Mohammad Aslam said Rs 560,000 compensation per vehicle would be paid to the truck owners by NATO subcontractors. afp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk