U.S. Refutes Claims of 19,000 U.S. Containers Missing from Karachi Port

Islamabad, September 05, 2013 (PPI-OT): Contrary to recent media reports, 19,000 United States/ International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) containers have not been stolen from Karachi ports. Media suggestions that 19,000 United States/ ISAF containers were stolen, including containers that contain weapons and ammunition, are false.

While the United States routinely uses Karachi ports for both diplomatic and military shipments, neither the United States nor ISAF has ever shipped weapons or ammunition via Karachi ports.

All United States government and ISAF cargo shipments are subject to inspection by Pakistani customs authorities. The United States and ISAF use carriers who are licensed and bonded by Pakistani Customs authorities. The United States tracks and accounts for all military cargo shipments worldwide, including those shipments entering and transiting Pakistan.

We have engaged the appropriate Pakistani authorities on this topic. We have underscored that the United States is able to account for all shipments that have arrived in and transited Karachi ports.

For more information, contact:
Alberto Rodriguez
Spokesman
Information Office Public Affairs Section
Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Embassy, Islamabad- Pakistan
Cell: +92300 501 2640
Tel: +9251-208 0000
Fax: +9251-227 8607
E-mail: webmasterisb@state.gov