Pakistan Customs and PBS Fix Major Trade Data Differences
KARACHI – Pakistan Customs and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) have successfully fixed major differences in trade data after a detailed review. Earlier, the two agencies had differences of up to 32% in reported import values, especially from China. Now, after careful checks and updates, that gap has been reduced to just 0.54% in 2023.
What Caused the Problem?
The issue was first noticed in a meeting held on May 20, 2025. Customs’ Director of Digitalization showed that PBS data was missing some types of import records, especially those related to Afghan Transit Trade and certain Goods Declaration (GD) types.
Who Fixed It?
A special team was formed with members from Customs, PBS, the Directorate of Research & Statistics (DR&S), Pakistan Single Window (PSW), and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL). The group was led by Additional Director Ghulam Nabi Kamboh. They reviewed trade data from 2020 to 2024.
Major Findings
One big discovery was the trade difference with China. The International Trade Centre reported $17.33 billion in Chinese exports to Pakistan in 2023, while PBS recorded only $11.76 billion. That’s a 32% gap. But when missing data types were added back in, the difference dropped to just 0.54%.
The team also checked trade data between Pakistan and China using a “mirror analysis.” This confirmed that both countries now report similar numbers after the update.
How Will Future Problems Be Avoided?
To prevent such issues in the future, the committee suggested:
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Better system links between Customs, PBS, DR&S, and PSW
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Same methods and formats for all agencies
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Quick updates when new GD types are added
Who Was Involved?
The working group included:
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Ghulam Nabi Kamboh (Customs) – Chair
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Shazia Begum (PBS)
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Waqas Ashraf (DR&S)
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Abeer Javaid (Research & Analysis)
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Arshad Hussain (PSW)
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Farhatullah (PRAL)
Why It Matters
This success is a big step for accurate trade data in Pakistan. It will help with better policies, fairer trade deals, and improved trust with global partners. The final report will be shared with government ministries and international groups.
The team also advised regular reviews to keep data clean and correct in the future.
