LAHORE: Central region of Pakistan Customs will hold flag hoisting and destruction of contraband goods at the Land Customs Station Wagha on the International Customs Day on Monday (January 26).
Central Region Chief Collector of Customs Rozi Khan Burki will be the chief guest on the occasion. Chief guest and the collectors from Lahore Appraisemnet, Lahore Preventives, Collector of Customs Multan, Faisalabad and other dignitaries will highlight the impotence of Coordinated Border Management (CBM). Like other parts of the world and Pakistan Customs officers Punjab and other staff will attend the ceremony.
This year International Customs Day is being dedicated to, CBM under the slogan “Coordinated Border Management-An inclusive approach for connecting stakeholders.” Coordinated border management (CBM) is now recognised by the Customs community around the globe as a potential solution for the challenges that the 21th century presents especially with respect to efficient and effective border management. Its importance resulted in the concept being included in the WCO Council’s strategic policy on Customs in the 21st Century that was adopted in June 2008 where it is listed as one of the 10 key building blocks for managing borders in today’s environment.
Central Region Chief Collector of Customs Rozi Khan Burki said that this year has been dedicated by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for the promotion of Coordinated Border Management (CBM).
“Coordination both at national and global level has assumed much importance due to increase in trans-border crime, terrorism, smuggling of arms, narcotics, precursors, and IEDs etc. Coordinated border management is now recognized by the Customs community as a potential solution for the challenges 21st century is faced with,” he added. “A coordinated approach by border control agencies is at the heart of CBM and dialogue between Customs and other agencies at the border is an essential part of CBM. We can help curtail this threat to Global security and peace through collaborative efforts of the Customs organizations of various countries,” Burki explained.
Collector of Customs Lahore preventive Mukarram jah Ansari while shedding light on this year’s Customs Day theme said that they believe in building alliances through collaboration & coordination and determined to move out of the age-old ruts of turf issues, resistance to change, and negativity.
“We invite you to join us in developing win-win solutions for all stakeholders, building a prosperous, secure & respected Pakistan,” he added.
Collector of Customs Appraisement Lahore Muhammad Zahid Khokhar said that Pakistan Customs is struggling to reduce cost of business in the country and the region. “The customs department has devoted all energies in an early integration of customs clearance at the borders,” he added.
Pakistan Customs resolve to assure “Coordinated Border Management” with all neighbouring countries in order to facilitate trade and travelers and discourage all sort of illegal trafficking including human and drug smuggling, collector of appeal Asif Mehmood Jah told this scribe.
Earlier last year, the International Customs Day Customs House Lahore held Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Customs House. The flag was hoisted by Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Tariq Bajwa who highlighted the impotence of that year’s theme of Communication: sharing information for better cooperation. While the destruction of contraband goods was held at the Wagha border where Lahore Customs set on fire billion of rupees contraband goods and articles.
