ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has announced a significant update regarding the Green Channel facility at airports across the country. Authorities now have the right to randomly select passengers using the Green Channel for additional checks, aiming to prevent the misuse of this facility.
The Green Channel, symbolized by the color green, is designed to allow passengers who are not carrying any restricted or dutiable items to pass through customs without any formalities.
However, in a move to enhance security and ensure compliance with customs regulations, officials may now request travelers to have their luggage scanned or even physically inspected.
Pakistan Customs clarified that these checks are part of standard procedures implemented worldwide to prevent the abuse of the Green Channel.
While the channel is intended for passengers with nothing to declare, the possibility of misuse has prompted customs authorities to adopt more stringent measures.
Passengers selected for inspection should understand that the process is either random or based on specific risk parameters. Cooperation with customs officials during these checks is expected and appreciated.
The customs department emphasized that these procedures are not meant to inconvenience travelers but are essential to maintaining the integrity of the Green Channel system.
The consequences of attempting to pass restricted, prohibited, or dutiable goods through the Green Channel can be severe. Passengers found violating customs regulations face prosecution, penalties, and the confiscation of the undeclared items. This underscores the importance of adhering to the guidelines and ensuring that all dutiable or restricted goods are declared at customs.
This development is a reminder for travelers to be vigilant and transparent about the contents of their luggage when passing through customs. With the introduction of random checks, the Green Channel remains a convenience for law-abiding passengers, while also acting as a deterrent to those attempting to bypass customs regulations.
Pakistan Customs reiterated its commitment to facilitating smooth travel for all passengers while maintaining robust security measures to protect the country’s borders.
