New partnership aims to modernise tariff operations, reduce case processing times and strengthen Pakistan’s trade defence mechanisms.
ISLAMABAD, June 16, 2026: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) and Pakistan Single Window (PSW) on Tuesday signed an agreement aimed at automating and digitising the NTC’s processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in Pakistan’s trade defence framework.
The ‘Agreement for Automation and Digitization’ was signed by Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha, Chairman of the NTC, and Syed Aftab Haider, Chief Executive Officer of PSW, marking a significant step towards modernising the country’s tariff administration system.
The signing ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Muhammad Saeed, Technical Adviser to the Prime Minister, Jawad Paul, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Syed Shakeel Shah, Head of Customs Administration and Member Customs Operations at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), along with senior officials from both organisations.
Digitisation to Strengthen Trade Defence Mechanisms
Speaking at the ceremony, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the National Tariff Commission’s recent progress towards institutional transformation.
He underscored the importance of digitalisation in driving reforms within the organisation.
“A robust, digitalised NTC is essential for supporting a high-growth economy and ensuring that Pakistan’s trade defence mechanisms are aligned with global best practices,” the minister said.
The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the two organisations in areas including:
• Data sharing and integration;
• Automation and digitisation of NTC processes;
• Tariff and trade policy analysis;
• Tariff rationalisation initiatives; and
• Reduction in processing times for trade remedial actions.
The digital transformation is also expected to expedite investigations related to anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and safeguard measures, thereby improving the efficiency of Pakistan’s trade defence system.
Reducing Case Processing Times
Chairman NTC Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha described the agreement as a milestone in the institution’s evolution.
“Today’s signing is not merely about new software; it is about institutional evolution,” he said.
“Digitalisation will reduce our case dwell times, sharpen investigative precision, and create a transparent, predictable trade regime through our Tariff Policy Centre that strengthens the competitiveness of Pakistan’s trading environment.”
He added that modern technological solutions would enable the NTC to provide more effective support to domestic industries facing unfair trade practices.
Real-Time Trade Data Integration
PSW Chief Executive Officer Syed Aftab Haider welcomed the collaboration and highlighted the role of digital connectivity in enhancing institutional effectiveness.
“By integrating NTC’s critical tariff functions into the PSW digital landscape, we are creating stronger institutional linkages and fuelling NTC’s transformation with real-time, shared trade data,” he said.
He noted that improved access to trade information would support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to a more efficient regulatory environment.
Promoting a Transparent Trade Regime
Officials from both organisations emphasised that the agreement reflects their shared commitment to promoting a transparent, predictable, and growth-oriented trade and tariff regime.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s trade governance framework while enhancing the competitiveness of domestic industries through improved policy implementation and faster regulatory processes.
The collaboration also aligns with broader government efforts to leverage technology for institutional reform and facilitate ease of doing business in Pakistan.
The digitisation of tariff-related functions is anticipated to support more efficient trade operations, improve investor confidence, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
