POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PM Shahbaz Sharif Launches AI-Based Customs Clearance System to Reform FBR

PM Shahbaz Sharif introduces AI-based customs clearance in FBR to automate tax collection. Promises transparency, efficiency & reduced human intervention.
2025-07-07
PM Shahbaz Sharif Launches AI-Based Customs Clearance System to Reform FBR

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the launch of an artificial intelligence-based customs clearance system in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as part of the government’s broader tax reform agenda.

The initiative was discussed in detail during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Islamabad. Attendees included Federal Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb and Atta Tarar, the Chairman FBR, and senior officials from the revenue board.

During the briefing, officials highlighted how video analytics and AI will be leveraged to enhance tax collection, especially in the manufacturing sector. The system is designed to automate customs and tax processes, minimizing human involvement, thereby ensuring transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.

According to the FBR’s technical team, the AI-driven system demonstrated 98% accuracy during initial trials and is cost-effective. It enables taxpayers to file and pay taxes with minimal friction, making the entire process streamlined and tamper-resistant.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif emphasized that reforming the FBR remains a top priority of his administration. “Automating the tax system will not only make it more transparent but also significantly enhance its effectiveness,” he said. He stressed that the integration of modern technology in tax systems is crucial for improving governance, ease of doing business, and restoring public confidence.

“Reduced human interaction will save time and money, and it will also eliminate avenues for corruption or manipulation,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that taxpayer convenience and national revenue growth go hand-in-hand under this model.

The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of the AI customs system across all major entry points and sectors, ensuring its smooth rollout in the coming months.

This development marks a key milestone in the government’s commitment to digitizing public services and strengthening Pakistan’s fiscal foundations through innovation.