KARACHI (APP) - The Minster of Ports and Shipping has directed KPT to waive off demurrhage charges on goods accumulated at the port during the period from Aug 19 to 26 as a result of transporters strike during which the issue of demurrhage/storage figured out prominently. The announcement was made to facilitate traders and in the interest of national economy. It was taken as a welcome note and brought a sigh of relief to suffering traders and port users and will act as confidence and morale booster towards the present government policies amongst the business community. Meanwhile, cargo handling at Karachi Port was seen brisk. It got further catalysed due to reinstatement of logistics network as the strike ended and more than 5600 containers were transported from the port during the period. The statistics shows that 2700 containers from KICT, 2004 from PICT and 918 from KPT were loaded on trucks and transported out of port area. Overall 1673 trucks and 210 rail wagons left the premises of Karachi Port after loading cargo while almost double the numbers of vehicles entered the port premises with export cargo. During the last 24 hours, according to KPT sources, the total cargo handled at Karachi Port stood at 140,998 tons comprising handling of 88,318 tons of imports and 52,680 tons exports cargo. Handling of total dry cargo at port was 83,897 tons which included 49,923 tons of containerized cargo, 2096 tons break bulk cargo and 31, 878 tons bulk cargo. The remaining 57,101 tons was liquid cargo, which the port handled at its oil piers. Crude oil and chemicals were handled as liquid imports at Karachi Port during the last 24 hours.