Improving pre-arrival clearance

Karachi Customs Agents Association held a seminar aimed at enhancing the efficiency, speed, and facilitation of the pre-arrival clearance system, as per a press release.

The meeting held detailed deliberations on the challenges associated with pre-arrival clearance, operational bottlenecks, and various facilitation measures. The participants unanimously agreed that immediate and practical interventions are essential to reduce import clearance delays, improve port congestion management, and accelerate overall trade operations.

The following key points of consensus emerged from the meeting: a request to ensure timely filing of manifests under the pre-arrival clearance regime, and the timely scanning and examination of containers.

The meeting also resolved that, in cases involving amendments, short shipments, or other technical discrepancies in pre-arrival goods declaration (GD), a clear, expedited timeframe for GD cancellation will be established.

EV vehicles in Pakistan

BYD continued its nationwide outreach aimed at introducing its new energy vehicle (NEV) portfolio as well as accelerating adoption of electric mobility through the city’s dynamic and globally connected consumer base, according to a press release. The on-ground activation, currently underway near Heaven Hawks Golf Club, Sialkot Cantt, will end on 31st May, 2026.

The showcase featured the BYD Atto 2, BYD Atto 3, and the BYD Shark 6, and visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about BYD’s industry-leading innovations, including the revolutionary Blade Battery, globally recognised for its safety, durability, and efficiency standards.

Separately, MG Motor Pakistan officially unveiled its MG4 EV Urban, a modern electric hatchback designed to make EV ownership more practical, accessible, and technology-focused for Pakistan’s evolving automotive market.

Priced at Rs6,949,000, the MG4 EV Urban introduces a wide range of premium technologies and comfort features, including a 12.8-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, wireless charging, and MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Safety remains a key focus, with features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist, and a 540-degree HD camera (360-degree with transparent chassis) system.

75 years of Pak-China

Port Qasim Authority (PQA) joined the government in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly countries, as per a press release.

A ceremony was held at the premises of Port Qasim Authority in the presence of a Chinese delegation, where the national flag of Pakistan was hoisted. The plantation drive followed the events as well as a brief address by the chairman, “The enduring Pakistan-China friendship, often described as higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel, continues to serve as a shining example of mutual trust, unwavering support and shared prosperity. Chinese enterprises and CPEC-related initiatives have made significant contributions towards industrial growth, energy infrastructure and port development at PQA. Port Qasim acknowledges the valuable role of leading Chinese companies operating at PQA.”

PQA reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating bilateral cooperation in line with the vision of prosperity between Pakistan and China.

Taxing advertisers

The Pakistan Advertising Assoc­iation urged the government to undertake urgent rationalisation of the taxation framework applicable to the advertising industry in its budget proposals for FY27, as per a press release.

In its submission to the Federal Board of Revenue, the association stated that the current withholding tax structure has placed an excessive and unsustainable burden on a fully documented and compliant sector, severely affecting liquidity, operational sustainability, and growth.

Ahmed Hussain Kapadia, Chairman, Pakistan Advertising Association, said, “The Pakistan Advertising Association is not asking for any exemptions or special treatment. We are asking for a tax framework that reflects commercial reality, where the tax paid bears a rational relationship to the income earned by the advertising agencies.”

The Association iterated that the present framework effectively results in disproportionate taxation on gross receipts rather than actual income, while also creating unnecessary disputes and compliance hardships for the industry.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, May 25th, 2026