Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the immediate installation of smart scanners at all international airports.
- He instructed authorities to replace outdated baggage-screening procedures with automated systems.
- The prime minister emphasized the need for courtesy and respect for passengers during airport services.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate installation of smart scanners at all international airports in Pakistan to facilitate passengers and replace outdated baggage-screening procedures.
At a meeting to review the customs system, the prime minister instructed authorities to bring in automated screening systems used internationally, stating that passengers should not face unnecessary questioning by customs officials.
He directed that the scanners be brought to Pakistan by air and installed at all international airports without delay, emphasizing the comfort and convenience of passengers as a top priority.
The prime minister also ordered international-standard training for staff providing services at airports, directing that courtesy and respect for passengers be made key components of their training.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the movement of goods and customs monitoring at airports, seaports, and other locations, as well as measures to curb petroleum smuggling.
The Indus Collectorate (Enforcement) had seized goods worth around Rs205 million in 80 operations during its first three weeks, officials said, highlighting the progress in digital enforcement stations.
A total of 865 personnel had been deployed, covering 26 key routes, and enforcement operations were also under way against smuggled cloth, vehicles, cigarettes, high-speed diesel, auto parts, and other goods.
The meeting was also briefed on FBR reforms aimed at consolidating customs enforcement into an integrated nationwide organisation to prevent smuggling.
The prime minister called for all possible measures to prevent revenue losses through tax evasion and said businesses that paid taxes deserved respect, while those evading taxes would face a zero-tolerance policy.
