Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a high-level meeting on Tuesday, emphasized the need for overhauling the country’s customs inspection and assessment system through the incorporation of modern technologies to ensure transparency and efficiency.
He directed the relevant departments to adopt a faceless approach in customs procedures, with the dual aim of simplifying processes for exporters and importers and boosting national revenue.
While chairing a progress review meeting on the faceless appraisal of customs, the prime minister stressed that administrative delays in customs inspection and assessment must be reduced significantly.
He underscored that this transformation should be guided by a unified strategy, with all concerned institutions working in close coordination. According to him, streamlining economic and trade systems is central to the government's broader agenda of encouraging investment and enhancing the country’s business environment.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan must draw from international models and adopt practical strategies tailored to local needs to achieve meaningful results in customs reforms.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, improving trade dynamics, and creating an environment conducive to prosperity and development.
During the session, the prime minister also issued clear instructions to ensure that appeals against customs assessments be handled by unbiased officers. He called for the implementation of a transparent and credible appeals mechanism.
In addition, he stressed the importance of strategic planning to cope with the rising volume of cargo at seaports, ensuring that goods are dispatched promptly and reach their destinations without unnecessary delay.
Officials briefing the meeting informed the prime minister that steps are already underway to modernize the customs process. They shared that an artificial intelligence–driven risk management system is nearing operational readiness.
The application of AI in customs scanning is already helping to cut down the time taken for clearance procedures.
As a result of consistent efforts against smuggling, illegal goods transportation has been curbed, leading to a rise in trade volumes processed through formal customs channels. Work is ongoing to ensure that the customs assessment system becomes fully faceless and technology-driven.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with other senior officials.