ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (Wealth Pakistan): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported major progress in clearing stuck-up consignments at Sost Dry Port. A total of 531 consignments have been cleared since the resumption of operations on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.
Revenue generated after reopening
The document shows that this initiative began after an agreement between the Federal Government, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Council. As a result of the clearance drive, revenue worth Rs 2.96 billion has been generated. Since 1st July 2025, the total revenue collected from these consignments has reached Rs 3.43 billion.
Waiver of fines speeds up clearance
To clear the backlog, the Customs Appellate Tribunal waived fines and penalties for 85 consignments. This allowed re-examination and reassessment of items that had remained stuck at the port for a long time. Moreover, the decision helped expedite the clearance of consignments, including those with Import General Manifest (IGM) dates before February 2025.
Current status of pending consignments
According to the document, 72 consignments have been cleared from the gate. In addition, 60 consignments are under re-examination and re-assessment. Meanwhile, 24 consignments remain restricted because of missing documents required under the Import Policy Order (IPO) 2022. Furthermore, 20 consignments are still pending as importers have not yet filed their Goods Declarations (GDs).
Challenges slowing down the process
Despite the recent progress, several issues continue to affect the pace of clearance. Some importers are reluctant to meet the IPO requirements, such as providing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and completing other regulatory steps. Moreover, unstable internet connectivity, harsh weather conditions, and irregular power supply have slowed down work at the Dry Port. These logistical challenges have made routine clearance processes more difficult.
FBR strengthens staff deployment
To tackle these challenges, the FBR has increased staffing at the port. Additional Deputy Collectors, Superintendents, and inspectors have been deployed. Their presence is expected to speed up the clearance process in the coming weeks. In addition, coordination between the FBR and Customs teams has improved, which should further support timely clearance.
Importance of Sost Dry Port for bilateral trade
The FBR has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fast and transparent clearance at Sost Dry Port. The port plays a vital role in trade between Pakistan and China. Therefore, improved operations are likely to support trade flows and contribute to economic stability in the region.
Background of the Sost Dry Port agreement
Sost Dry Port, located along the Karakoram Highway, is a major trade gateway between Pakistan and China. Over the years, the port faced several operational problems due to delays, incomplete paperwork, and weak infrastructure. As a result, many consignments remained stuck for long periods.
In February 2025, the Federal Government, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Council signed an agreement to address these issues. Consequently, clearance activities resumed in late September 2025. The agreement also aimed to speed up the clearance of long-pending consignments that were delayed because of missing documents or other regulatory hurdles. A key step in this process was the intervention of the Customs Appellate Tribunal, which waived fines and penalties and allowed quicker reassessment of stuck consignments.