Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the immediate installation of smart scanners at airports to replace the outdated manual baggage screening system with an automated process, stressing that passenger convenience and dignity must be ensured at all costs.
The directives were issued during a meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the customs system, where several measures were approved to facilitate passengers and improve airport operations.
Shehbaz Sharif said the traditional baggage screening method should be replaced with an automated system that meets international standards. He emphasised that passengers must be treated with courtesy and respect, adding that no one would be allowed to harass or inconvenience them unnecessarily.
The prime minister also directed the authorities to provide airport staff with training in line with international standards, with particular emphasis on courteous behaviour, passenger facilitation and respect for human dignity.
Commending the newly introduced customs enforcement system, Shehbaz Sharif praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman and his team for their efforts. He stressed that all possible measures must be taken to prevent revenue leakage, directing the authorities to respect tax-compliant businesses while adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards tax evasion.
The prime minister said the government was responsible for safeguarding public funds and would make every effort to ensure that national revenue was protected.