'World Customs Day 2005' was observed here on Wednesday like other parts of the country as well as rest of the world in a befitting manner. The Collectorate of Customs Lahore held various events at all customs stations followed by a grand dinner, to mark significance of the Day. Celebrated each year on 26th January under the auspices of World Customs Organisation (WCO), the day recognised the efforts of the men and women working in customs various organisations around the world.
In the provincial capital, the day's activities began with flag-hoisting ceremonies at all customs' stations. Collector Customs, Shahid Rahim performed the flag hoisting ceremony at Customs House. The Customs House was also illuminated at night. The authorities at Customs House also hosted a grand dinner for the staff of Customs, where certificates of merit were distributed among the customs staff, playing significant role in enforcing the Customs Act 1969.
Addressing the certificates-giving ceremony, Collector Customs, Shahid Rahim highlighted importance of the day, and said it is celebrated under the auspices of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has 150 member states with its headquarters in Brussels.
He said, Pakistan Customs is the first non-European entity, which joined the inter-government organisation, World Co-operation Council in 1956 and since then it has been actively participating in the world customs activities. 'If customs organisation performs well, the revenue collection is also increased, but this is not mere a revenue collecting agency', he said. He further stated that responsibility of protecting the economic frontier of a country rests on shoulders of officials of customs. He also highlighted the role and efforts of customs in protecting society from the menace of smuggling.
Earlier, Additional Collector Customs (HQ), Junaid Akram, presenting annual performance report of the Collectorate mentioned about the revenue collection, welfare and sports activities. During the year 2003-2004, collection in terms of custom duty remained 26 percent above the target, he added. During the current year up to December 2004, collection under the head of Custom duty comes to Rs 5570 million, which is 13 percent higher as compared to same period of the last year.
Moreover, Rs 500-million duty draw back and refund were paid to the exporters as against 330 million paid during the last year, he pointed out. Anti Smuggling Organisation's performance also remained outstanding and during the first 6 months of the current fiscal, it seized 54-kg of heroin, 2955-kg poppy and 996-kg charas. Likewise, custom authorities also deposited Rs 2 million in the exchequer, which was received, through sale of seized gold and currency. Replacement of old bill of entry system, bill of export, baggage declaration with a new system of goods declaration is also a positive development, he pointed out.
Later, the Collector Customs Shahid Rahim gave away certificates of merit to the officials working in Air Freight Unit, Airport Traffic, Anti-Smuggling Organisation, Container Freight Station, Dryport, General Post Office, Headquarter, Wagha Railway Station and Wagha check post.