Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a third-party audit of ongoing reform initiatives within FBR and the Web-Based One Customs (WeBOC) System. During a meeting focused on Pakistan Customs and FBR affairs, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability through audits at all levels.
Highlighting the crucial role of the Customs Department in Pakistan’s economy, PM Shehbaz underscored the necessity of complete digitization within FBR for economic sustainability. He instructed that ongoing reforms and digital projects at FBR should be consolidated under a unified framework to optimize their impact.
PM Shehbaz also mandated FBR to enhance tax revenue through improved enforcement systems, eradicate corruption in customs operations, and streamline customs procedures. He advocated for the adoption of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness of customs duties enforcement.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz emphasized the elimination of under-invoicing to protect local industries and products, and called for transparent communication of revenue collected through enforcement efforts. He urged the implementation of a regulatory framework for the shipping sector to enhance operational efficiency.
The meeting also highlighted that Pakistan Customs has achieved full automation with support from international standards experts, paving the way for a new system leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
In a notable achievement, 72.4 percent of imports and exports were processed through the green channel in 2023-2024, with Pakistan Customs recording an additional Rs. 240 billion through enhanced valuation controls, marking an 80 percent increase compared to the previous year.
