Islamabad: Pakistan Customs has launched a comprehensive three-day workshop in Islamabad, focusing on the redesign of its strategic operations and the adoption of advanced technological tools to enhance its functionality. The workshop, which follows a significant business process mapping completed in June 2024, was attended by a wide array of senior officials and moderated by experts from global logistics firms Maersk and KGH.

According to Press Information Department, this initiative is part of a broader effort by Pakistan Customs to overhaul its existing systems and practices. With previous successes in automation and digitization, such as the Customs Clearance System (WeBOC), the organization is now looking to implement cutting-edge digital solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The workshop is designed to outline a future customs strategy that accommodates the evolving demands of global trade and the challenges of technological disruption.

The transformation project, supported by the World Bank, aims to minimize human discretion in customs processes and align Pakistan’s trade regulations with international standards, particularly the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Enhanced risk management, post-clearance audit capabilities, and the adoption of AI technologies are among the key features expected to redefine how Pakistan Customs manages trade compliance and border security.

A new ‘Steering Committee’, led by the Finance Minister and instituted by the Prime Minister, will oversee the project, ensuring effective implementation and addressing any challenges that arise. This committee will play a crucial role in ensuring that the transformation aligns with national priorities for economic growth and regional connectivity.