MULTAN: Pakistan Customs Air Freight Unit (AFU) at Multan International Airport has reported an unprecedented collection of Rs754.80 million from import shipments for the financial year 2023-24. This marks a substantial increase compared to the previous year’s revenue of Rs23.98 million.
According to Customs sources, the AFU’s significant revenue growth of approximately 3047.6% is attributed to the government’s relaxation on import restrictions. This policy shift followed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), allowing importers to bring in consignments after a period of stringent curbs due to a national dollar shortage.
Customs officials highlighted that the clearance efficiency of the Multan AFU improved markedly, contributing to the enhanced revenue. The government’s permission to resume imports facilitated a higher volume of goods being processed through the air freight unit. Additionally, logistical challenges such as tensions in Middle East had previously hindered the delivery of goods, negatively impacting revenue collection.
The AFU’s robust performance in swift clearance and duty collection is expected to continue, with projections indicating further increases in import shipments and associated revenues. Sources indicated that the AFU is on track to meet and possibly exceed its revenue collections in the coming months.
This substantial increase in revenue underscores the effectiveness of the government’s recent policy adjustments and the operational efficiency of the Multan AFU. As imports through the air freight unit rise, the Customs Department anticipates sustained growth in duty and tax collections, bolstering the country’s economic stability.
The AFU’s enhanced performance in last few compared to the same period in previous fiscal years also demonstrates the positive impact of these policy changes. Officials remain optimistic that the difference between recoveries and targets will be addressed, ensuring the AFU continues to meet its fiscal objectives.
