New MoU guarantees US 'smooth and speedy' transport of NATO supplies from Pak

Islamabad, July 28 (ANI): The United States has clearly suggested that they want future NATO supplies from Pakistan to continue without any trouble, according to a report.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) which the US and Pakistan are going to sign for sustainable running of ground lines of communication (GLOC), is apparently a foolproof document, ensuring round-the-clock transportation of American cargo to Afghanistan.

The MOU, which is expected to be formally signed next week, carries a whole list of contact persons who would be available around the clock in the event of an emergency.

According to The Dawn, departments, such as ministry of defence, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Logistic Cell (NLC), Ports and Shipping to the National Highway Authority (NHA), will be directly involved in smooth and speedy transportation of the US cargo to Afghanistan.The MOU carries a special provision for resolving a dispute between the two countries over the supply routes, but does not allow any third party intervention, the paper said.

According to the paper, special focus has been given to speedy processing of the US cargo for which dedicated officers would be posted at the Karachi port and other points.

Moreover, for the smooth transportation of the cargo, Pakistan will not only ensure effective monitoring of transit routes but will also regularly update on road conditions, the MOU states.

According to the paper, while the US acknowledges that commercial carriers engaged by it for transportation of its cargo will be paid fees as per laws and rules, but in the event of any damage to the cargo these commercial carriers will have to pay the claims.

The document defines 'commercial carriers' as 'a legal entity that provides transportation and related services under a contract or subcontract with or for the US'. (ANI)