KARACHI: Arshad Khursheed has been elected Chairman of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA), marking a significant leadership transition in one of the country’s most influential trade facilitation bodies.
Khursheed, a seasoned trade leader and current President of the Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA), brings with him over a decade of experience in customs operations, port coordination, and policy advocacy. His appointment is expected to invigorate nationwide efforts to streamline customs procedures and strengthen public-private collaboration across Pakistan’s trade gateways.
At the helm of KCAA for the 2023–24 term, Khursheed currently represents more than 3,000 licensed customs agents operating through the Port of Karachi, one of South Asia’s busiest maritime hubs. His tenure has been defined by initiatives aimed at digitalizing documentation processes, improving port clearance timelines, and fostering transparent engagement with customs authorities.
Prior to his presidency, Khursheed served two consecutive terms as General Secretary of KCAA, where he played a pivotal role in institutional development and aligning the association’s goals with modern trade practices.
Beyond his association work, Khursheed also holds the position of Honorary Coordinator to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO). In this role, he advocates on behalf of the customs agents’ community in resolving tax-related grievances and addressing policy bottlenecks at the national level.
He has further contributed to institutional integrity as an Appellate Authority on the FPCCI Election Commission for the past three years, overseeing appeals and electoral disputes within Pakistan’s apex trade body.
Industry stakeholders anticipate that Khursheed’s strategic insight and deep-rooted engagement in customs reforms will lend strong momentum to APCAA’s vision of facilitating trade, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering accountability in customs procedures across Pakistan.