Karachi, February 23, 2026: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the government to implement a Risk Management System (RMS) at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) and other regulatory bodies to further streamline import and export processes, reduce delays, and improve ease of doing business in Pakistan.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, lauded the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan regarding the country’s digital transformation plan aimed at facilitating trade. He highlighted key reforms such as faceless assessment, pre-arrival clearance, and the post-payment mechanism, which have significantly improved trade operations.
However, he pointed out that despite these advancements, regulatory bottlenecks still persist, particularly in import and export clearance. While most regulatory trade is now being processed through the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and major Other Government Agencies (OGAs) have been integrated into the system, consignments are still subjected to mandatory physical inspections, causing unnecessary delays.
Atif Ikram Sheikh strongly proposed that the RMS of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), PSQCA, and other OGAs should be activated on the same pattern as Customs. He said the implementation of a robust risk management framework would reduce unnecessary inspections, minimize dwell time, lower compliance costs, and enhance trade efficiency.
“Automation and risk-based inspections are essential for modern trade facilitation. Implementing RMS across regulatory bodies will significantly boost Pakistan’s competitiveness and ease of doing business,” he added.
Meanwhile, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President FPCCI, acknowledged that the introduction of the faceless assessment system initially faced several operational challenges. However, he credited Chief Collector Wajid Ali for maintaining continuous engagement with trade and industry stakeholders, which helped resolve many genuine issues.
He noted that the faceless assessment system is now delivering tangible benefits, leading to faster clearance times and a gradual reduction in consignment dwell time, which is improving supply chain efficiency.
FPCCI reaffirmed its full commitment to continued consultation and collaboration with government authorities and regulatory departments to ensure transparent, fair, and efficient trade facilitation mechanisms. The apex trade body emphasized that sustained reforms and stakeholder engagement are vital for strengthening Pakistan’s trade competitiveness and long-term economic growth.