ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved a historic milestone by winning a seat on the World Customs Organization (WCO) Policy Commission for 2026–2028.
The election took place during the Regional Heads of Customs Administrations (RHCA) meeting for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong from May18 to 20, 2026.
This is Pakistan Customs’ first ever representation on the Policy Commission in nearly 70 years of WCO membership since 1955.
The nomination will be officially approved during the WCO Council Session in June 2026.
Significance of the WCO:
The WCO Policy Commission guides global customs policies. It focuses on modernization, trade facilitation, digital transformation, enforcement cooperation, and governance reforms. Pakistan’s election strengthens its role in shaping international customs decisions.
Pakistan makes history! Pakistan customs is elected to the World Customs Organization Policy Commission for the first time in nearly 70 years of membership! 🇵🇰(1/5) pic.twitter.com/eRRg5Q603P
— Pakistan Customs – DG Communications & PR (@Pak_Customs) May 20, 2026
Six candidates competed for five seats in the Asia Pacific region. Pakistan’s bid highlighted its long absence from major WCO structures, its digital reforms, and regional connectivity initiatives.
The campaign involved nearly two years of strategic outreach and diplomatic engagement. Mr. Syed Asad Raza Rizvi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the WCO, led consultations with member countries.
The establishment of Pakistan Customs’ permanent mission in Brussels in September 2023 strengthened these efforts.
During the RHCA meeting, Pakistan’s Single Window (PSW) model received special attention.
Representatives Mr. Naveed Abbas Memon and Mr. Salman Chaudhry showcased PSW’s digital integration and trade facilitation framework. Their presentation received praise from regional customs administrations.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Pakistan signed a ValidAP agreement with Hong Kong customs. This agreement focuses on digital trade cooperation and data exchange in the Asia pacific region.
The success was achieved through close coordination between Pakistan’s WCO mission in Brussels, the International Customs Wing of FBR, and the Pakistan delegation at the RHCA meeting.
Recognition and impact:
FBR and Pakistan Customs appreciated the efforts of Mr. Rizvi, Mr. Memon, Mr. Chaudhry, and Mr. Irfan Javed. Their teamwork secured Pakistan’s historic victory.
This achievement raises Pakistan customs’ global profile and opens opportunities for technical cooperation and future international customs policy engagement.
