LAHORE: As the World Customs Organization dedicates 2025 to enhancing efficiency, security, and prosperity in global trade, Pakistan Customs has pledged to implement this theme in protecting the nation’s economic borders.
The customs authorities, along with key stakeholders, pledged this on International Customs Day on Sunday here in Lahore. The authorities gathered at Lahore Customs Public School on Kattar Band Road to showcase their ongoing efforts, emphasizing the dedication required to combat smuggling and safeguard the nation’s economy.
Advisor to the Prime Minister, Rana Ahsan Afzal, while speaking on the occasion, recognised the customs’ central role in the country’s economic stability. He spoke about the government’s ongoing commitment to customs reforms, including the newly launched Faceless Clearance system.
Afzal credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his decisive intervention in Pakistan’s policies, which averted a national default and set the country on the path to economic sustainability. He reaffirmed that Pakistan Customs would continue to play a vital role in protecting the nation’s borders.
Other speakers highlighted Pakistan Customs’ remarkable success despite limited resources. They said Pakistan Customs would not be as effective without the dedication of its team members.
They also commended the Customs Public School students for their outstanding performances, further reinforcing the institution’s vital role in nurturing future professionals. The Customs Agents Association, led by Chairman Chaudhry Amjad, was also honoured for its continuous support to Pakistan Customs. Certificates and appreciation shields were awarded to importers, exporters, and customs staff who contributed significantly to the country’s trade facilitation and border security.
Also, the Pakistan Customs officials conducted a high-profile operation where contrabands were destroyed publicly. The operation witnessed the destruction of thousands of illegal items, including 6,618 bottles of liquor, cartons of Chalia, 900 cartons of cigarettes, and a large quantity of unapproved mobile phones, China salt, and opium.
The contrabands were set on fire in front of customs officials and the public, showcasing the force’s commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding national interests.
DISTRICT ADMIN: Lahore city district administration says that the Clean Lahore drive is gaining momentum and achieving significant milestones. The city-wide cleanliness drive has resulted in a marked improvement in sanitation, with sewerage issues being addressed, overall cleanliness enhanced, and unauthorised banners, posters, and streamers being removed. Under this initiative, according to a spokesman, Assistant Commissioner of Allama Iqbal Town Khawaja Muhammad Umair Mahmood inspected the cleaning work on Canal Road on Sunday.
He stated that responsibilities for cleaning Canal Road have been assigned to LWMC, PHA, and the Irrigation Department. He also directed LWMC to clean a 1,500-metre stretch from Thokar to Doctors Hospital, PHA to cover 1,000 metres, and the Irrigation Department to handle a 1,300-metre canal stretch. He further mentioned that a joint visit with representatives from all three departments will be conducted on Monday to inspect the 3,800-metre area and assess the progress of the cleaning work. He also resolved a sewerage blockage issue in Johar Town.
Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2025
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