To,
The Chairman,
Federal Board of Revenue,
Islamabad
Respected Sir,
I would like to draw your attention towards one of the prevailing issues in connection with the training of Customs agents as FBR is not holding any diploma or degree courses for them.
As, you know that the Customs agents, as a community, are playing a significant role in the economic growth of the country and contributing a major chunk of revenue to the exchequer.
The Customs agents need to technically empower themselves in order to handle the Customs affairs, as it is a responsible and technical service, however; Pakistan Customs does not have any proper mechanism to train Customs agents before entering into this field.
Although, the Directorate of Training and Research (DGT&R) holds training sessions at regular intervals, but it is imparting training to all veteran Customs agents, who had joined the field for last 20 to 25 years.
The Directorate of Training and Research should initiate proper degree courses of 2 years in this regard and issue clearing/customs agents licenses to those who clear the examination of diploma courses and complete their training.
I would like to draw your kind attention towards the said matter that the newcomers through self-clearance can easily enter themselves into the system, however; they even do not know how to prepare the Goods Declaration (GD) form.
Therefore, I hope that you will take the said matter into consideration and undertake appropriate steps in this regard.
Yours’ Truly,
Shaikh Habib-ud-Din,
Customs clearing & forwarding agent,
Karachi
