By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Customs House in Lahore is undergoing a long-awaited and major renovation and capacity expansion after remaining in a visibly deteriorated condition for years.
The House had always been considered a key administrative hub for trade facilitation and customs operations in the region, the building had gradually developed a deserted and bleak appearance due to prolonged wear and tear, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient maintenance over the years. The situation, according to sources within the department, had begun to affect operational efficiency and working conditions for staff and stakeholders alike.
The turning point came with the appointment of Collector Customs Agha Saeed, who, within just four months of assuming charge, identified the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the facility. Known for his earlier reform-oriented postings in Quetta and Karachi, Agha Saeed prioritised the revival of institutional infrastructure as part of broader administrative improvements.
According to official sources, a mega uplift project worth approximately Rs70million has been initiated to transform the Customs House into a modernised administrative complex. The Customs House was first renovated in 2010. The project is expected to significantly enhance operational capacity, improve internal infrastructure, and provide better working conditions for both staff and visiting traders.
The renovation plan includes structural rehabilitation, upgrading of office spaces, digital facilitation systems, improved record management facilities, and better service delivery counters aimed at reducing delays in import and export clearance procedures.
Speaking about the initiative, Collector Customs Agha Saeed said the objective was not only cosmetic improvement but a complete functional transformation of the institution.
“This building represents an important gateway for trade facilitation. Unfortunately, it was left neglected for far too long. Our focus is to restore efficiency, transparency and dignity to the working environment. This upgrade will directly benefit trade operations and improve ease of doing business,” he said.
He added that the project is being executed in phases to ensure that operational work is not disrupted during the renovation process.
Under his supervision, Additional Collector Naveed ur Rehman Bugvi, Superintendent Shanawaz Langrial, and other senior officers have been actively overseeing ground-level implementation. Sources said that work is currently in full swing, with multiple teams engaged in structural repair, redesign, and systems upgrading.
Importers and exporters dealing with the Customs House have also welcomed the development, expressing hope that the improvements will reduce procedural delays and enhance efficiency.
An exporter dealing in textile goods remarked, “The condition of the building had become a serious concern for years. If this renovation is completed as planned, it will definitely improve our interaction with customs authorities and speed up clearance processes.”
Similarly, an importer from the electronics sector said, “We often faced delays due to outdated systems and poor facilities. This uplift is a positive step, and we are hopeful it will bring real change in how business is conducted.”
Officials involved in the project believe that once completed, the revamped Customs House will not only modernise administrative functions but also serve as a model for institutional refurbishment in other parts of the country.
The project is expected to be completed in stages, with authorities aiming for substantial visible progress in the coming months.
Editor’s Note: The amount mentioned in the article has been corrected. An earlier version mistakenly stated it as Rs70 billion.
