The officers and staff of Pakistan Customs (Central Region) Lahore celebrated International Customs Day on Thursday. Proceedings started with flag hoisting ceremony at Custom House. Madam Samara Nazir Chief Collector hoisted the flag along with national anthem.
This was followed by a simple and graceful event in connection with the International Customs Day celebrations held in Alhamra, the Mall Lahore. The governor of Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana graced the occasion as chief guest. Member HRM Federal Board of Revenue Rozi Khan Burki, were also present besides the Chief Collector Customs (Central), Samaira Nazir, Officials of the US Consulate, officers of various departments including Police, ANF, CAA, Railways, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Collectors and Directors of Customs Central Region.
Zulfiqar Younas Collector Preventive in his opening remarks briefed the audience about the theme of international customs day for 2017 which is Data Analysis for effective border management. He also shared information about various projects initiated by the customs for the welfare and capacity building of the customs staff.
Rozi Khan Burki Member HRM highlighted various measures being taken to improve trade and passenger traffic at border customs stations like WAGHA, Torkham, etc.
Honourable Governor in his address appreciated the working of customs especially the initiatives taken by customs for automation of procedures to facilitate trade.
Certificates of merit were awarded among the Officers of Pakistan Customs (Central Region) for their meritorious services.
Cash Awards to the winners of Poster Competition Organised by Model Customs Collectorate (Preventive) Lahore which included young participants from universities and colleges from all over Pakistan
The Governor Punjab along with the Member HR, FBR and Chief Collector Customs (Central Region) launched the Anti Smuggling Operations Management Application developed by the Model Customs Collectorate (Preventive) Lahore in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)
The Chief Collector Customs (Central Region) Samaira Nazir delivered a note of thanks to the honourable guests at the end of the main event.
Later, the Governor Punjab inaugurated the exhibition of Posters prepared by the young and old artists from across Pakistan at the Alhamra Art Gallery.
Later, in the afternoon, liquor and other contraband goods seized by the field formations of the Customs Central Region were destroyed and put to fire at the State Warehouse, Thoker Niaz Beg.