Director General Syed Hamid Ali of the Directorate of Valuation of Pakistan Customs has assured the business community that valuation processes will be conducted with fairness and transparency to ensure accurate and justifiable assessments. To enhance facilitation for local traders, the capacity of the Lahore office will be expanded, reducing reliance on Karachi for valuation matters. During a meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad and other senior representatives, the DG acknowledged traders’ concerns regarding customs valuation. He supported the proposal to address valuation issues within Lahore, eliminating the need for frequent travel to Karachi, which has long been an inconvenience for upcountry traders. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad highlighted that an active and efficient role of the Directorate of Customs Valuation could significantly ease business operations, benefiting industries and the overall economy. He proposed that if at least ten valuation requests originate from Lahore, customs authorities should conduct the meetings in the city to save both time and financial resources for local businesses. Similarly, valuation review meetings should also take place in Lahore to facilitate traders from upcountry regions. A major concern raised during the discussion was the basis of customs valuation for imported goods. Shad noted that in some cases, valuation is determined at retail prices rather than wholesale rates, leading to inflated assessments. He explained that importers sell to wholesalers at minimal margins, whereas wholesalers and…