IslamabadPrime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for rapid expansion of the anonymous customs valuation system to cities outside Karachi, ensuring imports nationwide benefit from the advanced digital framework.
Chairing a review meeting on the affairs of the Federal Board of Revenue, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of leveraging technology to reform customs processes. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Minister of Economic Affairs Ahed Khan Cheema, Minister of Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, and Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Parvez Malik.
The Prime Minister lauded the progress made in FBR’s digitalization efforts, noting that the faceless customs system represents a historic milestone. He directed the Ministry of ICT and FBR to cooperate in strengthening the system, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence to reduce human involvement.
To further modernize operations, he directed the development of a comprehensive strategy to implement a track and trace system in various industrial sectors.
Officials briefed the meeting on the latest reforms, announcing that the anonymous customs system at Karachi port terminals will be fully operational by February 2025. Plans to expand the system nationwide are progressing, with a central control room set up to oversee implementation.
Additional measures to enhance transparency include the use of body cameras and tablets for inspection recordings, as well as the installation of mobile signal jammers and surveillance cameras at all stations.
The meeting highlighted the successful implementation of the traceability system in the tobacco, fertiliser, sugar and cement industries, which led to significant increases in revenues during the financial year 2023-2024. With full deployment this year, further revenue growth is expected.
To support these initiatives, a transparent recruitment process has been launched in the customs system. Additionally, the One Customs web-based platform is currently being updated, and its design is expected to be completed by March 2025.
The Prime Minister affirmed his commitment to modernizing customs and industrial control processes, and ensuring efficiency and transparency in Pakistan’s economic landscape.