International Customs Day: Pakistan Customs - Guardian of country's borders

The International Customs Day emphasises the significance attached to the status which Pakistan Customs occupies within the community of International Customs. I sincerely congratulate Pakistan Customs on the event of International Customs Day. Pakistan being part of international community is fully aware of its role and responsibilities. Customs being an interactive organisation has never lagged behind in fulfilling its national as well as international commitments as a responsible organisation.
Pakistan Customs being a active member of the Internal Customs family, interacts with Customs organisation of other countries under the aegis's of global Customs. Pakistan Customs mans the boundary of Pakistan from Sust Border in the North to Karachi and Gwadar in the South. The environment in which the Pakistan Customs operate continue to be defined by the core roles of Customs: (1) Revenue collection; (2) National security; (3) Community protection; (4) Trade facilitation; and (5) Collecting trade data. The following list includes many of the current challenges faced by Customs administrations.
Pakistan Customs embodies a new strategic perspective and policies that will shape the role of Customs in the 21st Century. Continued investment by the private sector in modern manufacturing, information and supply chain management systems, supported by information and communication technologies, and a resultant increase in expectations for prompter and more cost-efficient and predictable border processing of goods and people. Customs heightened awareness of the external drivers that add complexity to the global trade landscape, including initiatives to further liberalise trade and more complex trade rules. It creates greater awareness of the factors that increase the vulnerability of the international trade supply chain, including international terrorism, transnational organised crime, drug trafficking and revenue fraud, and the resultant increase in expectations for strengthened border control while ensuring continued improvements in trade facilitation, which also concerns issues of public health and safety as well as environmental issues. Customs create awareness of the adverse economic and social effects of the infringement of Intellectual Property Rights.
More complex policy and procedural requirements associated with meeting international commitments and standards for efficient and effective border procedures, that enhance co-ordination and co-operation among border agencies. Increased awareness of the importance of Customs as a key vehicle for economic growth, social development and national security, and the resultant need for governments and donor organizations to invest in sustainable capacity building activities in Customs, supported by research-based strategy and professionalism. Increased awareness of the implementation of good governance and sound integrity within Customs services in co-operation with stakeholders, as a foundation for development policy and capacity building.