Latest news with #PSW
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
10,000 import declarations tampered due to WeBOC 'glitch'
Listen to article The Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Single Window (PSW), a government-owned trade network integration entity, revealed on Wednesday that large-scale tampering of Goods Declaration (GD) forms was made possible due to a technical glitch in the WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) system, dating back to 2015. In a briefing with journalists, PSW CEO Syed Aftab Haider said the flaw allowed changes in GD forms without backend validation, enabling importers to alter declared quantities and descriptions of goods. He said that he had recommended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against those involved. "There was no backend validation of GD changes in WeBOC since 2015," said Haider. He added that this loophole was exploited by unscrupulous users to manipulate imports data. Haider said PSW took over WeBOC management in 2022 but cannot make system changes without Pakistan Customs' approval. In March, The Express Tribune reported that more than 10,000 GD forms were tampered with, helping evade billions in taxes. While the PSW CEO claimed that no revenue was lost, there is no rationale behind changing forms without importers at least gaining financial benefits given that they are exposing themselves to criminal cases. The scam raised serious concerns about the credibility of GD forms, which are supposed to be secure records detailing importers, agents, goods, and duties. "This alteration, effected through changes in the browser script, did not need any help from WeBOC, PSW, or Information Technology staff," stated the PSW earlier this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the PM's Inspection Commission (PMIC) to investigate the scam. Though the PMIC report has not been made public, Haider said the PMIC accepted the PSW's stance that the issue was a technical glitch. The Express Tribune had reported that to remain undetected, the corrupt network did not alter the Harmonised System (HS) code, a unique numerical identifier for traded goods, they manipulated the descriptions and quantities of goods. The CEO said WeBOC has not undergone a technical audit for years. PSW is now hiring external auditors to evaluate the system. "There's a clear demarcation between the PSW and Customs. PSW only manages the WeBOC system, but Customs controls the design," said Haider. Commenting on a separate scam involving smuggled vehicles cleared as duty-paid, Haider said this resulted from the misuse of user codes, and there was no evidence of system failure. FBR has suspended the officers whose codes were used to clear the smuggled vehicles. The CEO also announced the launch of a new pilot project, the Port Community System (PCS), which is to be inaugurated by PM Shehbaz Sharif in the first week of August in Karachi. The PCS is designed to streamline port operations and fulfil International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements. "It will serve as a one-stop platform for all port transactions, providing real-time updates on cargo, vessels, and berthing to ensure seamless coordination between port stakeholders," said Haider. He said the system was developed in-house and PSW resisted pressure to adopt foreign-developed systems. However, he clarified that the new PCS will not directly reduce container clearance times but will make the process paperless and more efficient. "Globally, container grounding time is not more than three hours, but in Pakistan it goes as high as 26 hours," said the CEO, urging reforms to reduce cargo examination delays to reduce the dwell time of containers. He also stressed the need to integrate scanners installed at various ports. Scanners at Karachi Port and the Torkham border are not electronically linked, which creates lots of problems. Haider added that the FBR is working on scanner integration and installing new equipment to improve imported goods monitoring.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM to open ‘PortVerse' next month
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will launch 'PortVerse' maritime one-window system during the first week of August in Karachi. Port Community System (PCS) is a digital platform that facilitates information exchange and collaboration among stakeholders in a port community. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, CEO PSW Aftab Haider on Wednesday said that the 'PortVerse' acts as a central hub, enabling efficient and secure data sharing between various entities like customs, port authorities, shipping lines, and freight forwarders. By streamlining communication and automating processes, PCS aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and security in port operations and global trade. PSW CEO explains trade facilitation, regional connectivity agenda The CEO said that we are optimistic that this PCS will help in reducing clearance of containers time at ports from 52 hours to just 12 hours. He said that the government will perform a system audit of the WeBOC (Web-Based Computerised Clearance System) application and the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) to evaluate glitches and issues that have occurred over the past two to three years. Haider also confirmed that some technical glitches in system occurred before the start of this year; however, he ruled out any revenue losses from these technical glitches. The system had lacked proper validation since 2015, allowing some users to manipulate WeBOC system, the CEO added. He also clarified that there were no technical glitches involved in the recently surfaced high-end smuggled vehicle scam; rather, someone had misused a user's login credentials. The CEO PSW also informed that the Federal Board of Revenue is working on integrating scanners, which will help consolidate data in a centralized system. Haider also said that PSW has been established to facilitate the cross border trade, by streamlining and reducing the movement time through digitalisation and eliminating human interaction to the maximum limit. Currently, around 23 government departments and 29 banks were in the PSW system and all were interlinked at the single platform, facilitating stakeholders including the traders and the truckers who have to wait for hours to load containers at the ports. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Pakistan Single Window: Auto makers can now apply for import quotas digitally
Auto manufacturers no longer have to apply manually to the government's Engineering Development Board (EDB) for the issuance of import quotas, as the board has successfully integrated with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) with effect from July 17, 2025. The PSW is a digital platform that enables centralized, and paperless trade by allowing parties involved in imports, exports, and transit to submit information and documents through a single entry point - The move is meant to enhance ease of doing business and ensuring transparency in regulatory approvals. It will enable automotive manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to submit electronic requests for import quota approvals for further processing by customs. The manufactures and OEMs have been asked to obtain PSW User IDs from July 17. All requests will now be submitted through PSW and no manual request will be accepted or processed directly by the EDB. The data will be maintained in both PSW and WeBOC systems - Pakistan Customs' electronic clearance platform - ensuring seamless processing and record integrity as well as real time visibility to both Customs and EDB. As per EDB data, more than 100 OEMs are registered with the department. Talking to Business Recorder, the PSW team said previously, automotive manufacturers were required to manually apply to the EDB for the issuance of import quotas under SRO 656(I)/2006 dated 22.06.2022 in order to avail exemptions and concessions on the import of components. This paper-based process was time-consuming and lacked transparency as manufacturers had no visibility into the status of their applications. PSW CEO explains trade facilitation, regional connectivity agenda A fully digital system To address these challenges, the PSW, in consultation with the EDB and OEMs, has developed and launched a fully digital system. The new system allows OEMs to submit their quota applications to the EDB electronically through the PSW platform, eliminating the need for physical documentation and enabling real-time visibility and tracking of application status by the OEMs. Further, any requests for additional information or clarifications from the EDB will also be managed through the PSW platform, ensuring seamless and transparent communication between stakeholders. Once approved by EDB, the import quota will be integrated with the WeBOC system, allowing manufacturers to use the quota directly during the import of components. The newly-launched digital system eliminates the need for manual, paper-based processing, and replaces approximately 32 paper documents with real-time electronic validations from relevant agencies. This transformation is expected to significantly reduce both the time and cost involved for OEMs in obtaining quota approvals from the EDB. Exporters in PSW system: SBP amends 'undertaking' for payments via ADs Moreover, the PSW's digital processing system enhances application visibility and tracking, resulting in greater transparency and efficiency throughout the entire process. Finally, improved data visibility and analytics will help informed decision making. According to PSW officials, multiple engagement sessions were held with key stakeholders to gather their input in designing a more efficient system that addresses the challenges faced by OEMs for clearance of their goods. This was followed by comprehensive change management sessions jointly led by PSW and EDB to train stakeholders on the use of the new digital system, ensuring a smooth transition from the manual to the electronic platform. More than 100 OEMs are engaged in the manufacturing/assembling of automotive parts. They have welcomed the new initiative and expressed appreciation for the PSW's digital solution, recognizing its potential to eliminate redundancies and inefficiencies inherent in the earlier paper-based system. The PSW provides a digital platform that brings together multiple stakeholders involved in cross-border trade to reduce both the time and cost associated with trading across borders. The PSW primarily serves as a platform for integrating customs and regulatory clearance of import, export and transit goods and is predicated on a harmonized and coordinated approach towards cargo reporting, management, and clearance procedures. Phase 1 of the Pakistan Single Window was rolled out on June 30, 2022,and it continues to add new services, features, and entities to the platform.
Business Wire
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
American Water Military Services Recognized for Excellence in Water Quality by Partnership for Safe Water
BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water Military Services Group, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., today announced its Fort Belvoir distribution system has received the Partnership for Safe Water (PSW) First-Year Directors Award for water quality excellence. The award, which recognizes ongoing efforts to optimize the operation and performance of water treatment plants and distribution systems, was recently announced by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). 'American Water Military Services is pleased to be recognized in delivering safe, clean and reliable drinking water to the military community at Fort Belvoir,' said Sean Wheatley, President, American Water Military Services Group. 'American Water Military Services is pleased to be recognized in delivering safe, clean and reliable drinking water to the military community at Fort Belvoir,' said Sean Wheatley, President, American Water Military Services Group. 'This achievement reflects the efforts of our incredible team, who are dedicated to maintaining high standards and helping to ensure the health and safety to those who serve.' Through the Department of Defenses' Utilities Privatization program, American Water Military Services was awarded a 50-year contract to privatize the water and wastewater utilities at Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 2009. Responsibilities include system capital investment, regulatory and environmental compliance, planning, asset recapitalization, and long-term operations and maintenance. American Water continually demonstrates its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of drinking water delivered to customers by optimizing its system operations across its national footprint. Through PSW, long-term achievements are celebrated with awards for maintaining consistent, high-quality performance and commitment to optimization at the water treatment plant or distribution system. Learn more about the PSW awards here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About Military Services Group Military Services Group, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to military installations across the country as part of the federal government's Utilities Privatization (UP) program. Through UP, the Military Services Group currently owns, operates and maintains water and wastewater assets at 18 military installations, providing services to approximately 670,000 members of the military community. Installations include: Fort Rucker, Ala.; Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.; Naval Station Mayport, Fla.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Fort Polk, La.; Fort Meade, Md.; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.; U.S. Army Garrison West Point, N.Y.; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Fort Sill, Okla.; Fort Hood, Texas; Joint Base San Antonio, Texas; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Fort A.P. Hill, Va.; Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSW CEO explains trade facilitation, regional connectivity agenda
KARACHI: Syed Aftab Haider CEO of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) explained that as part of its trade facilitation and regional connectivity agenda; Pakistan is committed to reforming, modernizing, upgrading and automating its system to match the on-going investments in its infrastructure for cross-border trade. Moreover, Pakistan has ratified the WTO's Agreement on Trade Facilitation on 27th October, 2015 – PSW is enabling country's compliance with the agreement. CEO PSW informed that; on FPCCI's demand its charges of Rs. 500 will be waived to expand its user base; and, enable them fully utilize its services. He also informed that 22 government departments have already been connected with PSW; it has a user base of 94,000 as of now; one million documents have been processed so far and PSW is striving to connect with all 77 relevant government departments ASAP. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, has apprised that Syed Aftab Haider, CEO PSW, visited Federation House for a detailed briefing and interactive, consultative session on the government's efforts to digitize and streamline customs procedures and documentations in line with WTO guidelines and international best practices. Atif Sheikh highlighted the need to create awareness in the business, industry, trade and services community of Pakistan on PSW's facilitation, services and progress made in customs digitalization so far – as it will enable utilization of PSW from the current utilization of the pre-arrival GDs to a much higher and healthier number. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, elaborated that PSW's aim should be to establish a single electronic platform to efficiently and flawlessly meet requirements for regulating imports, exports and transit trade; while simplifying, harmonizing and digitizing the trade processes at the same time. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, informed that on FPCCI's recommendation the government authorities and PSW have decided to abolish Advanced Payments on GDs from July 8, 2025 onwards. The practice was also against the international best practices and the spirit of trade promotion. Khurram Ijaz, Chairman of FPCCI's Advisory Council on Customs – who is also a Director of PSW representing the private sector – elaborated that PSW's objectives are transparent trade transactions; reduced trading costs & delays; hassle-free banking operations for trade; integrated declaration & automated routing of customs; real-time data exchange via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI); connecting government departments for paperless processing in customs; ease of doing business for women traders and boosting exports and FDI. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
