PESHAWAR: Chief Collector Customs Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa (KPK) Ahmad Raza Khan t has said that the main objective of Pakistan Customs is to facilitate business activities in every possible way.
Talking with Customs Today during an exclusive talk the Chief Collector KPK said that facilitation is very important because it maintains the flow of traffic and does not cause congestion.
Answering to a query about internet facility at border stations the Chief said that Internet issues are being addressed in collaboration with NLC (National Logistic Corporation) as all KPK customs stations are now operating on WeBOC so better internet access is essential for good business results.
The Chief Collector said Under directions of Member Customs Policy Tariq Huda we was working to improve the infrastructure of customs stations so that the problems faced by the general public and especially importers and exporters could be eliminated.
Telling details about newly established Collectorate of Customs DI Khan, he said that DI Khan has been made the new Customs Collectorate which still needs more staff. However, this new collectorate has begun its work. Steps are also being taken to further strengthen Kohat Customs Station under DI Khan Collectorate.
Answering to a query about development work in progress at Torkham station, he added to provide international standards facilities for cross border transit trade, National Logistics Cell (NLC) is working on mega project of upgradation of Border Terminal at Torkham which will be completed till 2023.
Answering to another query the Chief said that during last month the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Dr Muhammad Ishfaq, Member Customs Tariq Huda and Member Customs Enforcement and Compliance Saeed Khan Jadoon were visited Torkham Pak-Afghan border and reviewed the system of clearance being provided by the Pakistan Customs.
He further told that the above high officials of FBR were given a detailed presentation by the Collector Appraisement Amjad ur Rehman about the mechanism of clearance at Torkham Border.
He said that the Chairman FBR expressed his satisfaction to see that there was smooth clearance of fresh fruits and perishable goods consignments coming at Torkham from Afghanistan.
Answering to another query the Chief Collector said that there was a issue of Sales tax on Perishable goods coming from Afghanistan which has resolved earlier.
Concluding the talk Ahmad Raza appreciated the efforts of officers and staff posted at border stations for trade facilitation and smooth clearance of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
