Islamabad, August 26, 2025 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to enhance transparency and efficiency in the country’s customs inspection and assessment process through the integration of advanced technology and the introduction of a faceless system.
Chairing a high-level progress review meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that modernizing the customs framework would not only streamline export and import procedures but also help boost national revenue collection. He called for minimizing delays in administrative processes and adopting international best practices to ensure fairness in assessments.
The meeting was informed that an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based risk management system is being introduced to improve efficiency. AI-driven customs scanners are already reducing clearance times, making the process faster and more reliable.
The Prime Minister stressed that all relevant departments must work in harmony under a unified strategy to implement reforms effectively. He underscored that enhancing trade and investment through economic modernization remains a top government priority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further directed that appeals filed by businesses against customs assessments should be heard by impartial officers to ensure fairness. He also instructed that organized planning be undertaken to manage the growing volume of cargo at ports, ensuring goods are moved quickly and efficiently to their destinations.
Participants were briefed that the government’s crackdown on smuggling has significantly reduced illegal transportation of goods, resulting in more consignments being cleared through formal channels. Additionally, steps are underway to make the entire customs system completely faceless, eliminating the possibility of human interference.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior government officials.