PESHAWAR - Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana here Friday highly praised Pakistan Customs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for increasing tax revenue besides countering illegal trade and contraband goods. Addressing as a chief guest in a function organized by Pakistan Customs Peshawar in connection with International Customs Day, Chairman FBR said the theme of this year of the International Customs Day was “customs engaging traditional and new partners with purpose”.
Malik Amjad Tiwana said that the International Day of customs was a testament to the essential role customs plays in fostering global trade, ensuring financial security and upholding legitimate economic trade in the world. This year’s theme highlighted the important role of partnership within the customs community, emphasizing collaborative efforts for the progress of international trade and ensuring enhanced cooperation in the global customs arena.
Malik Amjad said that technological advancement has created extra challenges such as the menace of money laundering and great responsibilities rest on Pakistan Customs officials to utilize technology effectively for countering all kinds of smuggling and illicit trade besides promoting better service delivery and increasing tax revenue for govt kitty.
He thanked Pakistan Customs Peshawar for organizing an impressive function in connection with International Customs Day. The smartly turned-out contingent presented a salute to Chairman FBR Malik Amjad Tiwana who also paid a visit to Yagdgar Shuhada at Customs House Peshawar where he laid a floral wreath. Chief Collector Customs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Saeed Akram said that during the first half year of the current financial year, the KP Customs Department has collected Rs21569 million of customs duty against a collection of Rs13,423 million during the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. “This is 60per percent increase in revenue collection year over year.” He said Pakistan Customs has embarked on a significant modernization drive, prioritizing the digitization of operational processes and investing in workforce development. He said 30 jawans and officers of Pakistan Customs Department KP laid down lives in line of duty.