Latest news with #GerryDnata
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gerry's Dnata establishes help desk to accept claims from importers
LAHORE: Gerry's dnata, a leading ground handling and cargo services provider, has established a help desk and dedicated email address, [email protected], to accept claims from importers whose consignments were damaged in the recent warehouse fire at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. This move aims to provide efficient support to affected customers and facilitate the claims process. This development comes on the heels of a recent incident where a massive fire engulfed the Gerry Dnata warehouse at Allama Iqbal International Airport, resulting in significant damage to consignments. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The fire sparked controversy, with customs clearing agents expressing frustration over delays in processing Goods Declarations (GDs) by Pakistan Customs appraisers. A devastating fire broke out at the Gerry Dnata warehouse on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to goods worth millions of rupees. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, suspected to be linked to the ongoing rainy weather conditions. Meanwhile, Customs clearing agents have expressed frustration over delays in GD processing, leading to demurrages and losses. A delegation from the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association had already met with the Collector of Customs Air Freight Unit (AFU) Exports section to register their protest and discuss issues leading to the incident. The Collector had assured that show-cause notices would be issued to responsible staff and duties would be refunded after due confirmation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Massive fire engulfs Gerry Dnata warehouse at Lahore airport
LAHORE: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday at the Gerry Dnata warehouse located at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. At least eight fire brigade and rescue vehicles were deployed to the scene, and efforts were made to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the fire resulted in significant damage to the consignments stored in the warehouse. According to sources, all the goods were destroyed in the fire. The incident has sparked a controversy, with Customs clearing agents expressing their frustration over the delay in processing Goods Declarations (GDs) by the Pakistan Customs appraisers. They claim that the pending GDs led to undue delays, resulting in demurrages and ultimately, the loss of billions of rupees. Talking to the Business Recorder, former senior vice chairman All Pakistan Customs Agents Association Syed Arshad Ali revealed that millions of rupees worth of samples were destroyed in the fire at the Gerry Dnata warehouse despite duties being paid and bank documents being released against the consignments. Customs clearing agents attribute the loss to the delayed release of goods by Customs appraisers, who often cite various pretexts such as requesting additional documents or referring cargo for examination, he added. Ali further stressed that air shipments are typically time-sensitive, but the non-cooperation of cargo handlers has become a persistent issue. 'The present incident has added insult to our injuries,' he said, highlighting the need for improved efficiency and cooperation in the Customs clearance process. According to him, the Association has demanded serious action against the responsible Customs staff for their negligence and requested a refund of duties already paid to the department. The Collector assured the Association that show-cause notices would be issued to the concerned staff and that the duties would be refunded after due confirmation. The Collector also assured that operations at the cargo site would resume from Wednesday evening onwards and that a strategy would be devised to proceed with payment against claims. The incident has highlighted the need for improved coordination and efficiency in the Customs clearance process to prevent such incidents in the future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
