PM Shehbaz orders installation of smart scanners at airports

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Shehbaz Sharif directed that smart scanners be fitted at every international airport to ease passenger travel. He ordered the equipment imported without delay so that luggage can be checked by technology instead of manual searches by customs staff. Officials were also told that travellers must not be pestered with needless questions at airports.

Dawn reported that the premier reviewed the customs system in Islamabad, praising a new enforcement system and giving credit to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and staff. Briefings covered the movement of goods, the Customs Enforcement Force and efforts to stop petroleum smuggling. The Indus Collectorate carried out 80 operations in its first three weeks, recovering goods valued at about Rs205 million. Some 865 personnel had been deployed across 26 major transit routes, the PMO added.

The premier also stressed zero tolerance toward those who evade taxes, and the statement said 280 goods valuers would be trained this month and in November. Dawn also noted that FBR reforms have merged customs enforcement into a single organisation working nationwide.