In a major technological advancement, Pakistan has introduced an Artificial Intelligence-based Customs Clearance and Risk Management System, the first of its kind in the country’s history, developed under the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. This new system aims to automate and streamline import-export procedures, significantly reduce human intervention, enhance transparency, and facilitate the business community through an advanced mechanism run by AI, machine learning, and automated bots.
The initiative, led by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), employs Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous bots to accurately estimate the nature and cost of goods being imported and exported. Officials reported that during initial testing, system efficiency was measured at an impressive 92%.
Furthermore, the test phase highlighted significant improvements in customs clearance processes, with an 83% increase recorded in the identification of Goods Declarations (GD) necessary for accurate tax collection. Additionally, the volume of GDs processed smoothly through the green channel was nearly doubled compared to previous systems.
The implementation of this advanced Risk Management System (RMS) is expected to alleviate pressure on customs officials, minimizing human intervention and thereby reducing room for corruption and inefficiency. Authorities believe business communities will directly benefit from faster processing, cost savings, and more predictable customs clearance procedures.
Highlighting the importance of automation as a key policy priority, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that government reforms in taxation and customs operations aim to introduce greater transparency, effectiveness, and convenience for taxpayers. He further stressed that the adoption of cutting-edge technology would lead to substantial savings in both time and money, benefiting taxpayers and boosting overall economic efficiency.
During the high-level review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, presentations also detailed progress in tax reform initiatives specifically tailored for the manufacturing sector. Officials briefed attendees about newly deployed video analytics technology designed specifically to ensure transparent, accurate, and automated tax collection, thereby enhancing government revenues without undue manual interference. According to the briefing, this technology demonstrated 98% efficiency in initial tests and showed potential for significant cost advantages in the manufacturing sector.
The Prime Minister praised the FBR team members responsible for developing and rolling out the new RMS technology. He urged the authorities to ensure the system remains well-integrated, robust, effective, and sustainable in the long term.
Attendees at the review meeting included federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Attaullah Tarar, Chairman FBR, and other senior authorities and officials responsible for taxation and revenue management.
