Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the customs inspection and assessment system be made compatible with modern technology and faceless to ensure transparency.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the objective of improving and modernizing the customs system is to facilitate businesses engaged in exports and imports, as well as to increase national revenue. He stressed the importance of minimizing the time required for administrative procedures related to customs inspection and assessment.

Prime Minister Sharif urged all relevant departments to work in coordination under an integrated strategy for the effective implementation of customs reforms. He highlighted the need to fully utilize best international practices and feasible strategies in the reform of the customs system.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister called for the development of a well-organized plan to ensure the timely delivery of cargo at ports, particularly considering the increasing volume and the need for swift clearance and transportation of goods. He also emphasized the necessity of immediate steps to enhance the transparency of the customs assessment review appeals process.

Sharif reiterated that promoting business and investment through economic and trade reforms is among the government's top priorities. The meeting was informed about the use of artificial intelligence in customs inspection through scanners, which is significantly reducing the time required for customs clearance.

Additionally, it was noted during the meeting that effective government actions against smuggling have led to a reduction in the illegal transportation of goods and an increase in the volume of goods being cleared through the formal legal customs system.