PM Shehbaz orders installation of smart scanners at airports

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the installation of advanced scanners at all international airports to streamline passenger travel, according to a statement released by his office. During a meeting reviewing customs enforcement in Islamabad, she instructed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, along with Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Dr Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Attaullah Tarar, to have the scanners imported promptly.

Once installed, the scanners will replace manual baggage searches by customs officials. The PM also emphasized that passengers should not be subjected to harassment through intrusive questioning at airports. The statement highlighted the prime minister's commitment to passenger convenience and comfort, with the introduction of an internationally established automated system for baggage screening.

Furthermore, staff providing services at airports will receive training aligned with international standards, emphasizing courtesy and respect for human dignity in service delivery. Praising a new enforcement system launched by Customs, Shehbaz commended Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and his team.

The premier underscored the importance of curbing revenue leakage, stating that tax-paying businesses are respected, while tax evaders will face strict actions. The review included updates on the movement of goods and monitoring across various locations nationwide, as well as the performance of the Customs Enforcement Force and measures to prevent smuggling of petroleum products.

Progress in establishing and operationalizing Digital Enforcement Stations under Customs Enforcement was noted, with the Indus Collectorate achieving 80 operations in its first three weeks, seizing goods worth around Rs205 million. The PM also mentioned the recruitment of 280 goods valuers, whose training would take place in November.

The Customs Enforcement system, under the FBR's reforms to prevent smuggling, has been consolidated into a single, coordinated organization operating nationwide.