Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the installation of smart scanners at all international airports in Pakistan to reduce passenger inconvenience and replace outdated baggage inspection procedures.
Chairing a meeting on customs operations in Islamabad on Saturday, the prime minister directed authorities to arrange the immediate air shipment of the scanners and install them at international airports across the country. He also ordered customs officials to stop questioning passengers unnecessarily and said baggage checks should increasingly rely on automated systems.
Sharif said passenger comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, adding that no one would be allowed to harass travelers. He also directed authorities to train airport staff according to international standards, with courtesy and respect for passengers made key parts of their training.
The prime minister praised the Federal Board of Revenue’s new customs enforcement system and called for stronger action against tax evasion and smuggling. He said businesses that pay taxes deserve respect, while authorities must adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward tax evasion.
Officials briefed the meeting on customs enforcement at airports, seaports and other locations, as well as measures to curb petroleum smuggling. They reported progress in establishing digital enforcement stations and consolidating customs enforcement operations into a coordinated nationwide system.
The Indus Collectorate (Enforcement) seized goods worth approximately Rs. 205 million in 80 operations during its first three weeks, officials said. A total of 865 personnel have been deployed, covering 26 major routes.
Officials also reported ongoing operations against smuggled textiles, vehicles, cigarettes, high-speed diesel, auto parts and other goods. The recruitment of 280 goods appraisers has been completed, with their training scheduled for October and November 2026.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Musadik Malik, Ahsan Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, members of the National Assembly Usman Owaisi and Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, and senior officials.
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