ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs successfully conducted a three-day workshop in Islamabad, facilitated by international experts from Maersk and KGH, to refine its future customs strategy document following a comprehensive business process mapping completed in June 2024.
As one of Pakistan’s pioneering public sector entities in adopting automation and digitalization, Customs aims to leverage cutting-edge technological tools to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Building on the success of its digitized Customs Clearance System (WeBOC), Pakistan Customs plans to implement advanced digital solutions aimed at boosting revenue, ensuring border compliance, and facilitating trade.
Recognizing the challenges posed by globalized trade and disruptive technologies, Pakistan Customs is transitioning from traditional border checks to a strategic role in border control, trade facilitation, regional connectivity, and economic growth. Supported by the World Bank, the Customs Transformation Project seeks to align with international best practices outlined in the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
The project will modernize risk management, enhance post-clearance audit capabilities, deploy AI-enabled systems, and streamline operations to minimize human discretion and operational costs. This transformation aims to optimize Customs’ resources for more critical functions, ensuring transparency and efficient cargo handling while combating smuggling and trade discrepancies.
Under the Prime Minister’s directive, a Steering Committee led by the Finance Minister will oversee the project, ensuring timely completion and addressing any challenges that may arise.
