PM to launch ‘PortVerse’ maritime system in August to enhance port efficiency

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to launch the “PortVerse” maritime one-window system in Karachi during the first week of August, aimed at enhancing port efficiency.

According to media reports, the Port Community System (PCS) is a digital platform designed to facilitate information sharing and collaboration among various stakeholders in the port community. 

Aftab Haider, CEO of Pakistan Single Window (PSW), explained in a press conference that the system will act as a central hub for secure data exchange among customs, port authorities, shipping lines, and freight forwarders. The goal of the PCS is to improve transparency, security, and efficiency in port operations and global trade. He emphasised that the PCS could reduce container clearance times at ports from 52 hours to just 12 hours. 

Additionally, the government will conduct a system audit of the Web-Based Computerised Clearance (WeBOC) application and the PSW to address glitches and issues experienced over the past two to three years.

He revealed that extensive tampering of Goods Declaration (GD) forms occurred due to a technical flaw in the WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) system, which dates back to 2015. The glitch allowed alterations to GD forms without proper backend validation, enabling importers to modify declared quantities and descriptions of goods.

While technical issues were reported earlier this year, Haider reassured that no revenue losses occurred due to these problems. He explained that the system had lacked proper validation since 2015, which allowed manipulation of the WeBOC system by some users. Furthermore, he clarified that the recent high-end smuggling vehicle scam was not related to technical issues but rather to the misuse of login credentials.

He also mentioned that the Federal Board of Revenue is working on integrating scanners to centralize data in the PSW system. 

Currently, 23 government departments and 29 banks are integrated into the system, streamlining processes for traders and truckers and reducing delays at ports. PSW’s main objective is to simplify cross-border trade by reducing manual processes and enhancing digital operations.