Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to modernize Pakistan’s customs inspection and assessment system by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and faceless procedures. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, promote ease of doing business, and increase national revenue.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz emphasized that the customs reforms will benefit both exporters and importers by reducing clearance times and ensuring smooth cargo operations at ports.
“The objective of improving and modernizing the customs system is to facilitate businesses, boost investments, and strengthen Pakistan’s economy,” he said.
Key Highlights of Customs Reforms:
- Faceless Customs Assessment: To minimize human intervention, ensuring transparency in customs clearance.
- AI-Powered Scanners: AI-based scanning systems are already cutting down customs clearance time significantly.
- Integrated Strategy: All relevant government departments will coordinate to ensure faster, more effective customs reforms.
- Trade Facilitation: The government plans to streamline administrative procedures, helping importers and exporters save time and cost.
- Anti-Smuggling Drive: Recent actions have reduced illegal trade, leading to an increase in goods passing through formal customs channels.
PM Shehbaz also directed the authorities to implement a transparent review and appeals process for customs assessments and to create a comprehensive plan for swift cargo movement at ports.
