LAHORE: The Pakistan Customs far-reaching measures including Weboc system, containers taking, cargo security initiative, electronic data interchange with Afghan Customs are expected not only to improve Customs control but also help towards the realization of the theme “Coordinated Border Management- An inclusive approach for connecting stakeholders” of World Customs Organizations.’
This was stated by the central region Chief Collector of Customs Rozi Khan Burki while addressing Customs officers and staff in connection with the International Customs Day at the Wagha border. Chief Collector of Customs Rozi Khan Burki said that Pakistan Customs has taken several important initiatives in order to ensure perfect communication with its internal and external stakeholders.
“Introduction of Weboc system has enabled the Customs to gather central data base of importers and exporters besides improving Customs process. Weboc system is also instrumental in reducing clearance time and consequently cost of doing business. The initiative of system automation of Pakistan Customs has been very well recognized by the international donor agencies. World Bank in one of its business reports has specifically mentioned that Customs web based system in Pakistan made trading across the country easier,” he informed.
The Customs has also taken other far-reaching measures including initiatives including containers taking, cargo security initiative, electronic data interchange with Afghan Customs are expected not only to improve Customs control but also help towards the realization of the concept of Coordinated Boarder Management, Burki added. He said that the role of Customs is expanding with the passage of time Customs is now actively engaged in the areas like protection of intellectual property rights, protection of endanger specie, social evils, gun running, drug smuggling nuclear material, items responsible for harming Ozone layers and money laundering.
He underscored that the areas remained either neglected in past or were not considered as the areas coming under the Customs’ domain, adding that we, the Customs Community need to further enhance our skills and expertise in the areas. “Today’s world is highly competitive and demands nothing less than the best. I urge all staff and the Customs officers to work with diligence and dedication and put in your best as your efforts are vital for the economic development of the country,” the Central region Customs Chief said, urging the Customs officers and staff, that professionalism, hard-work and integrity should always be your guiding principal. Pakistan Customs must rise to the expectation of the nation.”
