The implementation of the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system has resulted in a remarkable 50% increase in revenue collection for Pakistan Customs, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). This success is a major milestone in the government’s ongoing Tax Transformation Plan.
In July 2025, revenue from goods cleared at Karachi’s ports reached Rs342.5 billion, a substantial rise from Rs227.9 billion collected in July 2024. Customs duty collections alone saw a 47% jump, from Rs63.6 billion to Rs93.8 billion year-over-year.
A senior Customs official, Chief Collector Jamil Nasir Khan, who has been leading the FCA reforms, attributed the growth to several structural changes. These include extended operational hours, centralized assessments, digitized examination protocols, and stricter oversight. He described the outcome as a “fiscal success story for Pakistan.” The Central Appraisement Unit in Karachi now operates for longer hours, from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, successfully processing between 1,500 and 2,000 goods declarations daily, with over 95% cleared on the same day. This boost in efficiency is helping to reduce port congestion and streamline trade.
Launched in December 2024 at Karachi Port, the FCA system is designed to promote transparency and minimize corruption by assigning goods declarations to officers who are located away from the port. This “faceless” approach removes direct contact between traders and customs officials. Officials are planning further upgrades, such as direct port delivery and decoupling payment from the goods declaration filing process, to continue enhancing Pakistan’s trade efficiency.
