PM Directs Faceless Customs System to Ensure Transparency and Boost Revenue

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that Pakistan’s customs assessment and inspection system be made *faceless* and aligned with modern technology to ensure transparency, improve efficiency, and facilitate businesses engaged in imports and exports.

Chairing a review meeting on reforms in the customs system, the Prime Minister emphasized that modernization aims not only to provide convenience to traders but also to increase national revenue. He instructed that administrative procedures for customs inspection and assessment should be minimized in duration, with effective coordination among all relevant institutions for smooth implementation of reforms.

Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the progress made so far, including the upcoming launch of an AI-based risk management system and the use of scanners integrated with artificial intelligence to reduce customs clearance time. It was reported that effective anti-smuggling operations have decreased illegal transportation of goods while increasing the number of consignments cleared through legal channels.

PM Shehbaz underscored that business and investment growth through economic and trade reforms is one of the government’s top priorities. He stressed that international best practices in customs modernization should be studied and applied wherever feasible. He also directed that review appeals filed by business stakeholders on customs assessments should be entrusted to impartial officers.

The Prime Minister assured that the government and all concerned institutions remain committed to achieving economic progress, trade growth, and investment promotion through these reforms. He instructed customs authorities to ensure transparency, enhance tax collection, and provide maximum facilitation to businesses.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Division Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior officials.