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pAkiSTAN’S FirST iNDepTH NewSpAper oN CuSTomS
Daily
Vol 1 Issue No. 180
Karachi, Sat September 12, 2015
KARACHI
AFTAB CHANNA
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akistan Customs Directorate of the Post Clearance AuditKarachi detected at least Rs 24.464 million evasion of duties/taxes by IBL Operations Pvt Ltd by illegally availing concessionary beneSits of FTA under SRO1261(I)/2007. The PCA, during scrutiny of import data of IBL Operations Pvt Ltd
Price Rs. 14.00
revealed that the importer imported consignments of Pringles Snck and cleared the same from MCC Appraisment (West) and MCC Appraisment (East) through their clearing agent M/s Anwar Asghar Bros. In order to avail concessionary beneSits of FTA under S.R.O.1261(I)/2007 dated 31.12.2007 the importer misdeclared the goods under PCT heading 2004.1000 attracting customs duty at zero percent whereas the goods are correctly classiSiable under PCT heading 1905.9000 chargeable to customs duty at 20 percent.
Customs Collectorates conference to be held in October
The SHC has sought comments from the Customs authorities on a petition
FIA, NAB should remain in limits: Qaim
Customs submits challan against suspect involved in sale of smuggled
Pakistan needs to improve image in world markets to attract
Customs Collectorates Conference under the auspices of MCC Islamabad 2015. | See pAge 02 |
The Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has sent | See pAge 03 |
Sindh CM and PPP leader, has raised concerns over the FIA and NAB raids | See pAge 04 |
Syed Mirajuddin, investigation oďŹƒcer of the Pakistan Customs | See pAge 12 |
In order to encourage the US business community to enhance trade ties. | See pAge 09 |
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Pakistani mangoes become centre of attraction at Tokyo exhibition Saturday, September 12, 2015
National
TOKYO: The Pakistani mangoes have become the centre of attraction at the Mango Tasting Event at the Pakistani Embassy in Japan. A large number of mango lovers gathered to taste the Pakistani fruit, which is famous for its exquisite taste, distinct flavour and sweetness. As a part of a series of events being organised for celebrating the arrival of King of Fruits – Royale Chaunsa, the Pakistan Embassy, in collaboration with FnF Pakistan organised an exhibition under the title of “Pakistani Mango – A Taste of Pakistan Event.” in the Event Hall of the Embassy.
Customs Collectors Conference to be held in october
Customs Valuation determines values of brake fluid FAISALABAD
NAeem SHeikH
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m FAiZAN
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ustoms Collectors Conference under the auspices of Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad will be held during the first week of October, 2015. The conference will be presided over by Chief Collector North Nadir Khan Hoti. During the conference a comprehensive strategy will be devised to improve performance of staff. Decisions will also be taken on underprocess cases of customs while participants of the committee will suggest proposals to curb smuggling from the country. Meanwhile, The Pakistan Customs officials deputed at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad have arrested Jiachkoju, a Chinese engineers, working on different projects in Pakistan, who was allegedly trying to smuggle $50,000 to Ürümqi. As per details, the suspect was going to Ürümqi, a city in China, via China Southern Airlines flight No. EZ6008 when he was detained by officials of Airport Security Force (ASF) in departure lounge following the recovery of $50,000 from his possession. Later, ASF handed over the arrestee to Islamabad Customs Deputy Collector Naveed Bagvi for
he Directorate General of Customs Valuation determined the values of brake fluid vide Valuation Ruling No. 759/2015 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969 . According to details, M/s Indus Mobiles an importer of brake fluid filed a review petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on the grounds that subject ruling was old and did not reflect current international market prices which had considerably declined. The SHC directed Directorate General of Customs Valuation to re-determine values after hearing the petitioner’s point of view. Consequently an exercise for determination of customs values of brake fluid was initiated in this regard. Accordingly to Customs valuation ruling engine oil/gasoline oil/ transmission oil brake fluid DOT 3 Toyota (black) 354ml under PCT code 2710.1994 of USA would be assessed to duty and taxes at $8.24 per liter. The engine oil/gasoline oil/ transmission oil brake fluid DOT 3 Seiken (B.F-3) 355ml under PCT Code 2710.1994 of Japan would be assessed to duty and taxes at $2.98 per liter. The engine oil/gasoline oil/transmission oil brake fluid DOT 3 SK 355ml under PCT Code 2710.1994 of South Korea would be assessed to duty and taxes at $2.95 per litre.
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legal action. The deputy collector after initial investigation registered an FIR against him on the charges of currency smuggling. On the other hand, the Special Court of Customs and Taxation Judge Rana Aftab has sent the accused on two-week judicial re-
mand for further investigation when Chinese engineer was presented before the court. The Chinese engineer has stance that he did not know about the Pakistan’s law which do not allow a passenger to carry currency more than $10,000. When he was
asked regarding the use of lawful channels for the transaction of the amount, he could not give any satisfactory answer to customs officials. However, Pakistan Customs has informed the Embassy of China regarding the arrest of engineer.
NAB starts investigation in Rana Mashhood video scandal LAHORE
m imrAN meHAr
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he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore has announced that investigation are underway into allegations of corruption against Punjab Minister for Sports and Education Rana Mashhood.
A video of allegedly receiving money as bribery was on air on many national television channels during August 2014. Now it is expected that Rana Mashhood will soon be summoned by the bureau and in case of his absence he may be arrested. According to sources, NAB has decided to investigate the allegations that Rana Mashhood received money for party (PML-N) fund from Asim Malik, owner of a visa consultancy Sirm, at his residence a few years ago. NAB Director
General retired Maj Burhan Ali conSirmed that process of the investigation is still on. It is pertinent to mention here that NAB is initiating investigation on the basis of ‘media reports’ and no complaint has been Siled. “The bureau has taken kind of a suo motu action in this case,” ofSicial sources said. “Since the Federal Investigation Agency given a clean chit to Rana Mashhood in this case, the Punjab government is conSident that he will be cleared by NAB too,” the sources added .
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Faisalabad Excise Motor Brach collects Rs 5.58m in August FAISALABAD: The Excise and Taxation Motor Branch Faisalabad has collected Rs 5.58 million and impounded 27 vehicles in month of August 2015. Motor branch has also started a survey for the recovery of tax in different areas of the district, including Faisalabad Motorway Toll Plaza, Gatt Wala Toll Plaza, Jhang road, Samundari road and Thana Sadar. Director Saeed Ahmed of Excise and Taxation said that the department has made enough efforts to achieve the revenue target, adding that operation has been initiated in the region to ensure recovery of taxes from defaulters.
FST puts off plea seeking grant from Federal ombudsman Secretariat ISLAMABAD
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he Federal Service Tribunal (FST) on Thursday heard the case consisting Federal Ombudsman (FO) Taimoor Azmat Usman as respondent. The two-member FST bench, comprising Syed Rafique Hussain Shah and Syed Muhammad Hamid, heard the case filed by Chaudhary Talib Hussain. The petitioner had sought ‘three percent increment/grant’ in the remuneration from the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat. Advocate Chaudhary Sagheer Ahmad represented the petitioner while advocate Muhammad Anwar represented the Federal Ombudsman in the court.
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Transfers create hardships for female customs officers LAHORE
m Hayat
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he recent transfers and postings created an extreme resentment and annoyance in customs officials, especially among the female officers who have to look after their school-going children and elderly parents while serving in Lahore, Customs Today learnt here. The male and female officers alike are of the view that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) management should review the transfers and postings of the female cadre enabling them to discharge their official and family obligations efficiently at their home town. They are of the view that it is for the first time that such thoughtless transfers and postings ordered without taking into account their adverse impact or family life. After summer vacations, school sessions started and huge amounts of fees paid.
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Saturday September 12, 2015
National
SHC seeks comments from customs on confiscated wheat KARACHI
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought comments from the Customs authorities on a petition by M/s Thara International, seeking release of its conSiscated wheat for re-export to Ukraine. In its petition, M/s Thara International submitted that it imported a consignment of wheat from Ukraine in September 2014, which was illegally conSiscated by the customs staff on the ground that wheat is contaminated and not Sit for human consumption. The counsel for the petitioner said that the Customs Adjudication issued Order-in-Original, ordering conSiscation of 57 containers stuffed with the wheat. Aggrieved by the ONO, he said, the importer Siled an appeal against it before Collector of Customs (Appeals) which decided in importer’s favor and allowed it to send the contaminated wheat back to the supplier subject to permission of the Ministry of Commerce. Subsequently, the counsel said, the petitioner approached the ministry concerned to seek its permission and through letter dated March 2015, it granted the petitioner’s plea for re-export of the wheat. Nevertheless, the customs authorities are not releasing the wheat for its export, he complained. He lamented that the customs
officials are not even releasing the empty containers due to which charges are incurring with each day. He said that the importer had also filed two appeals before the Customs Appellate Tribunal against the Pakistan Customs which are pending for disposal. The counsel told the judges that the customs officials taken random samples of wheat for examination in absence of officials of the Plant Protection Depart-
The counsel for the petitioner says Customs Adjudication issued order-inoriginal, ordering confiscation of 57 containers stuffed with wheat.
Sialkot ASO seizes contraband worth Rs 8m
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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sialkot has confiscated smuggled goods and vehicles worth Rs 8 million during August of current fiscal year 2015-16. According to the details, ASO Sialkot conducted various operations against the smuggled goods following the instruction of Model Customs Collectorate Collector Dr.
Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary and almost 12 different seizure cases were formed against smuggled miscellaneous goods and non-customs paid vehicles. As many as two vehicles including Toyota Corolla and Hilux Surf were impounded in the different operation, besides seizing smuggled Iranian juice worth Rs 1 million and other items during the said period. While in corresponding period
of previous financial year 201415, ASO had formed almost four seizure cases by failing attempts of smuggling. Source said that the campaign against smuggling was continued in full swing. They added, “We are striving to curb the menace of smuggling in the region in order to save the national kitty and local business communities by adopting effective strategies.”
ment and representatives of the importer and sent them to the laboratory for testing and, resultantly, it found that the wheat is contaminated and unfit for human consumption.He requested the Court to order the customs authorities either to seek assistance from the Plants Protection Department for fumigation and re-testing of the wheat or release the seized wheat so that it could be exported to the supplier.
Pak rupee recoups value against dollar to reach 104.80 he Pakistani currency Friday recouped value against the US dollar in cash-free market and remains firm in interbank. As per the local currency market, the US dollar shed 90 paisas in open market to reach 104.80 and remained unchanged in interbank at 104.10. On Thursday, the greenback gained 85 paisas in open market to be traded at 105.70 and lost 10 paisas in interbank to be sold at 104.10.
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METRO, PMMCO collaborate to ensure provision of halal meat Saturday, September 12, 2015
Business
LAHORE: With the aim to ensure halal meat for customers, the METRO Pakistan has joined hands with Punjab Mushhad Meat Corporation (PMMCO) to launch governmentcertified traceable halal red meat through 9211 SMS System, the first of its kind in the world. The unique system is an outcome of the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab to ensure the provision of quality healthy and hygienic meat products to the public. The red meat will be slaughtered by the PMMCO slaughter house, manned by professional veterinary doctors and backed by foolproof, fail safe autonomic state of the art 9211 System, a customized solution by the Livestock Department Punjab.
Closing: kSe-100 index plummets 90pts, down 0.27% as volatility continues at bourse KARACHI
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he Karachi Stock Exchange benchmark 100-index lost 90.03points or 0.27 percent to reach 33702.34 points and volume of 57,894,660 shares on Friday. Till midday, the KSE added 49.26 points to take the tally to 33841.63 points level till midday. Earlier, the Karachi stocks, in a bid to recoup overnight losses, gained 178 points to reach
FIA, NAB should remain in limits: Qaim ISLAMABAD
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33970.43 points level in early trading on Friday, the last trading day.
DiSCos’ workers observe protest day against wApDA’s privatisation
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indh Chief Minister and Pakistan People’s Party leader, has raised concerns over the FIA and NAB raids in the province and said that the both of the agency and bureau should remain in limits. Addressing the national Apex Committee meeting, which reviewed the progress and implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), the chief minister urged the top civilian and military leadership to stop the federal institutions from interfering in the provincial matters.
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On Thursday, the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE)-100 index lost
37.99 points to close at 33,792.37 points as compared to 33,830.36 of the previous session. The KSE-30 Index shed 54.34 points and closed at 20,572.53 points against 20,626.87 points of the last closing. Dismal earnings announcements in the oil sector, ongoing protests for tax levies on non-Silers banking activity and hit on corporate earnings by OGRA announcement for increase in local gas prices played a catalyst role in bearish sentiments, stated analyst Ahsan Mehanti at Arif Habib Corp. High and low were 34017.80 and 33666.36 respectively. Total volume traded in the market was 57,894,660 shares.
LAHORE
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housands of employees of power distribution companies (DISCOS) have protested across the country against the proposed privatisation of national power utilities, rising price hike and unemployment. The protesters, under the aegis of All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Work-
ers Union (CBA), took out mass rallies in support of their demands in Peshawar, Mardan, Sawat, Islamabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Mutan, Bahawalpur, Sukkur, Quetta, Hyderabad and other cities of the country. In Lahore, a mass rally was held outside Awan-e-lqbal, Egerton Road, participated by thousands of workers, against feudalism and capitalism and policies of IMF and World Bank and privatisation. The rally, among others, was addressed by I A Rehman, Secretary General Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, renowned jurist Abid Hassan Minto,
and veteran trade union leader Khurshid Ahmad. Meanwhile, Prolonging their protest against the imposition of 0.3 per cent withholding tax on all banking transactions, the business community has announced to boycott upcoming by-elections of NA-122 (Lahore) and NA-154 (Lodhran). All Pakistan Anjumane-Tajiran (APAT) General Secretary Naeem Mir, in a statement, said that the APAT has directed not only to their member traders but also businessmen of other associations not to participate in any political activity till the WHT is abolished.
200 companies from 12 countries: Largest poultry exhibition kicks off LAHORE
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akistan’s largest poultry exhibition, International Poultry Expo 2015 (IPEX), has started at the Expo Centre Lahore. The patron-in-chief of poultry industry, Haji Basheer Ahmad of National Group of Industries, inaugurated the exhibition, while Pakistan Poultry Association Chairman Dr Mustafa Kamal, IPEX 2015 Chief Organiser Abdul Haye Mehta, ex-chairman Adbul Basit, Raza Khursand and several other industry figures were also present on the occasion. Around 200 companies from 12 countries associated with the poultry industry are participating in the three-day IPEX 2015. People from different walks of life including students from different universities and colleges and doctors visited the expo and showed keen interest in the growing poultry industry. Dr Musta Kamal, while addressing the opening ceremony, said that poultry industry has found a new dimension by having investment in value added products. Mustafa was hopeful that the poultry industry will be doubled in five years as China is investing heavily in this sector.
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3G subscribers cross 5m mark: Telenor unveils three new mobiles ISLAMABAD
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he number of 3G subscribers of Telenor Pakistan has crossed five million mark, which is an extraordinary success of the cellular company.
Telenor Pakistan has also expanded its devices portfolio by launching three new mobile handsets. During the session, the journalists were briefed that Telenor Pakistan continues to maintain its leadership as the largest and fastest growing 3G network in Pakistan with over 5 million 3G subscribers, the highest amongst all the telecom operators. During the current com-
mercial rollout of 3G services, Telenor Pakistan powered various rural areas with 3G services wherein even basic landline or mobile telephony services were not available. With a history of empowering societies with its robust communication network, Telenor Pakistan continues to set new trends with its capacious 3G coverage nationwide. As of today, the company operates over
4,900 3G sites spread across the country providing affordable high-speed mobile internet. The new devices added to the portfolio include Lite 3G, Smart Mini and Smart Pro. Costing about Rs 3,690, Lite 3G is a dual sim 3G feature phone with video calling & video streaming functionality. Smart Mini, which costs about Rs 5,490, is a 3G smartphone featuring a 3.5-inch display, a fast Quadcore proces-
sor, Android Kitkat OS and preinstalled social apps. The third addition to the portfolio is Smart Pro, another 3G smartphone priced at Rs 6,990 and featuring a 4-inch display, superior Android Lollipop OS, 1GB/8GB of RAM/ROM and 5MP back camera and 2 MP front camera. The price ranges, build quality and features give Telenor handsets a clear edge over the competition.
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he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has granted pre-arrest interim bail to three suspects who were booked for their alleged involvement in export of gold worth billions of rupees on fake E-forms. Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi approved the bail for suspects Sajid Abdul Qadir, Irfan and Muhammad Shahid against surety bond of Rs 500,000 each in five cases. The court adjourned the hearing of the cases until October 15. Earlier, the Sindh High Court granted a three-day protective bail to the suspects to surrender before the trial court after it issued non-bailable warrants for their arrest. According to the details of the
cases, the customs authorities had registered five cases against exporters, including Saani Impex, BD Enterprises and Rubab Corporation, Makkah Enterprises, M/s Reaz Corporation for exporting gold worth billions of rupees on fake E-Forms, causing huge losses to the national exchequer. Meanwhile, The Special Customs and Taxation Court on Thursday once again directed the investigation officer to submit final challan in a case pertaining to issuance of fake sale tax invoices of more than Rs 1 billion. On the request of investigation officer, Rashid Chandrigar, the court gave him more time to submit final challan. The court directed the prosecution and defence side to forward their arguments on the post-arrest bail pleas of accused Arshad Ali Khan and Tousif Ahmad on Monday. According to the officials of In-
telligence and Investigation Department of Inland Revenue, Karachi, the suspects Arshad Ali Khan, Javed Anwar Khan, Tauseef, and Rashid Ali Khan issued invoices in the guise of bogus companies claiming over Rs 1 billion from the sales tax department. An FIR was registered against them in January 2015. Accused Arshad Ali Khan and Tousif Ahmad are in judicial custody; however, Jawed Anwer and Rashid Ali Khan are still at large. Arshad Ali Khan, who claimed to be proprietor of Kotila Corporation, along with his other accomplices, had been fraudulently issuing fake sales tax invoices. Later, the officials found that the original proprietor of Kotila Corporation, Noor Mohammad, had expired in Feb 2007 and the tax department was also intimated about cancellation of sales tax registration of the firm.
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Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor rahil Yasin editor@customsbulletin.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customsbulletin.com.pk www.customsbulletin.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore
eDiToriAL
gwadar as game changer
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wadar is emerging as the new business and trade hub in the region replacing Dubai and other Gulf states due to its strategic location. The port is situated 540 kilometres off Karachi and was built at the cost of $248 million in 2007 with technical and financial assistance from Beijing. Though Pakistan and China are adamant to go ahead with their plan to develop the port city, but the countries, which are looking it as a threat to their economies, will not sit idle and will try to sabotage the whole scheme of affairs. As a ground reality, India is the only country which has openly opposed the construction of the economic corridor, but there are hidden enemies or frenemies who have started clandestine moves to fan terrorism and insurgency in Balochistan. Both Pakistan and China needs to make close assessment of the situation, especially at a time when the Pakistani government is going to sign a deal with a Chinese company to develop a special economic zone in Gwadar as part of an ambitious $46 billion investment plan, covering much publicized China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as well as infrastructure, energy and transport projects. According to the world media reports, China Overseas Port Holding Company will be tasked with developing a 2300-acre tax-free zone in Gwadar, which will be linked with Kashgar through the economic corridor. The land will cost the Balochistan government $62 million. Meanwhile, another plan is also in the pipeline to build Gwadar International Airport. The work on this project will start in the next two months and the national highway, which will connect Gwadar with north part of the country, will be completed next month. The reports also suggest that the government is setting up a special force, consisting of at least 25,000 personnel to protect the port. The economic corridor has the strategic value for both Pakistan and China and it is not against the interests of any third country. China has already started ambitious projects in various other countries, but the economic corridor is being regarded as a game changer which will usher an era of infrastructural growth and investment in the country. It is the time for the political leadership to look into the perils of corruption and mismanagement which have the potential to bulldoze any project of national importance. If left alone, the market forces take their own course of action, which can have good or bad results. Therefore, the writ of the government should have to be implemented to protect business and investment from the forces of hostilities.
positive look of economy LAHORE
Dr AFTAB AFZAL
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n article appearing in Washington Post gives a positive look of the political and economic situation of the country as terrorist attacks have declined by 70 percent and social and economic activities have started coming back to normal. The political leadership is in relaxed and optimistic mood and is trying to implement a road map for a peaceful and stable country. The political government is also trying to revitalize the sagging economy and raise the standard
of living of less privileged stratum of society. The civil and military operations launched in various troubled areas of the country, including Karachi and tribal areas, have started giving results. The crime rate has declined in Karachi and peace is returning to the tribal areas. However, the country is facing acute and chronic energy crisis, unsettled relations with India and Afghanistan, and ‘bare-knuckled’ political system are hindering the economic development of the country. The government is facing economic as well as political challenges, but the fears of a civil war or economic collapse has been averted and world credit agencies and investment companies are advising investors to exploit business op-
portunities in Pakistan. The International Monetary Fund has extended a $6.2 billion loan and it expects a 4.1 percent growth in gross domestic product this year and up to 4.5 percent for the next year. However, economic challenges are a major area of concern for some analysts who are skeptical of the government ability to overcome corruption and ‘investor-rattling’ political crisis. They believe that the economic situation has improved due to fall in oil prices in the international market, but the element of real optimism is missing in the whole situation. As a matter of fact, the country could not rid itself of the evil legacies of the colonial era which are deep-rooted in every sector of life
from financial discipline to overall economy. The performance of the government is not bad, but unless it brings basic changes in the official machinery, the country will continue to face challenges one after another. It is a good omen that Pakistan is expecting a huge Chinese investment in infrastructural projects which will give it an economic edge on the countries in the region, including India. No doubt economy is ruling the world in this age and the time has come the SAARC countries should forget the bitter past and look toward a common future. India should quit hegemonic style of foreign policy and come to terms with Pakistan and become partner of the Pak, China economic corridor.
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Pakwheels to hold auto show in Islamabad on Sept 13 KARACHI: The web portal www.Pakwheels.com will be holding an auto show at the 2F2F Karting Track in the Lake View Park, Islamabad on September 13, 2015. This will be the fourth event in the series of Pakistan’s largest auto shows organized by PakWheels.com, country’s largest online marketplace for cars. The auto show will feature more than 500 latest cars, international auto brands and motorcycles, and is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors. Suneel Sarfaraz Munj, chairman PakWheels.com, says, “by holding auto shows in all the major cities on a regular basis, PakWheels.com aims to promote a unique ‘car culture’ in the county to entertain and educate people about the cars.
Pakistan is an attractive market for foreign investment: Zhao Qingwei utual cooperation and joint ventures between Pakistani and Chinese businessmen in agriculture, livestock, infrastructure, energy, automobile and other sectors would further cement the friendly relations of the two countries. These views were expressed by the LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz while addressing the two different delegations of Yantai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a Chinese company Shandong YABAITE Technology Co. Ltd. here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Delegation of Yantai CCI was represented by Zhao Qingwei while other by Yong Lu. Chairman Punjab Board of Investment and Trade Abdul Basit, LCCI vice president Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi and executive committee members were also present on the occasion. The LCCI president said that keeping in view the fast changing global scenario, there is a dire need to accelerate the efforts for promotion of economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
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Dar reviews progress of agri loans disbursement ederal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has reviewed the progress and process of agricultural loans disbursement among the farmers and asked the banks to simplify the procedure in this regard. The minister was chairing a high-level meeting, in which Secretary Finance Dr Waqar Masood Khan briefed Dar and other participants on the procedures and criteria currently adopted for grant of agricultural credit and shared related figures. State Bank Governor Ashraf Mehmood Wathra gave input on the role of banking sector.
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Saturday September 12, 2015
Chambers
pakistan needs to improve image in world markets to attract FDi: Anwar KARACHI
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n order to encourage the US business community to enhance trade ties with Pakistan, Chief Patron of Houston-Karachi Sister Association-USA, S. Javaid Anwar stressed the need to improve Pakistan’s image and clarify many misconceptions about the overall security situation as the law and order situation has noticeably improved in Pakistan. Exchanging views with President Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry during his visit to chamber, he said that efforts were being made to maintain peace and stability in Karachi and elsewhere need to be effectively highlighted in order to deal with the negativity about Pakistan. “The overall security situation in Pakistan, particularly Karachi, has improved nowadays as compared to the past”, he added while referring to his last visit to Pakistan in the year 2007 when the law and order situation was in bad shape and the country was suffering terribly due to menace of terrorism,
incidents of target killings, kidnappings for ransom, street crimes and other heinous crimes. Besides President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, the meeting was also attended by Senior Vice President KCCI Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, Former President KCCI Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members. To attract US investment in Pakistan, he advised that the government’s policies affecting business and investment must be devised in such a manner that these remain intact for long. “Varying policies, political instability and repetition of negative reports about any particular incident on TV Channels throughout the day, will never pave
way for attracting foreign investment in this region”, he added and advised the government to rethink strategies for attracting foreign investment while the media must also act responsibly. He was fairly optimistic that if policies remain stable and media acts maturely, foreigners will surely come to Pakistan on their own. Earlier, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, in his welcoming remarks, advised Houston-Karachi Sister Association to share trade-related information with KCCI so that the existing trade volume could further be enhanced. It is heartening to note that many Pakistani expats like Chief Patron of Houston-Karachi Sister Association-USA, S. Javaid An-
Japan wants ‘hurdle-free’ trade relations with pakistan: Hirsohi SIALKOT
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mbassador of Japan in Pakistan Hirsohi Inomata has said that Japan is very keen to boost trade ties with Pakistan and stressed the need for making sincere efforts to promote the “hurdlefree” trade between Pakistan and Japan. He also offered full cooperation in Sinding the opportunities to promote mutual trade by ensuring easy access of Gujranwala exporters
to the Japanese markets. He said that the Japan was making the pivotal role of both JICA and JETRO for business promotion between Pakistan and Japan, besides developing business to business contacts between the businessmen of both countries. He stated this while addressing an important meeting of Gujranwala business community held at Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) here. GCCI President Khawaja Khalid Hassan and others were also present on this occasion. Japanese Ambassador added that the Japan was intending to develop the mutual trade ties with
Pakistan, saying that the Japan would provide full technical assistance and guidance for modernizing the Sialkot’s export industries. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata added that Japan was focusing on broadening the scope of mutual cooperation by extending it to the areas of trade, investment, energy and infrastructure development with Pakistan. He said that the time was high for further strengthening the mutual trade ties between Pakistan and Japan. Japanese Envoy said that there was a huge scope for establishing joint ventures and business cooperation between Japan and Pakistani companies.
war are successfully doing business in US and have also been recognized by the US government for their productive role. These Pakistani expats can also play a constructive role in improving trade ties by focusing on enhancing interaction with Pakistani counterparts. In this regard, President KCCI advised frequent exchange of trade delegations between the two countries and organizing exhibitions which would bring the business communities closer. He informed that Karachi city continues to play the leading role in the national economy as it contributes more than 65 percent revenue to the national exchequer. “The mainstream of Pakistan’s trading and commercial activities are happening in Karachi while most of the goods and services being produced by the business and industrial community of Karachi are not only being sent to rest of the country but also being exported to various destinations around the world”, he added. Highlighting the progress and impact of the ongoing Karachi Operation, Iftikhar Vohra said that the overall security situation has improved signiSicantly thanks to the Karachi Operation being conducted by Pakistan Rangers Sindh in association with Sindh Police.
Govt should provide funds for construction of lawyers’ chambers in G-10 he presence of district courts in F-8 Commercial Center is a great security threat for the lives of honorable judges and lawyers while traders and residents of the area are also facing many problems and government should provide urgent funds for the construction of lawyers chambers on the plot adjacent to Islamabad High Court building in G-10 so that district courts could be shifted from F-8 Markaz, this demand was made during a joint press conference held by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)and Islamabad Bar Association (IBA).
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Indian currency depreciates in competing Bangladesh, China currencies Saturday September 12, 2015
World
NEW DELHI: Indian apparel exporters are likely to reap benefits of depreciating rupee against the dollar. Rupee has declined more than currencies of competing countries such as China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Since Chinese currency – yuan – was first devalued on August 10, rupee has recorded its sharpest depreciation among its competitors including China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Since August 10, rupee has depreciated by 4.63% to 66.83, while yuan (renminbi) is down 2.51% to 6.37 against the dollar as of Monday. Among other competing countries, Vietnamese dong slumped by 2.96% to 22468 against the dollar on Monday from 21823 dong on August 10.
Bangladesh Customs seizes 675 Hk Customs seizes 2,700 cartons of foreign cigarettes pieces of infringing, counterfeit goods
CHITTAGONG
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HONG KONG
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HITTAGONG: Customs Intelligence ofSicials seized 675 cartons of foreign cigarettes worth around Tk 1 crore at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong here the other day. The cigarettes of three different brands 303, Black and Mond had been brought from Dubai on an Air Arabia Slight on August 10, they said, adding, the identity of the owner could not be known. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities have conSirmed that cocaine was hidden in a shipment of edible oil seized in the port city of Chittagong. The authorities conSirmed the Sindings on Tuesday after 107 barrels were seized earlier in the year reportedly the largest shipment of “liquid cocaine” ever retrieved but said they were not sure exactly how much cocaine had been
Australian police seize 321kg crystal meth olice have seized 321kg of crystal methamphetamine and $1.4 million in cash the largest seizure of the drug ice in WA history. Four Hong Kong nationals ,two aged just 18 and 19 have been charged over the massive drug haul. The drug seizure has an estimated street value of $321 million. Three of the men are in Australia unlawfully and only one of them has a visitor visa, said police. A car was pulled over in Willetton on Tuesday resulting in the arrest of an 18-year-old and a raid on a Canning Vale home. Detective First Class Constable Rebecca Brandham with part of the 321kg methamphetamine and $1.4 million cash seizure. WA Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Michelle Fyfe revealed officers discovered 316kg of ice individually wrapped in 1kg Chinese tea packaging, and hidden in ten suitcases and a sports bag.
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hidden in the intercepted shipment from Bolivia. The Narcotic Department’s chief chemist Dulal Krishna Saha conSirmed to Anadolu Agency that cocaine was found in the barrels after a retest last week. “Edible oil and cocaine don’t mix. If you put edible oil with cocaine and leave it untouched for a certain time, the cocaine goes down to the
bottom of the container. Then you can collect the cocaine from the container’s bottom,” he explained. Bangladeshi police said in June that the consignments were headed for India but were not sure whether that was the Sinal destination. The cocaine seizure highlighted the increasing use of Chittagong as a transit point for drug smugglers.
Malaysia Airlines inks long-term lease agreements with ALC
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alaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) and Air Lease Corp (ALC) have signed long-term lease agreements for four new Airbus A350-900s. Powered by two Rolls Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, the A350-900 aircraft were from ALC’s order book with Airbus and would be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2017 and second quarter of 2018, MAB said in a statement.
The transaction also include a lease option for two additional A350-900s and two A330-900neo aircraft. “We are excited to have this aircraft as part of our Sleet. The A350 is the most technologically advanced aircraft and we are conSident that it will deliver exceptional passenger comfort and improve the overall efSiciency of our Sleet,” MAB chief executive ofSicer Christoph Mueller said.
ong Kong Customs conducted a strike-and-search operation in Sham Shui Po here the other day and successfully cracked down on various wholesale and retail outlets involved in the sale of suspected infringing and counterfeit goods. More than 2 ,700 pieces of suspected infringing and counterfeit goods valued at about $43,000 were seized. Acting on information, Customs officers cracked down on two wholesale and two retail outlets in the operation with the seizure of more than 2 700 items of suspected infringing and counterfeit goods, including 430 suspected pirated inflatable lanterns, 2 170 suspected pirated toys and stationery items, and 120 suspected fake stationery items, valued at about $43,000 in total. Five women, aged between 33 and 52, were arrested. They have been released on bail pending further investiga-
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tion.Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions to combat infringing activities. Members of the public are recommended to purchase at shops with good reputations. The Customs reminded traders that the sale of infringing and counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Under the Copyright Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale infringing items. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum punishment of imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 for each infringing copy. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with any forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum punishment of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000. Anyone with information relating to suspected infringing activities may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Intelling to create 250 jobs in Northern Ireland ntelling, the Manchester headquartered business service company, plans to open a contact centre in Northern Ireland which it says will create 250 jobs. The company’s new operations centre will be based in Belfast and 45 of the projected jobs are already in place. Phil Morgan, Intelling’s chief ex-
ecutive, said the Northern Ireland centre “marks a major investment” for the company and will play a key role in the development of its business. Its centres provide integrated online and off line contact services to major telecoms and utilities providers including TalkTalk and O2.
Dubai Customs contributes to mosque construction
T DUBAI
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he mosque drive, initiated by the coastal customs centres, has been exceptionally welcomed since being announced on the internal network of Dubai Customs staff. Dubai Customs staff, in memorial
of the UAE soldiers martyred in Yemen, has decided to contribute for building a mosque in the name of the 45 national heroes. “All staff have willingly chipped in since the early hours in the morning on Monday, promising to make the mosque one of the major Islamic milestones in the emirate of Dubai,” said Khalil Sager, Director of Corporate Communication at Dubai Cus-
toms. The leadership team of Dubai Customs has also decided to change the name the biggest conference room in the department, where more than 150 key meetings were held this year, into the ‘Martyr’ meeting auditorium. “This is in memorial of the UAE heroes’ sacriSice.” The charitable and humanitarian projects launched by the UAE pru-
dent leadership speak volume in every nook and corner worldwide, he added. “We are trying to follow the same exemplary track to defend right and justice.” The mosque drive, initiated by the coastal customs centres, has been exceptionally welcomed since being announced on the internal network of Dubai Customs staff, Sager pointed out.
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Port of Tyne welcomes world’s largest car transporter vessel SOUTH SHIELDS: The world’s largest car transporter vessel which can carry 8,500 vehicles and boasts deck space the size of 10 football pitches has arrived into the UK on its maiden voyage from China. Hoegh Target, the world’s biggest Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), dwarfs North Shields Fish Quay after docking in Tyne and Wear this week. The 14-deck vessel, which is 200 metres in length and 36 metres wide, has a deck space of 71,400 square metres and if all of the cars it could carry were stood end to end, they would measure a whopping 26 miles. It also boasts doors much bigger than its counterparts, meaning it can take high-sided vehicles and trucks that are 6.5 metres high and 12 metres wide.
grains export grow 20.7 percent to 21.608 mmT from ukrainian Sea ports
Ports & Shipping
port of gothenburg says container traffic up by 2%
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ccording to the data from the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority”, in the period of January-August 2015 transshipment of grains in the country’s ports grew 16.6% to 22.44 MMT compared to 19.25 MMT of the same time period last year. Export of grains through the ports from the start of 2015 grew 20.7% to 21.608 MMT against 17.895 MMT last year, cabotage shipments – almost 2 times a year to 301.43 KMT against 171.41 KMT. According to Minister of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine Mr. Pavlenko, geograghy of Ukrainian export of agricultural products is shifting towards Asia. The main importers of Ukrainian agricultural products in the first half of 2015 were China, India, Egypt, Turkey, Spain, Iran. This leads to the use of maritime transport for export and active shipments through the country’s ports.
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Wistron, Inventec observe rising PC shipments in August istron and Inventec have announced their August shipments with Wistron shipping 1.6 million notebooks in the month, up from 1.4 million units in July and expected to see the volume in September returning to the 1.9 million unit level recorded in June. Inventec shipped 1.7 million PCs and mobile devices (notebooks, all-in-one PCs and tablets) in August, up 9.67% from a month ago. If Wistron achieves its goal of shipping 1.9 million notebooks in September, the company’s third-quarter shipments will reach 4.9 million units, up from 4.6 million in the second. However, Wistron remains conservative about its shipment performance in the fourth quarter due to weak visibility.
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he Port of Gothenburg has announced an increase of 2% in its container trafSic during the second quarter of 2015 compared with the corresponding period last year. The Swedish port announced in its six-monthly report published today (07 September) that its container freight volumes went up to 213,000 teu in the three-month period from April to June 2015 from 209,000 teu in the same period of 2014. However, the Sigures for the Sirst six months of 2015 showed a 1% fall in container trafSic from 425,000 teu in the period between January and June 2014 to 418,000 teu in the corresponding period this year. According to the report, while the Sirst quarter showed a fall of 5% in the number of containers shipped through the port, volumes recovered during the second quarter with a 2% increase for the period from
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April to June 2015. Magnus Kårestedt, CEO of Port of Gothenburg, said: “The container market has been weak for some time but we could see a distinct improvement during the second quarter. Not a major improvement, but an improvement nevertheless. “Things are looking brighter for Swedish foreign trade, a trend that has carried over into the second half of the year. ” The ro-ro trafSic, which accounts for a large proportion of intra-European
freight transport, decreased by 8% from 142,000 units in the period from April to June 2014 to 130,000 units in the same period this year. According to Kårestedt, “the fall is a direct result of a downturn in the Slow of paper between Sweden and Finland.”In the second quarter of 2015, car volumes went up by 12% to 52,000 compared to 47,000 in the same period last year, while the volumes for energy products increased by 8% year-on-year.
DryShips to sell 17 vessels for $377m due to loss
ryShips is to sell 17 of its bulkers at an impairment loss of some $795m to other entities controlled by George Economou, the NASDAQ-listed company’s chairman and CEO reported. Thirteen capesize and four panamax bulk carriers are to be sold for a combined price of $377m. The deals include the ships’ respective employment contract and the as-
Long Beach port to invest $4b in infrastructure improvements rade volume at the secondbusiest U.S. port surged 23 percent in August, breaking a record set in July, spurred by rising consumer confidence and a strong dollar. A total of 703,652 cargo containers moved through the Port of Long Beach in August, it said in an e-mailed statement. The port, which is investing $4 billion in infrastructure improvements, is poised to overtake neighboring Los Angeles next year as the No. 1 U.S. gateway when an automated terminal being built begins operating. Two months of record volumes is cementing a comeback at Long Beach, which along with other West Coast ports lost business to East Coast rivals such as New York and Savannah, Georgia, earlier in the year during a dispute between 20,000 unionized dockworkers and their employers. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which together handle about onethird of all cargo entering and leaving the U.S., have been working since then to better coordinate operations and speed cargo through to its destination. “Our partners once again have expressed their confidence in the Port of Long Beach and we thank them for their business,” Jon Slangerup, chief executive officer of the port, said in the statement. “We have been working with all our stakeholders and the results are our best month ever.” The rebound has been aided by the dollar’s strength, which is putting extra cash in the hands of U.S. consumers to purchase imported goods from markets.
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GOTHENBURG SHIPMENTS
Saturday September 12, 2015
sumption of $236.7m of debt for certain vessels (as of September 10), DryShips said. As a result, DryShips expects to post an impairment charge of around $373m in its third-quarter Sinancial results this year. The remaining 20 panamax and two supramax bulk carriers in DryShips’ Sleet have been classiSied as held for sale, which will add an ad-
ditional $442m impairment charge to its third-quarter results. All of the Sirm individual transactions are expected to close by the end of the year. DryShips said certain transactions remain subject to the approval of the applicable lending banks. Analysts told Splash today that DryShips’ asset sell-off is part of a longer-term plan to recapitalise the business.
mwuN refuses NpA decision of replacing tally clerks
T ABUJA
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he Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) said that it would not accept any decision by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to replace tally clerks with cargo surveyors at the ports. President of the MWUN, Mr Tony Nted, stated this in an interview with
the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. Nted said that while the tally clerks checked to ensure appropriate declaration of cargo at the ports to prevent avenues for revenue leakages, the cargo surveyor’s job was mainly to settle discrepancies when they arose. He said it was, therefore, wrong for anybody to think of removing tally clerks from the ports, adding that the presence of the tally clerks prevented a lot of sharp prac-
tices at the ports. “The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for whatever reason, brought in what they call ‘cargo surveyors’. “As the name implies, cargo surveyor is a person who goes to the vessel and if they have any discrepancy, they measure the type of cargo they brought in. “We do not know how NPA translates cargo surveyor to be the person that will do physical tally on-board the vessel. “Why we say tally clerks should remain is be-
cause of the sharp practices of the shipping companies and even the terminal operators, ‘’ Nted said. Speaking on non-payment of dockworkers salaries, including the tally clerks and the on-board security men, Nted conSirmed that some of the workers were yet to be paid. He, however, said the union would not accept that the terminal operators should be in charge of payment of the dockworkers, to avoid compromise.
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Customs Court sends alleged smuggler on judicial remand LAHORE: The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has approved judicial remand of an alleged smuggler and sent him to jail. According to details available to Customs Today, Ghafar Khan son of Durrani was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges of smuggling different items from central Asia through KPK province and Chaman. Different items worth Rs 6 million were also recovered from the suspect when he was arrested by the FIA anti-smuggling cell. After completion of investigations, the FIA presented him before the court and asked for three days.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
CUSTOMS BULLETIN
Customs submits challan against suspect involved in sale of smuggled Iranian HSD KARACHI
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yed Mirajuddin, investigation ofSicer of the Pakistan Customs, has submitted a challan in Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling in a case pertaining to the sale of smuggled Iranian HSD. Mirajuddin submitted the challan before Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi, declaring one suspect Rustam Zaman as arrested and another suspect Imtiaz Khan as absconder. At the outset, the counsel for Rustam Zaman Siled an application, seeking his release on bail. The judge issued notice to the customs prosecutor to submit response to the application by September 28. According to the prosecution, the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation seized 40,000 liters of Iranian HSD from North Karachi Industrial Area on August 26. The Customs ofSicials received information that Imtiaz Khan was involved in sale of smuggled Iranian origin HSD in Karachi. Subsequently, the antismuggling squad of the Customs Intelligence raided a place in North
Karachi Industrial Area and seized 40,000 liters of smuggled Iranian HSD. The team sealed the illegal
dumping place and impounded a vehicle bearing registration No: TKE788 Sitted with clandestine fuel
tanks Silled with 6,900 liters of smuggled oil. Accused Rustam Zaman, driver
of the vehicle, was arrested and an FIR was registered against him and Imtiaz Khan.
NAB arrests former Forest Department official over corruption PESHAWAR
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ational Accountability Court (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arrested Muqarrab Shah, ex-Divisional Forest OfSicer of the Forest Department, for allegedly accumulating assets worth millions of rupees, which are beyond his known sources of income. As per details, the matter was
brought into the notice of NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities. Taking cognizance of the matter, an inquiry was initiated to ascertain the real facts and collect requisite evidence regarding the properties owned, controlled and possessed by the suspect in his name as well as in the names of his dependents. During inquiry, it was revealed that the suspect, during his service in the Forest Department, accumulated the following huge assets beyond known sources of his income: Two House each on 10 marla plot at Pahari Pura, Pe-
shawar, 61 kanal 17 marla land at Moza Dhedan, Haripur, four kanal plot at Moza Azakhel Bala, Nowshera, two plots 10 and 9 marla at Moza Kambo, Peshawar, precious 10 marla plot at Phase-6, F-10, Hayatabad, Peshawar, 02 x 02 kanal land at Moza Mera Khandar, Nowshera, 7 kanal land at Moza Tanan, Qalandar Abad, Abbottabad, 3 plots each 19 marla, 16 marla and 7 marla at Abbottabad. Additionally, the accused owns expensive vehicles and huge unexplained transactions in the bank accounts, NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa actively pursuing
the case and more properties are expected to be unearthed. The accused will be produced before the accountability court for obtaining his physical remand into NAB custody. Meanwhile, NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) arrested accused Tehsil Zaman, Assistant Chief (BPS-18), Planning and Development Department, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who in connivance with others, allegedly embezzled Rs 110.00 million in the procurement of sanitation vehicles for the local government department on exor-
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bitant rates. An NAB spokesman said that a complaint was lodged in NAB KP wherein the plea of the complainant was that the procurement of sanitation vehicles by the local government department was not transparent and the ofSicers of the local government were allegedly involved in corruption. During inquiry, it was revealed that the ofSicers of the local government department neglected the lowest bidder in the process of technical evaluation and awarded the contract to the higher bidder.