ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Islamabad on Thursday denied media reports that around 19,000 United States/ International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) containers were stolen from Karachi ports.
“Media suggestions that 19,000 United States/ ISAF containers were stolen, including containers that contain weapons and ammunition, are false,” the US Embassy said in a statement.
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, it added.
According to the statement, 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,” the statement added.
