Pakistan, Hong Kong sign customs accord

Dawn reported that Pakistan and Hong Kong customs have agreed on a cooperative arrangement covering administrative assistance, information exchange and surveillance of suspected consignments and individuals. The pact was formally signed through a virtual ceremony on Friday, held at the Federal Board of Revenue headquarters. Shakeel Shah, the Member for Customs Operations, shared the chair at the event. The signing was completed when the Head of Hong Kong Customs and Pakistan's Consul General in Hong Kong exchanged two copies of the document.

The arrangement gives both customs administrations a structured framework for closer cooperation, mutual help in enforcing each other's customs laws, and sharing of intelligence. It follows internationally recognised standards promoted by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and reaffirms a shared aim of tighter enforcement and securing the trade supply chain. Shakeel Shah said the deal would support a long-term institutional relationship and help address emerging customs challenges.

He added that the arrangement would support revenue collection and trade facilitation, and he assured Hong Kong Customs of Pakistan's ongoing cooperation across every field of mutual help. Officials described the signing as a step toward stronger customs intelligence sharing and a secure, facilitative trading environment.