Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the customs inspection and assessment system be made compatible with modern technology and faceless to ensure transparency.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the objective of improving and modernizing the customs system is to facilitate businesses engaged in exports and imports as well as to increase national revenue.
He said time required for administrative procedures related to customs inspection and assessment should be minimized.
He said all relevant departments should work in coordination under an integrated strategy for the effective implementation of customs reforms. Best international practices and feasible strategies should be fully utilized in customs system reforms.
Shehbaz Sharif said a well-organized plan should be developed to ensure the timely delivery of cargo at ports, considering the increasing volume and the need for swift clearance and transportation of goods. Immediate necessary steps should be taken to make the customs assessment review appeals process more transparent.
Shehbaz Sharif said promoting business and investment through economic and trade reforms is among the government’s top priorities.
The meeting was informed about the use of artificial intelligence in customs inspection through scanners, which is significantly reducing the time required for customs clearance.
It was also informed that effective government actions against smuggling had led to a reduction in the illegal transportation of goods and an increase in the volume of goods being cleared through the formal legal customs system.
