Pakistan has secured a permanent representation on the Policy Commission of the World Customs Organization for the first time, marking what officials have described as a significant diplomatic and institutional milestone.
According to Pakistan’s envoy in Brussels, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi, the development is a matter of national pride as it comes nearly seven decades after Pakistan joined the global customs body in 1955.
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The World Customs Organization, established in 1953, is responsible for harmonising international customs procedures and standards. Its Policy Commission plays a key role in shaping global customs policies and decisions.
پاکستان تقریباً 70 سال بعد پہلی مرتبہ ڈبلیو سی او پالیسی کمیشن کیلئے منتخب — ایف بی آر
پاکستان نے ورلڈ کسٹمز آرگنائزیشن میں تاریخی کامیابی حاصل کر لی — ایف بی آر pic.twitter.com/JjTrqP98nX
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 20, 2026
With this development, Pakistan has become the 18th elected member of the 32-member Policy Commission, enabling it to take part in high-level decision-making on international customs and trade matters.
Officials said the inclusion reflects growing international recognition of Pakistan’s efforts in customs reforms, trade facilitation, and border management improvements. They added that the move is expected to enhance Pakistan’s voice in global trade governance.
Ambassador Qureshi also highlighted recent progress in Pakistan’s trade cooperation initiatives, including a single-window customs arrangement with Hong Kong Customs, which he described as a major step forward and the first agreement of its kind for the country.
He noted that such developments demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to modernising its customs system and improving efficiency in international trade operations.
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Authorities believe the new role will help Pakistan strengthen institutional linkages, improve compliance with global standards, and expand opportunities for international cooperation in customs and trade facilitation.
The achievement is being viewed as an important boost to Pakistan’s presence in global economic and regulatory forums.