Islamabad: In a significant move to refine its operational strategies and embrace advanced digital solutions, Pakistan Customs has initiated a three-day workshop in Islamabad. This session, attended by top officials within the organization and moderated by international experts from Maersk and KGH, aims to shape the future strategic direction of the customs operations in Pakistan.

According to Federal Board of Revenue, this workshop marks a critical step following the completion of business process mapping in June 2024. Senior management, including Members and Director-Generals of Pakistan Customs, are participating actively to draft a robust customs strategy document. This initiative aligns with the customs’ progressive shift towards automation and digitization which began with the introduction of the digitized Customs Clearance System (WeBOC).

The workshop addresses the evolving role of customs in the age of globalization, where traditional physical border checks are being supplemented by more comprehensive, technology-driven processes. These changes aim to enhance revenue collection, ensure border compliance, and facilitate trade more efficiently.

With the support from the World Bank, Pakistan Customs is undergoing an ambitious transformation intended to minimize human discretion in its operations and adopt uniform modern technologies. This transformation aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for enhanced governance and includes a re-alignment of legal frameworks, organizational structures, and operational models to meet international standards set by the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The Customs Transformation Project, as discussed in the workshop, will introduce state-of-the-art technologies including AI-enabled systems to replace the outdated WeBOC system. This upgrade is expected to improve risk management, post-clearance audits, and reduce redundancies, thereby directing resources towards more critical customs functions.

The Prime Minister has also established a ‘Steering Committee’, led by the Finance Minister, to oversee this significant project, ensuring its alignment with national economic goals and timely completion. This committee will play a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of implementing such transformative technologies and processes within Pakistan Customs.