Rs150bn Solar Panels Delayed at Karachi Port, Causing Significant National Loss
Jamaat-i-Islami leader Inayatullah Khan has raised concerns, claiming that solar panel shipments valued at approximately Rs150 billion have been held up at Karachi Port for over a year. He stated that this prolonged delay is resulting in a substantial national loss estimated to exceed Rs100 billion, according to information accessed via SindhNews.com.
National Impact of Delayed Solar Panels
These imported solar panels are reportedly owned by private importers and are not part of any government project. Inayatullah Khan attributed the significant delays to institutional inefficiencies and conflicts between various government departments.
He further highlighted that valuable equipment is deteriorating while awaiting clearance. Khan estimates that the value of these solar panels, initially between Rs150 billion and Rs200 billion in 2023, has depreciated to around Rs50 billion due to these delays and “flawed” government policies.
The delay has reportedly stemmed from a dispute between Pakistan Customs and the Post Clearance Audit (PCA), which has paralyzed the clearance process despite prime ministerial directives for disposal, as reported by SindhNews.com.
This situation represents a considerable economic setback, with potential revenue lost to the national exchequer estimated at Rs100 billion. The situation underscores the economic repercussions of bureaucratic logjams.