Passenger profiling: Customs launches specialized risk management system

[caption id="attachment_393552" align="alignnone" width="3900"] epa02416396 Trucks carrying Afghan transit trade supply are waiting for custom clearance at Pak-Afghan border in Chaman, Pakistan, 28 October 2010. Pakistan and Afghanistan sign the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) in Kabul on October 28. EPA/MATIULLAH ACHAKZAI[/caption]

In order to curb the menace of smuggling, Pakistan Customs has launched a specialized Risk Management System for passenger profiling at all major international airports in Pakistan. This exercise is part of the Customs Border Management Initiative (BMI) recently approved by the Prime Minister.

The Passenger Profiling System, "Global Travellers Assessment System" (GTAS) is now operational at seven major airports of the country for which Customs staff has been adequately trained. Moreover, World Customs Organization (WCO) and US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) have provided technical assistance for deployment and implementation of the project.

The system is capable of carrying out passenger profiling and targeting through Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record Information (PNR)for interdiction of suspected travelers, drug smugglers and money-launders etc. while adhering to the requirements of FATF action plan. It will also help in creating profiles of passengers travelling to and from Pakistan and generate risk indicators in advance using a proactive methodology for effective border management.

According to Chairman FBR Syed ShabbarZaidi, the GTAS will also enable Customs to achieve the "Invisible Customs approach"with least presence at airports while facilitating the genuine passengers. The Chairman has also directed Member Customs Operations to ensure adequate training sessions for customs officers while initiating data sharing with border agencies which will serve as a targeting portal for all law enforcement agencies at Pakistan Customs National Targeting Centre.-PR