Pakistan Customs on Thursday celebrated international customs day with much fervour at Customs House Karachi. This day was dedicated by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to be celebrated every year by all 177 Member States. The theme set by WCO for the year 2012 was "Borders Divide & Customs Connect."
The event began with flag hoisting, followed by a seminar lasting for two and half-hours. It was attended by all Customs officers posted in Karachi including retired senior customs officers and stakeholders including Federation of Pakistan Chambers of commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Karachi Chambers Of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA), Karachi Clearing Agents Association (KCAA). Mumtaz Haider Rizvi, Member Customs FBR and Amir Khan Marwat Chief Collector of Customs South were also present on the occasion.
The celebration included speeches and presentations on the WCO theme. Dr Jawwad Uwais Agha, Director of Customs Training & Research Karachi delivered welcome address. Dr Agha said the map of the world showed dividing lines amongst nations, countries, regions and continents. Besides on many other accounts mankind was divided; be it religion, culture, tribes, colour and race. But in spite of all this divisiveness there were forces and interests stronger and overwhelming that bound the continents, regions, countries and nations together.
Of these topping the list was the trade having become the lifeline and most solid connect between continents, regions and states. He was of the view that World Customs Organisation (WCO) is a symbol of unity and every year January 26 is celebrated as "International Customs Day". He noted that the gathering was in pursuit of highlighting the WCO theme; thus the invitees included representatives who were all "hand in hand" with Customs Administration connecting the business between countries together.-PR