Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Prime Minister Islamic Republic of Pakistan
On International Customs Day 2026, Pakistan joins the global Customs community in recognising the critical role played by Customs administrations in securing borders, facilitating lawful trade, and protecting society from illicit, unsafe, and harmful goods.
This year’s theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” aptly reflects the expanding responsibilities entrusted to modern border agencies. I commend the World Customs Organization (WCO) and its members for their steadfast commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable global trade.
In line with this vision, Pakistan Customs has undertaken major digital reforms to enhance transparency, efficiency, and integrity. The introduction of Faceless Customs Assessment, supported by an AI-based Risk Management System (RMS), has minimized human discretion, standardized assessments nationwide, and accelerated the clearance of legitimate trade. The recently launched Pre-Arrival Clearance System (PACS) and Direct Port Delivery (DPD) are further reducing costs for businesses, enabling faster release of consignments, and improving port efficiency in line with global best practices. These reforms, combined with strengthened intelligence-based enforcement and coordinated anti-smuggling efforts, reflect the Government’s firm commitment to building a modern, technology-driven Customs administration that protects national revenues and safeguards society.
I commend the officers and officials of Pakistan Customs for their dedication and professionalism, and reaffirm the Government’s resolve to support continued modernization, vigilance, and excellence in service to Pakistan.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb Minister for Finance & Revenue
International Customs Day 2026 provides an important opportunity to recognise the indispensable role of Customs administrations in protecting societies while facilitating legitimate global trade. On this occasion, I extend my greetings to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the global Customs community for their sustained efforts in this regard. This year’s theme, “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment” captures the essence of the multifaceted challenges faced by Customs authorities worldwide.
Pakistan Customs stands at the forefront for protecting the society from the harmful effects of smuggling, illicit trade, and cross-border crimes, while ensuring that legitimate trade flows smoothly and efficiently. The Government of Pakistan remains committed to reinforcing this protective role by enhancing vigilance, improving compliance, and aligning Customs operations with international standards and best practices.
The government has undertaken wide-ranging reforms with the view to facilitate international trade. These reforms aim at reducing the time and cost of doing business by digitalizing Pakistan’s cross-border trade. A key component of government’s efforts to facilitate trade is a significant reduction in container dwell time at our ports through technology integration and modernization of Customs operations. PortVerse, Pakistan’s first
Port Community System has streamlined exchange of information among the relevant stakeholders in order to minimize manual processes, and enhance the overall efficiency and transparency of port operations. Pakistan Customs has increased its focus on client satisfaction in recent years and endeavors to facilitate our businesses’ access to global markets with the support of AI-based risk management system which helps accelerate Customs clearance while addressing trade related security risks.
As Pakistan moves forward on its economic reform agenda, Pakistan Customs must continue to demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, and integrity. I am confident that through sustained commitment and vigilance; Pakistan Customs will continue to protect society, secure national interests, and contribute positively to Pakistan’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
Rashid Mahmood Langrial Chairman Federal Board Revenue
On the occasion of International Customs Day 2026, I extend my greetings to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the global Customs community for their continued efforts in promoting secure, transparent, and efficient international trade. This year’s theme, “Customs protectingsociety through vigilance and commitment” reflects the challenges faced by Customs administrations in addressing security challenges while facilitating lawful economic activity.
Pakistan Customs is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding our society from the adverse impacts of smuggling and illicit trade. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) remains committed to strengthening Pakistan Customs’ capacity to exercise vigilance and improve compliance while ensuring trade facilitation. The ongoing reforms in FBR are designed to ensure transparency, enhance efficiency, and strengthen enforcement in order to protect consumers, businesses, and to safeguard national revenue. As part of FBR’s Transformation Plan, significant emphasis has been placed on modernizing Pakistan Customs through digitalization, risk-based controls, and reduced human intervention. Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system is a prime example of such digital transformation initiatives. Similarly, establishment of Digital Enforcement Stations (DES) at key strategic locations across Pakistan will reinforce Pakistan Customs’ anti-smuggling operations through enhanced real-time monitoring.
As we commemorate International Customs Day 2026, I would like to commend all those men and women of Pakistan Customs whose sustained commitment and professionalism in helping Pakistan to adapt to the evolving global trade patterns and risks. I am confident that Pakistan Customs will continue to contribute to Pakistan’s long-term development by improving its operational effectiveness through the adoption of technology-driven solutions.
Syed Shakeel Shah Member (Customs-Operations)
On January 26, 2026, Pakistan Customs proudly joins the World Customs Organization and the global Customs community in celebrating International Customs Day. This year’s theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” aptly highlights the evolving and indispensable role of Customs administrations as both guardians of national borders and facilitators of legitimate trade.
Customs operations play a critical role in safeguarding societal well-being by preventing and disrupting illicit activities that threaten national and international security. Our efforts directly contribute to protecting public health, preserving the environment, ensuring supply chain integrity, and supporting sustainable economic growth. In an increasingly interconnected world, the vigilance and commitment of Customs administrations are more vital than ever.
At its core, the mission of Pakistan Customs is to protect our people, our economy, and our nation from cross-border threats. Through intelligence-led enforcement, robust risk management systems, and the adoption of advanced technologies, we continuously enhance our capacity to detect and intercept risks that may harm society. The Federal Board of Revenue’s Transformation Plan stands as a clear demonstration of our commitment to leveraging technology-driven solutions to create a secure, transparent, and efficient trade environment.
Pakistan Customs stands firmly committed to the vision of technology driven organization fully geared up towards challenges of regulating cross border trade with a professionalism and integrity as core values.
Beyond revenue collection and trade facilitation, Pakistan Customs is proactively addressing emerging and non-traditional threats, including those related to environmental protection. We have made significant contributions by enforcing controls against the illegal trade in hazardous waste, ozone-depleting substances, and other environmentally sensitive goods. These initiatives reflect our firms resolve to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and advance sustainable development, in close cooperation with our national and international partners.
On this important occasion, I extend my sincere appreciation to our international partners for their continued cooperation and support. Pakistan Customs remains fully committed to strengthening collaboration with the global Customs community to build a safer, more secure, and more prosperous world. I am confident that, with professionalism, innovation, and dedication, Pakistan Customs will continue to successfully meet the challenges arising from the rapidly changing dynamics of global trade.
Basit Maqsood Abbasi Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement Islamabad
On the occasion of International Customs Day 2026, I extend my warm greetings and sincere felicitations to the officers and staff of Pakistan Customs, and to the global Customs community.
Observed under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO), this day underscores the indispensable role of Customs administrations in safeguarding society, securing borders, and enabling legitimate trade. The theme “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment” reflects the evolving responsibilities of Customs Enforcement in an increasingly complex trade and security environment, where vigilance, data-driven risk management, and institutional commitment are central to effective border control.
Pakistan Customs (Enforcement) continues to strengthen intelligence-led and technology-enabled enforcement, leveraging data analytics, inter-agency coordination, and targeted risk profiling to combat smuggling, illicit trade, and revenue leakage. These efforts not only protect national revenue but also play a vital role in safeguarding public health, consumer safety, and economic stability.
I commend the professionalism, dedication, and resilience of Customs officers and staff serving on the nation’s economic frontiers, often under challenging conditions.
Their sustained efforts reflect Pakistan Customs’ commitment to transparency, integrity, and operational excellence. We remain resolute in aligning our enforcement strategies with WCO standards and best international practices, ensuring that Customs continues to contribute effectively to national security, economic resilience, and sustainable development.
Moin-ud-deen Ahmed Wani Collector of Customs Enforcement Karachi
On the occasion of International Customs Day 2026, I extend warm greetings and sincere felicitations to all officers and staff of Pakistan Customs. Observed under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO), this day provides an important opportunity to highlight the pivotal role of Customs in protecting society and ensuring secure, lawful trade. The theme “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment” aptly reflects the responsibilities of Customs Enforcement, particularly in Karachi-the country’s principal trade hub-where vigilance at ports, borders, and coastal areas is essential to counter smuggling, illicit trade, and transnational crimes.
The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi remains fully committed to intelligence-driven operations, effective inter-agency coordination, and strict enforcement of Customs laws in line with WCO standards and national priorities. I commend the dedication, professionalism, and contributions of Customs officers and staff performing frontline duties and reaffirm our resolve to continue protecting national revenue, public safety, and economic integrity through sustained vigilance and commitment.
