ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems in its customs clearance process as part of wider government reforms to streamline trade and boost revenue.
The decision came during a review meeting on modernising the customs inspection and assessment system, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday. The premier emphasised the need to make the system faceless and technology-compatible to ensure transparency.
“The aim of improving and modernising the customs system is to increase revenue while facilitating businessmen involved in trade,” the Prime Minister said in a statement released by the PMO. He directed authorities to engage impartial officers for reviewing appeals filed by traders on customs assessments.
The meeting highlighted measures to reduce delays at ports, ensuring timely delivery of cargo and faster movement of goods. Officials informed the Prime Minister that AI-enabled risk management and customs scanners are being deployed to minimise administrative processing times.
Authorities also reported that enhanced anti-smuggling operations have reduced illegal movement of goods, increasing the volume of cargo cleared through formal channels. PM Sharif instructed customs authorities and relevant institutions to implement the reforms promptly, focusing on transparency, revenue growth, and business facilitation.
