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MUHAMMAD FAIZAN www.customstoday.com

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Tariq Bajwa says plans being made to generate revenue and to clear payable refunds. | See pAge 02 | reSolvINg ISSUeS

Member IR Policy Shahid Hussain Asad says govt is trying to reach accord with traders onWHT issue. | See pAge 04 | CUrbINg SMUgglINg

Director Imran Saud’s Customs Intelligence confiscates smuggled items worth Rs 14.5m. | See pAge 10 |

Collector Zeba Hai’s Customs Preventive seizes items worth Rs 29 million in October. | See pAge 12 |

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

TIgHTeNINg NooSe

After taking charge of Director General of Customs Intelligence and Intelligence, Imtiaz Ahmed Khan has directed the officers and officials to perform their duties honestly as corrupt elements will not be tolerated in the depart-

ment.

He has also demanded the list of reputable officers in the department. He would visit the directorates of Customs Intelligence in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and other cities in order to review their performance and issue further directions.

Khan has also urged the intelligence officials to adopt effective strategies to contain the smuggling and illegal trade that was damaging the national economy and local markets. He also directed them to keep an eye on smuggling through roads, besides developing coordination with other law enforcement agencies to discourage the smuggling in country. To curb smuggling, he also sought suggestions from officials, while the approved recommendations will be implemented in the field, he added. He also motivated the officers and officials by saying that hard working and honesty keepers will be encouraged through rewards and by posting them at better places, while the action against corrupt elements will be taken after proper inquiry.

Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Headquarters, Model Customs Collectorate, and Regional Tax Office (RTO), Islamabad have started implementation of Urdu Language as official language. All the three offices have started issuing orders and notification in Urdu along with English. At the first stage notifications of internal matters are being issued both in English and Urdu. However, communication process in Urdu medium with public, tribunals and courts will be adopted in next stage. It may mention here that FBR had decided to take steps in order to use Urdu as the official language in its routine matters, while FBR’s Board-in-Council had also granted permission in this regard following the decision of Supreme Court.

Facilitation and Taxpayers Education Member Nadeem Dar has been assigned task to implement the directives issued by SC in this regard. FBR is also developing an Urdu website to facilitate taxpayers.

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NATIONAL

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Faisalabad Customs Intelligence confiscates 1,560kg garment accessories

FAISALABAD: Customs Intelligence and Investigation confiscated 1,560 kilogram of smuggled garment accessories worth Rs 350,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 217,481. As per details, Customs Intelligence received information through Director Saud Ahmad regarding the information of smuggling. The team raided the godown of M/s Gujrat Cargo Service near Railway Station Faisalabad.\ The customs officials asked the owner to produce the documents showing legal import of the vehicle but he remained failed; therefore customs officials confiscated the items.

FBR to announce amnesty scheme to recover Rs 365b unpaid taxes

Fbr’s computerised system will be upgraded in six months: Tariq bajwa

ISLAMABAD

FBR ChairmanTariq Bajwa says almost Rs 210 billion refunds still payable by FBR and board is working on different strategies to generate revenues

SHAHID MINHAS

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ISLAMABAD

MUHAMMAD FAIZAN www.customstoday.com

he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to announce tax amnesty scheme for taxpayers to recover unpaid taxes amounting to Rs 365 billion.

Sources informed Customs Today that Special Assistant to PM on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan has said that cases, which are pending in tax tribunals, high courts and Supreme Court involving billions of rupees, will be resolved through mutual understanding between FBR and taxpayers. Under this scheme, taxpayers will have to pay only 60 to 65 percent tax, while remaining will be written-off. After the scheme, it is hoped that all pending taxes will be recovered that will prove helpful for the FBR to meet the revenue target, he said, adding that such schemes were also announced in neighbouring country, India to recover the dead money.

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Tax evasion: FBR prepares list of 6,000 suppliers, buyers KARACHI

wAQAr AHMeD ANSAr www.customstoday.com

ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has prepared a list of over 6,000 suppliers and buyers of big manufacturers who are allegedly involved in tax evasion, CustomsToday has learnt.

Sources said that FBR has decided to take this action only to bring more and more individuals and companies into tax net. FBR has already collected information about non-taxpayers and now it has directed all the field formations to collect enough information against defaulters.

FBR has gathered information about distributors of big companies like Unilever Pakistan, Procter and Gamble (P and G) and other companies.

Sources further told that FBR has decided to send notices to these individuals to bring them into tax net. List has already been completed in August and now FBR has started taking action against tax evaders, sources added.

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graded in upcoming months.

The FBR chairman said that FBR is trying to bring more reforms in the procedure of tax notices.

He said that people withdrew billions of rupees from banks to avoid paying taxes, but now the board is coordinating with all the banks and taking measures to

Fbr Chairman Tariq bajwa

bring all these people under tax net.

On the other hand, in a bid to enhance tax net, the FBR has decided to launch new Electronic Return Filing System (ERFS) to facilitate the taxpayers.

According to a senior FBR officer, the new system has been evolved to simplify and ease E-fil-

Customs preventive seizes goods worth rs 358.199m in oct T

KARACHI

AFTAbCHANNA

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he staff of the Model Customs Collectorate Preventive, under the supervision of Additional Collector Khalid Hussain Jamali, seized goods worth Rs 358.199 million in just one month of October 2015.

During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, Additional Collector MCC Preventive Khalid Hussain Jamali said the MCC Collectorate seized a number of noncustom paid goods or smuggled items worth more than Rs 358.199 million.

The customs staff posted at Jinnah Terminal Complex Arrivals seized 279 bottles of alcohol and 94 cans of beers worth Rs 2.8 million, cellular phones worth Rs 7.5 million, smuggled medicines worth Rs 5.2 million and play sta-

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

SA to pM Haroon Akhtar

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa has said that decrease in imports is main reason that led to shortfall in receivables. He said that the board collected less sales tax due to decrease in imports.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman was briefing Senate Committee on Finance which was held under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwala.

Bajwa said that that almost Rs 210 billion refunds are still payable by FBR and “we are working on different strategies to generate revenues”.

He said, “We were expecting to collect Rs 640 billion in current fiscal year but we only collected Rs 600 billion,” adding that “we recovered Rs 62.3 billion extra as compared to the collection figures of the previous fiscal year.”

Bajwa informed the meeting that FBR had already paid refunds amounting to Rs 21.5 billion while Rs 9.9 billion were paid during the same period of the last fiscal year.

He said that FBR collected less amount under the head of sales tax because of a 12.5 percent decrease in imports from July to September.

Answering a question, Bajwa assured the participants that FBR computerised system will be up-

Additional Collector khaid Hussain Jamali

tion worth Rs 72,100.

And, the Anti-Smuggling Organization ASO also recovered some 8 vehicles worth Rs 24,100,000. Besides, 1056 kilograms of auto parts worth Rs 658,944, 114172 liters Iranian diesel worth Rs 9,464,104, 636, LED television worth Rs 15,357,400, 54665 yards of foreign cloths worth Rs 5,248,620, one container with smuggled goods worth Rs 1,000,000, 54 blankets worth Rs 51,667, 2052 shampoo worth Rs 16,079,400, carpet, rugs four pieces worth Rs 40,000 and miscellaneous goods worth Rs 36,408,959.

Moreover, the staff of AntiSmuggling Organization (ASO) also detected the largest single seizure of high end merchandize in the history of Pakistan Customs.

The seized goods worth Rs 304 million in the recent days, additional collector concluded.

ing to facilitate taxpayers. This is likely to be presented before board in council of FBR in next meeting for approval.

Sources said the new system is aimed at allaying the reservations of the tax payers, addressing the complications being faced by them in e-filing and introducing simple system.

FaisalabadExciseMotor BranchcollectsRs41m againstRs37mtarget FAISALABAD

IQrA SHeHZADI

www.customstoday.com he Motor Branch of the Excise and Taxation Department has collected Rs 41.856 million against the target of Rs 37 million by surpassing its target during October of current fiscal year 201516. During the checking, about 3,000 private and commercials vehicles were impounded, which were unregistered, token tax defaulters or without number plates.The excise teams established pickets at different locations of the city including Samundari road, Satiyana road, Sargodha road, Jaranwala road and Shiekpura road.The excise team comprising Inspectors Muhammad Akhtar Hussain, Hammad Nazim Khan, Akhtar Hussain, Amjad Iqbal and Muhammad Altaf conducted operations against tax defaulter vehicles.

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NATIONAL 03

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Court grants physical remand of seven alleged smugglers

MULTAN: The Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Multan granted a four day physical remand of seven alleged smugglers who were arrested by the Customs ASO in an operation. As per details, Customs authorities registered a case against suspects under Pakistan Customs Act and produced them before court and asked for their additional physical remand for further investigations. The Customs court after hearing the arguments approved a four day physical remand of the accused and handed them over to the Customs Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) team.

FTO for facilitating taxpayers in renewal of vehicles’registration ISLAMABAD

NAeeM UllAH TArIQ www.customstoday.com

Director gul rehman’s pCA detects rs 54.196 million evasion by SSgC PCA also detects Rs 3m tax, duty evasion by Khaliq Enterprise on import of LED lights KARACHI

AFTAb CHANNA — Exclusive Customs Today photo

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P FTo Abdur rauf Chaudhry

n order to facilitate the taxpayers, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Abdur Rauf Chaudhry has taken own motion notice of difficulties being faced by withholding tax depositors for renewal of registration of vehicles. FTO took notice of the dispute following taxpayers’escalating difficulties for getting annual renewal of registration of their vehicles. Own motion inquiry revealed that FBR tax filers were being shown as non-filers in the software of FBR generated to maintain listings of active taxpayers and non-taxpayers.

In addition, FTO found that there was no mechanism to prove whether return-filers were on ActiveTaxpayers List (ATL) or not. In order to reduce taxpayers’difficulties, FTO directed FBR and post office to upgrade the mechanism of uploading name of taxpayers and providing them verification through online system, via email and mobile text messages. FTO also directed post office to stop charging withholding tax from the regular taxpayers as non filers.These directives were given to post office since it was charging filers with amount applicable on non-filers for getting their vehicles’annual registration by showing them as active taxpayers.

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akistan Customs Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Directorate Karachi has detected tax evasion to the tune of Rs 54.196 million by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited by availing inadmissible exemptions under SRO 678(I)/2004 dated 7.8.2004.

According to details, the PCA while scrutinizing import data of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited observed that the company imported various consignments of components for domestic gas meters and cleared the same from Port Qasim and Air Freight Unit of Customs Preventive, Karachi, through their clearing agent namely M/s. Muhammad Amin Muhammad Moqeem by availing inadmissible exemption, concession under Clause (2) and Clause (3) of SRO 678(I)/2004 dated 07.08.2004.

Whereas conditions with reference to aforesaid clauses of the SRO clearly stipulate that only such goods shall be entitled to the exemption by a company other than an E&P company, for its own use or its contractors, sub-contractors and service companies for its projects of oil and gas exploration and production, refinery, oil and gas pipeline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) petroleum terminals, energy conservation, environment and safety controls. Further, without prejudice

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

pCA Director gul rehman to above, the imported goods also fall within the ambit of CGO No. 11/2007 dated 28.08.2007, being locally manufactured, according to sources.

In view of above, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited by availing inadmissible exemption/concession under SRO 678(I)/2004 dated 07.08.2004, have evaded/short paid custom duty Rs 44,181,174/-, sales tax Rs 7,370,905/- and income tax Rs 2,644,361/- totaling Rs

54,196,440/, sources added.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit – Karachi has detected evasion of duties and taxes worth around Rs 3 million by M/s Khaliq Enterprise on import of LED lights.

The sources told Customs Today that the PCA officials found that M/s Khaliq Enterprise imported SMD/LED surface mounted panel lights of different watts through MCC Appraisement West and ille-

gally claimed benefits of Fifth Schedule. The Federal Board of Revenue has clarified that benefits of Fifth Schedule is for renewable energy technologies for LEDs with or without ballast with fittings. Therefore, the concessions claimed by the importer M/s Khaliq Enterprise were inadmissible to the importer, sources added. In this regard, the importer has been advised to deposit the short-paid taxes/duties at the earliest.

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04 NATIONAL

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Faisalabad excise to cancel registration of tax defaulter vehicles

FAISALABAD: The motor branch of the Excise and Taxation Department has decided to cancel the registration of vehicles which have not paid taxes for the current year. Officials said that action will be initiated against the tax defaulter vehicles and for this purpose teams will be deputed at different locations of the city. They added that motor branch Director Afzal Gorya and Assistant Director Mehar Sajjad have decided to cancel the registration book of the token tax defaulter motor bikes, all commercial and private vehicles.

govt trying to reach accord with traders on wHT: Shahid Asad ISLAMABAD

MUHAMMAD FAIZAN www.customstoday.com

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MULTAN

IMrAN AlI kHAN

www.customstoday.com BR set the huge collection target of almost Rs 50b for Model of Customs Collectorate Multan, said Collector of Customs Sarfraz AhmedWaraich while talking to a delegation of local traders, importers, exporters and industrialists headed by President of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Mian Fareed Mughees A Sheikh.

Collector MCC Multan asked traders to utilize the best available facilities of Multan Dry Port properly so that revenue could be generated from this zone.

Collector MCC Multan Sarfraz Ahmed stressed the need for frequent meetings in order to enhance mutual cooperation between business community and Customs. Both Sheikh andWaraich agreed to draw plan to facilitate the exporters of agricultural produces, mango and other fruits and infra-structure be provided at Multan International Airport to attract them besides encouraging the importers and discourage menace of smuggling.

He said the cold storage and hot water treatment plant be provided at Multan airport to facilitate the exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fareed Sheikh demanded of Chief Collector to ensure complete facilitation for genuine exporters and importers and give them proper time in case of any genuine importer fails to produce documents at the spot of his consignment before taking any action from Customs. He said that Karachi like facilities be provided to the importers at Multan Dry Port so that it could survive.

He complained that on one hand, the government talks of increasing revenues while on the other hand genuine importers are being harassed and in such circumstances government’s dreams to establish economic stability cannot come true. Meanwhile, he pledged all the cooperation on part of business community to overcome the evil of smuggling.

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— Exclusive Customs Today photo

Fbr Spokesperson Shahid Hussain Asad

LAHORE

IMrAN MeHAr

www.customstoday.com he Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has sealed a famous fashion brand outlet Hassan ShehryarYasin (HSY) for evasion of sales tax.Talking to Customs Today, PRA Additional Commissioner Ayesha Ranjha said that HSY was evading sales tax despite the fact that a number of notices were sent to it.Therefore, a team under her supervision sealed an outlet of the brand on Saturday.

Earlier, PRA had decided to start monitoring of HSY fashion designer because of tax evasion but due to hurdles created by the management of HSY, the PRA sealed that outlet on Saturday. Other brands which were in monitoring list by PRA included Faraz Manan and Aneze outlets and Uzma Saloon and two others in Lahore for tax evasion. Sources told CustomsToday that PRA was in contact with the fashion designers for over a year regarding tax collection on their services but these brands were not cooperating with the department.

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Multan Customs to hold auctions on Nov 25-26 MULTAN

SAJID bASHIr

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FBR also introduces E-Form to facilitate exporters tate to perform their national duty.

Separately, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has provided the facility for the exporters’ introducing electronic E-Form in computerised clearance system V-Book.

According to sources, the FBR has also issued circular for the awareness of exporters in this regard. According to the circular, exporters can get electronic E-Form from any bank.

Earlier, exporters have provided limited time opportunity to submit application using their VBook login and password, but after 11th November the exporters directed to must attach their Electronic E-Form with their export Goods Declarations (GDs). Sources further told that FBR has directed exporter to get their Electronic EForm as soon as possible from the concern banks.

he Customs Intelligence and AntiSmuggling Organization will hold auction of seized vehicles and items on November 25 at 9am at Customs House near Nawan Shehr, Multan. It is pertinent to mention here, that Customs office could not hold auction last month now it is being expected that a lot of bidders will participate in upcoming auction. On the other hand, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan office is also going to hold an auction of confiscated vehicles and other items on Nov 26, 2015 at its regional station located near Rajapur.

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Customschalksoutplantocurbtrade-basedmoneylaundering

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ISLAMABAD

CUSToMS ToDAY reporT www.customstoday.com

he Pakistan Customs Deputy Collector Shahid Jan at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad has said that exports were being used for tradebase money laundering through which millions of dollars are transacted to foreign countries.

Talking to Customs Today, Jan said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also been informed about the new technique of money laundering, adding that customs has made strategies to counter the new trends of money laundering.

He said that the customs offi-

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

Collector Sarfraz seeks traders’cooperation in achieving revenue target

he government has decided to extend deadline of withholding tax on banking transactions till November 15.

Talking to Customs Today, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Senior Member Inland Revenue Shahid Hussain Asad said, “We are still holding negotiations with traders to resolve the issue.” He said that in case both the parties do not reach any agreement, the government will further extend the deadline. He said, “We are trying our best to reach an agreement with traders community.” He said that the government has already taken its approval from parliament. Shahid Hussain Asad said that no government will gain positive results in economy without introducing reforms in their tax system.

He said that there is a need to cooperate with the government and should not be afraid of submitting tax returns. He said that it is the national duty of every individual to pay taxes according to income that will enable the government to put the national economy on the right track.

Shahid Hussain Asad said that FBR is trying to expand tax net because more people will come under tax net and that will have a positive impact on the economy. He warned tax evaders of stern action, adding that the main reason behind imposition of withholding tax is to make the economy documented.

He said that traders are patriotic Pakistanis and they will not hesi-

PRA’s AyeshaRanjha sealsfamousfashion brandHSY

Deputy Collector Shahid Jan

cials are performing their duties at airports and export zones while officials at the international mail offices have been warned of stern action if they found involved in smuggling. The officials were also directed to treat the native and foreign passengers in a good way that will develop soft image of Pakistan as well the Pakistan Customs.

Most of the common people who travel to other countries were not familiar with customs laws, Shahid Jan said, adding that officials have been urged to inform them politely about laws if any passenger was breached the law unconsciously.

He said that customs officials were required to perform their du-

ties honestly to curb the smuggling.

“If I hear about the clearance of illegal cell phones’ consignments from airport or arrest of smugglers those will be cleared from Islamabad airport, at international airports, the duty officers will be suspended or dismissed,” he said.

In order to arrest the smuggling of narcotics, the department has tightened the checking of luggage and passengers at airport, he said.

The deputy collector has also urged the passengers to contact directly to customs for clearance of their seized items, instead of taking help of clearing agents. He said to serve the public was our basic duty and negligence in this regard by officials will not be tolerated.

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SPECIALREPORT

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

— Exclusive Customs Today photos

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SPECIALREPORT 07

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

ISLAMABAD

SAJID IMTIAZ

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akistan and Brazil are not exploring the latent potential in their economies, and both the countries are required to do a lot to increase bilateral trade volume.

Brazilian Ambassador to Pakistan Claudio Lins in an exclusive interview with Customs Today said that Brazil is the biggest trading partner of Pakistan in the whole of Latin America, but it was unfortunate that the two countries did not have a free trade agreement (FTA) or a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between them.

“Our trade volume will definitely boost tremendously if we have some sort of an FTA or PTA,” he said, adding that efforts were being made to reach such agreements by both governments.

Claudio Lins said that the Pakistan–Brazil trade volume was $255 million in 2014. “Pakistan’s imports from Brazil were $163 million. Major Brazilian exports to Pakistan included cotton, residue for animal feed (soya), fuel pumps for tractors, plastic, pulp for wood, soy oil and paper.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s exports to Brazil were at the $92 million mark. Major Brazilian imports from Pakistan included textile and surgical goods, soccer balls, leather garments etc, the ambassador said adding that

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Pakistan’s exports to Brazil increased by almost 100 percent from the year 2009 to 2014 – from $44 million to $92 million.

Saying that both countries enjoy friendly relations, but people in general and business communities in particular of both countries are not familiar to each other to much extent, Lins added that establishment of a PakistanBrazil Chamber of Commerce would prove milestone to improve economic relations.

In order to strengthen tradebase relation, the Embassy was here to facilitate the people, he said, adding that both counties need to contact more and more, both on the official level and on people-to-people interaction.

“Our Commercial Section routinely provides information to Pakistani business communities about important business developments, industry information, contacts of Brazilian companies, and information about fairs and exhibitions in Brazil,” he said.

Lins said that businesspeople should travel to remote parts of the world if they sought profitable opportunities. Pakistani businessmen more and more often went to Brazil, and were received by our Consular Sector frequently.

He said that trade with neighbouring countries of Pakistan was also at good level, adding that “Our trade volume with China is around $80 billion and with India is about $12 billion.

The Embassy will also stimulate Brazilian businessmen who trav-

elled to these countries to extend their journey to Pakistan.

He said there was huge potential for Brazilian investments in Pakistan. Potential Sectors for Brazilian investment include livestock and dairy products, agriculture, sugar and ethanol, mining, infrastructural development, pharmaceuticals and energy.

Brazil and Brazilian investors were ready and willing to invest in Pakistan, he informed.

A trade delegation from Faisalabad visited Brazil in March 2014 for two weeks and in 2015 a delegation from Sialkot visited Brazil to explore the market, the ambassador said adding that feedback from the businessmen of both delegations was very encouraging.

Due to the visit of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), one of the participants has already registered his company in Brazil. The need of the hour is to have more and more exchanges of trade delegations among the two countries, he said.

Talking about newly signed infrastructure projects, Lins said that “I am very optimistic about infrastructure projects in Central and South Asia. This region will experience enormous dynamism in the next 10 years and trade opportunities in Pakistan will attract more and more Brazilian businessmen. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will create new opportunities for foreign investment, including from Brazil.”

Pakistan has potential to increase its exports as the quality of Pakistani products was really impressive, especially textile items, surgical items, soccer balls and leather garments, he said.

He suggested that Pakistani exporters just have to research and get themselves acquainted with Brazil more and more to increase exports. They have to obtain information about the contacts of the Brazilian companies, chambers of commerce and business associations and relevant trade shows in Brazil.

As of 2015, the five BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represented over 3 billion people or 42 percent of the world population; all five members are in the top 25 of the world by population, and four are in the top 10, he said. He said that the five nations have a combined nominal GDP of $16.039 trillion equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the gross world product, and an estimated $4 trillion in combined foreign reserves.

“Pakistan, being a neighbour of two BRICS countries – China and India – could have benefits from the development taking place in those countries. China, with friendly relations with Pakistan, is already investing in infrastructural development and energy sectors of Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will create new opportunities for foreign investment, including from Brazil,” the ambassador said.

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08 EDITORIAL

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Founder & Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Editor rahil Yasin editor@customstoday.com.pk For advertising & subscription marketing@customstoday.com.pk www.customstoday.com Phones: 042-35781643-4, Fax: 042-35781645 Address: 627, Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg, Lahore

eDITorIAl

Tax reforms need of the hour

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According to newspaper reports, the country could not meet the tax collection target allegedly set by the International Monetary Fund as the tax authority is facing a shortfall of Rs 40 billion tax in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The compliance of the IMF conditionalities is one thing but collection and payment of tax as a national duty is something else which has its own parameters. The prevailing tax system is almost obsolete and needs structural reforms. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has acknowledged the need for introducing reforms in the system after he was briefed that the Federal Board of Revenue faces Rs 40 billion shortfalls in tax collection.

Now the government is considering levying tax on luxury commodities used by rich to save poor and middle classes from additional taxes. According to the minister, negotiations between Pakistan and IMF for the 9th tranche review under Extended Facility Fund have been completed while Pakistan will also receive a $500 million tranche from the World Bank this month.

The government had increased the development budget from Rs 316 billion to Rs 700 billion during the current financial year and it has to meet the targets to avoid cut in development funds. Dar claimed the credit of the economic stability in first two years of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government.

The country’s foreign exchange reserves have been increased, a significant progress is made in energy sector and the world donor agencies have acknowledged the progress made in various other sectors.

The government has achieved GDP growth rate of 4.5 percent and is likely to increase it to 5.5 percent during the current fiscal year. Dar also revealed that the government obtained the IMF to clear the old loans. The country received $4.6 billion and returned $ 4.7 billion, leaving the people to guess the jugglery of words and figures.

The only way to achieve economic stability and prosperity is to focus on tax reforms for which the government seems not in a hurry.

The government had initiated various power generation projects to overcome shortage of electricity but energy crisis still persist. The direct and indirect taxes as well as the federal and provincial taxes have severely affected the quality of life of the middle classes.

The government has a majority in the National Assembly and nobody can stop it from the packages of legislation to overhaul the financial, energy and social sectors. Dar also accepts that circular debt has increased due to lack of energy reforms, but question is who is stopping the government from introducing reforms at the first place? It is time to leave petty politics to do something real.

Challenge to attract foreign investment A

LAHORE

Dr AFTAb AFZAl

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ccording to newspaper reports, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has invited foreign businessmen to exploit huge investment opportunities in Pakistan as there is huge potential for investment in every sector of the economy in the country.

The minister should understand that every country welcomes foreign investment with both hands, but the investors want certain conditions to invest their money in new projects.

Nobody will risk its money on the statements and lip-service by the government ministers. The Pakistani economy is based on loans which are piling up day by day.

Pakistan is ready to receive 10th tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) next month under Extended Fund Facility arrangement, burdening the nation with another $550 million loan. The loan is ap-

proved after the government assured the donor agency that it has achieved all the economic targets. The government has also assured the IMF that the budget deficit will be kept within limits and tax collection will be improved.

As a matter of fact, the problem starts when the government commits to the foreign donors that it will be able to collect certain amount of taxes in compliance with their conditionalities. But the government never gives attention to improve the tax system instead of tax collections. Another matter of rejoice for the government is that it will receive $900 million from the World Band and Asian Development Bank this month, but the policymakers have no idea what they are going to do with this nation.

Instead of concentrating on loans, the finance minister should improve the country’s position on the ease of doing business index to attract foreign direct investment. The finance minister himself accepted low ranking

Current economic and financial policies are outdated and need to be revised with clear vision to promote business, trade and investment

of Pakistan on ease of doing business index and promises that the government will endeavor to bring the ranking to around 100. The current economic and financial policies are also outdated and need to be revised with clear vision on the part of the government to promote business, trade and investment in the country.

The country’s emerging middle classes can work as an engine of growth for consumer goods industry and it is the best time to promote corporate sector in the country. Though the corporate sector has its own demerits, but overall results of the corporate economy are not bad. Apart from reforms, the government should ensure incessant power supply to the industrial sector and introduce specific tax policy for foreign investors.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor will bring over $45 billion investment in the country and mega industrial projects can be initiated in the country, involving investors from all over the world, including China.

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NATIONAL 09

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Sialkot ASo seizes smuggled mobile phones, accessories

SIALKOT: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sialkot has confiscated smuggled accessories of mobile phones during an operation. The market value of the seized mobile phones and accessories is Rs 500,000. The whole operation was supervised by deputy superintendent Muhammad Erfan. Sources told Customs Today that the smuggled items were being brought from Northern Areas. The team intercepted a truck on GT Road and recovered mobile phones and accessories and which were being transported to Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore and Gujranwala for their sale in local markets.

Sialkot Customs issues rebates amounting to Rs 275m in October SIALKOT

gUlZAr AHMeD

www.customstoday.com he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot has issued Rs 275 million rebate to traders who exported finished goods during the month of October in fiscal year 201415.

Sources said that the collectorate gave rebate to the textile sector on cotton garments.

The leather sector was given rebate on finished leather garments, hides, leather shoes and artificial leather. The sources said that surgical goods, cutlery, rubber goods, plastic goods and shoes other than leather and their parts were offered for the rebate.The government offered the rebate scheme to enhance export volume and earn foreign exchange.The sources also said that the rebate cheques have been distributed among most of the importers while the process is still on and the remaining importers will also be able to receive their share of rebate on their imported raw material.

According to SRO 211(I)/2009, authorized repayment of customs duty to certain extent paid on the import of raw material used in the production or manufacture of goods that are exported.The goods must be exported out of Pakistan and an application for repayment of customs duty is presented to the officer concerned within 210 days of export or within 180 days from the date of realisation of foreign exchange as shown on bank credit advice issued in accordance with the current directives of the State Bank of Pakistan.

And the exporter makes a declaration on the goods declaration filed under Section 131 of Customs Act 1969 and on other export documents for his claim for repayment of the customs duties paid on the imported raw materials used in the production or manufacture of the goods being exported.

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wrITe To US YoUr grIevANCeS: Through CUSToMS ToDAY platform Help DeSk, now you have chance to DIreCTlY write your problems to top govt. functionaries.

If you have any grievances, queries, questions or suggestions, you can write in this section as it provides easiest access to you to approach Customs and Revenue authorities. wHo can write in this section?

Importers & Exporters, Customs Agents, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and Customs Officers To wHoM you can write?

Honourable PM, Minister/Secretary for Finance & Revenue, Minister/Secretary for Ports and Shipping, FBR Chairman, Member Customs and Chairperson Senate/National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance & Revenue.

Send your letters at: newsdesk@customstoday.com.pk

Mukarram Jah’s Customs preventive collects rs 2.859b in four months Customs Preventive Collector Mukarram Jah directs all additional, deputy and assistant collectors, superintendents and deputy superintendents to work hard to achieve the set target of duty collection LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Model Customs Collectorate Preventives collected Rs 2.859 billion under the head of customs duty during the last four months (JulyOctober) of fiscal year 2015-16.

The MCC collected the duty under various heads, including Land Freight Unit (LFU), Air Freight Unit (AFU) and Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO).

Sources told Customs Today that Lahore Customs Preventive Collector Mukarram Jah Ansari has directed all the additional, deputy and assistant collectors, superintendents and deputy superintendents to work hard to achieve the set target of duty collection for the financial year 2015-16.

According to sources, the collector told his subordinates to use all the available resources to achieve the target.

Earlier, the collectorate of MCC Preventive registered 18 percent growth exceeding the target for the FY 2014-15.

Srparately, the Customs AntiSmuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized bicycles and parts worth Rs 10 million from a godown in Nila Gumbad which were smuggled in the name of transit trade.

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

According to details, the ASO on information of Collector of Customs Mukarram Jah Ansari raided the godown and seized the illegally stored items.

The ASO raiding team was led by assistant collector of customs

Collector Mukarram Jah

Dr Adnan and Customs ASO superintendent Mumtaz Ajmal Mian.

Customs officials said that the parts and bicycles were stamped with Afghan transit trade and were prohibited to be sold in Pakistani markets but the owner of the

godown brought the stock illegally to dump the market with the illegal stock.

The customs officials said that an FIR has been lodged against the owner of the godown and further investigation are under way.

bajwaaskedtocheckprevailingfavouritisminprAl To,

Tariq Bajwa, Chairman, FBR, Islamabad.

Respected sir,

We would like to draw your attention towards the poor strategic governance framework of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) that not only decelerated overall performance of the company, sharply decline the revenue generation processes of FBR but also demotivated the remaining employees of PRAL. For instance, despite having an approved appraisal policy by Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) officials, the promotions and bonuses are only awarded to particular factions who are close to decision

makers of the company. Sadly, the FBR’s endorsed appraisal policy was never consulted in the past three years and it is currently being avoided.

As per the previous financial/HR policies of PRAL, there was an implicit 5 – 10 percent increment in the salaries of all employees acrossthe-board and that step was taken by policymakers to counter the consequences of growing inflation rate in Pakistan, whereas deserving candidates from all departments (not particular ones) receive promotions and increments based on their annual performance and assessment report.

There is no doubt on the fact that the above measures were taken for the well-being of PRAL employees which were essential to maintain job satisfaction among hard workers and also motivate

them to increase the productivity with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Unfortunately, instead of optimising financial/HR advisories for the betterment of employees, the policies were modified in a way to down the morale employees to its lowest point and to divert their focus in managing domestic financial issues.

Though, the appraisal list containing name of individuals is not announced/ published as yet, it is certain that most of the peoples would be those who are already taking the benefits for the last three consecutive years and the rights of a majority will be usurped again.

Regards,

PRAL employees

www.customstoday.com

10 NATIONAL

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Hyderabad ASo seizes smuggled goods worth rs 5.2m

HYDERABAD: Customs ASO has seized huge quantity of LEDs, DVDs, CDs, gutka, auto parts, shampoo and other items worth Rs 5.2m during a crackdown in Hyderabad. Sources told Customs Today that these items were being smuggled from Lahore to Karachi. The sources said that Customs Hyderabad Collector Ahmed Mujtaba received credible information regarding smuggling of above said. He constituted a raiding team that raided premises of M/s Pak International Goods Transport Company and intercepted a vehicle near Hyderabad bypass, from which foreign goods were recovered.

Imran Saud’s Customs Intelligence seizes items, vehicles worth rs 14.5m Customs AppellateTribunal dismisses case against Customs Intelligence director LAHORE

M HAYAT & M NAwAZ www.customstoday.com

— Exclusive Customs Today photo

D

irectorate of Customs Investigation and Intelligence (I and I) Lahore has intensified crackdowns on smugglers and seized contraband items and vehicles worth Rs 14.5 million in a number of recent anti-smuggling operations.

According to details, the directorate of Lahore Customs on the information and directives of Director Imran Saud has conducted various anti-smuggling raids and impounded smuggled cloth, soaps, tea, LEDs, plastic crush, and one BMW. Sources told Customs Today that Customs team intercepted a bus loaded with illegal imported items worth Rs 5 million.

Customs on credible information raided in Defense area and confiscated Rs 6.5 million BMW from, a resident of Ghazi Road, who was using the vehicle on a fake number plate. Likewise, the anti-smuggling team seized illegal items worth Rs 3 million from Misri Shah.

Anti-smuggling raids were led by superintendent Nasir Minhas, Rauf Farooqi, Rafique Bhatti and supervised by Deputy director Saad Atta Rabani.

Official sources said that director Saud Imran has evolved a comprehensive and effective strategy to crackdown the smuggling activities in the Lahore and

Faisalabad region.

They added that the director has instructed all the officers to work hard and bring the elements involved in the smuggling to the book.

Meanwhile, the Customs Appellate Tribunal dismissed a case

Director I&I Imran Saud filed by Salman Ijaz against di- man Ijaz on 23-06-2015. Cusrector of Customs Intelligence toms Appellate Tribunal issued and Investigation-FBR Lahore many notices to appellant to purdue to non-appearance of appel- sue the case and defend himself lant tribunal member. but Salman Ijaz failed to appear According to the details, ad- in tribunal proceedings. After vocate Khalid Chaudhry filed the their failure to appear Customs case on behalf of appellant Sul- Appellate Tribunal Chairman /

Member Judicial Bench-I Ghulam Murtaza Bhatti and Member Technical Khawaja Omer Mehdi dismissed the case due to nonprosecution. Its pertaining to mentioned hear that the abovementioned case was about nonpayment of taxes and duties.

Customs Court defers verdict in rs 35b gold smuggling scam

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KARACHI

MUHAMMAD YoUSAF www.customstoday.com

he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has deferred the pronouncement of its verdict on bail plea of two suspects in Rs 35 billion gold smuggling scam.

Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi had reserved the verdict after hearing arguments from defence and prosecution sides. However, a new date will be fixed by the court office later.

Applicant Muhammad Zubair and Wajahat Minhas moved the court, seeking their release on bail.

According to the prosecution, the Federal Investigation Agency

(FIA) Corporate Crime Circle had registered an FIR under Section 156(1)(8), 32/32-A punishable under Section 156(1)(14) of Customs Act 1969.

An inquiry conducted by FIA established that accused Muhammad Shakeel, the deputy director of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Karachi, registered the firms M/S Rayyan Collection, M/S Atta Casting, M/S Ather Jewellers and M/S Al Huda Bangles as exporters under Section 3 of the SRO 266(1)2001 dated May 7, 2001, to export gold, silver and platinum jewellery and precious stones without fulfilling legal requirements.

The alleged gold traders exported 23 karat gold jewellery

worth Rs 35 billion to the UAE during the period between 2011 and 2012 on fake E-forms as no foreign proceeds returned to the country as an outcome of the gold export.

Muhammad Shakeel, Abdul Qadir Akmal Aziz and other accused have already been released on bail.

Separately, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has granted protective-bail to a suspect in a case pertaining to the pilferage of Lahorebound cargo that contained goods worth Rs 304 million.

A single bench of the SHC granted seven-day protective bail to Muhammad Imran with surety bond of Rs 100,000.

Applicant Imran, represented

by Advocate Zain A Jatoi, moved the court submitting that the Customs Court had issued non-bailable warrants for his arrest after he was declared as absconding accused in the interim charge-sheet.

He said that Imran was innocent and had nothing to do with the offence.

The applicant requested the court to grant him bail so that he could surrender before the trial court concerned and face charges.

According to the prosecution, Pakistan Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Organization raided a godown in the city’s Site area and seized a huge quantity of imported goods.

The seized goods included 27,217 mobile phones of assorted brands, 1695 assorted tablets

notepad, 46,979 pieces of contact lenses, 2,007 perfumes, 214 LED TVs, 10,060 kg pencil erasers, 73 washing machines, 122 pieces of DVD players, 182 dry irons, 750 Samsung mobile phone batteries, 15 refrigerators, 196000 feather blades 196,000, 172000 cotton stick.

A transshipment cargo in a container bearing No EITU-1135555 was taken from the port area under transshipment permit (TP) to be cleared at Lahore dry port but instead of taking it to the upcountry dry port the same was taken to the godown in the city. At this godown, the higher duty goods were being offloaded and the container was being stuffed with low duty goods.

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CARTOONSSPECIAL 11

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

FIA arrests human trafficker, recovers passports, ID cards

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a human trafficker and recovered a number of passports and National Identity Cards (CNICs) from him, Customs Today has learnt. According to the sources, the FIA team has arrested the human trafficker who was identified as Arman Shakoor during the raid at Hussain Chowk Lahore. The human trafficker was involve in sending persons to South Africa and other countries using illegal means and fake documents.

enforcement-South collects rs 36,306m sales tax in Q1 KARACHI

AFTAb CHANNA

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he Customs Preventive, Hyderabad, Quetta, Gwadar of EnforcementSouth Region and Export (Port Qasim) under the supervision of Chief Collector Zahid Khokhar collected at least Rs 36,306 million against the set target of Rs 38,206.99 million under the head of sales tax in the first quarter i.e.

July 1 to October 31, 2015. The collection in the same period last year stood at Rs 34290.20 million.

According to statistics available with Customs Today, the MCC-Preventive collected Rs 29,312.31 million in terms of sales tax against revenue target of Rs 32,474.91. The last year’s collection was Rs 29,121.64 million.

The MCC-Hyderabad collected an amount of Rs 2753.76 million sales tax against the set target of Rs 1818.87, however the revenue collection last year was Rs 1607 million.

The MCC Exports (Port

Muhammad Bin Qasim) collected Rs 142.65 million against target of Rs 65.54. The revenue collection last year stood at Rs 58.09.

Moreover, the MCC-Quetta col-

lected Rs 2127.30 million against target of Rs 908.52 million while the last year’s collection remained at Rs 880.48 million.

The MCC-Gwadar collected an

RTO-II assigned Rs 6.1b target for November

amount of Rs 1965.57 million against Rs 2935.79 million and revenue collection last year stood at Rs 2619.64 million.

The insiders told Customs To-

day that Chief Collector Zahid Khokhar has emphasized the collectorates to improve the performance in achieving revenue collection.

rs 40b new taxes to break back of business community: pbIF LAHORE

M HAYAT

www.customstoday.com akistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) has said that falling exports, six percent erosion in exchange rate and new taxes worth Rs 40 billion will break the back of the masses and business community.

New taxes are being imposed on behest of the IMF as exports fell by $1.25 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year while FBR is held responsible for the fall in revenue which was result of unrealistic collection targets, it said.

The reduction in imports by 12.5 percent also resulted in reduction of revenue which should not be discounted, it said.

The president of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA) and first vice chairman of the businessmen panel of the FPCCI Mian Zahid Hussain.

He said that export managers prefer politics over their responsibilities which damaged exports, revenue and external sector leaving government with no option but to slap new taxes.

Delay in imposing new taxes on existing taxpayers can jeopardise 10th tranche of 502 million dollars of IMF loan worth 6.2 billion dollars, he added. Mian Zahid said that laxity on the part of IMF slowed the pace of reforms in Pakistan which is against the national interests.

He said that government is yet to announce new taxes and the targeted sectors which has triggered anxiety among the business community.

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LAHORE

F

MUHAMMAD NAwAZ www.customstoday.com

ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has assigned Rs 6.1 billion target to the Regional Tax Office-II (RTO-II) for November of current fiscal year 2015-16.

The Board has assigned Rs 2,200 million target in wake of sales tax, Rs 3,900 million under the head of income tax, while it has not assigned target for federal excise duty (FED) as this tax collection has been assigned to Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU).

Officials said that RTO-II has expedited the efforts to not only meet

the target but also surpass it. They hoped that field formation will also surpass the target for running fiscal year 2015-16.

They informed Customs Today that noose around the tax defaulters and evaders has been more tightened as department was taking non-discriminatory actions against defaulters.

www.customstoday.com

12

NOVEMBER 17 - NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Dar expresses satisfaction over revenue collection by Fbr

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting here at the Ministry of Finance to review the progress of the FBR in achieving the revenue target set by the government. Chairman FBR Tariq Bajwa briefed the minister that there has been 22 percent increase in the revenue collection figures for October 2015 as compared to the same period last year. The minister expressed his satisfaction with the revenue collection during the month of October and directed the FBR to further improve the tax collection machinery.

Customs Preventive under Zeba Hai seizes items worth Rs 29.9m in Oct Chief Collector Sarwat Tahira Habib and Collector Zeba Hai appreciate Customs prosecution’s efforts after dismissal of Ayyan Ali’s acquittal plea torate Islamabad Collector Zeba Hai have appreciated the performance of Customs Investigation and Prosecution wing after dismissal of acquittal plea by model Ayyan Ali in currency smuggling case.

Both high ups commended the role of Superintendent Zargham Dil, Deputy Superintendent Saeed Ahmad and Investigation Officer Muhammad Saleem in the high profile case.

The Customs, Taxation and AntiSmuggling Court rejected the acquittal plea of model Ayyan Ali in currency smuggling case.

Special Judge Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan announced the 6-page verdict dismissing the accused model’s plea after hearing the arguments from both parties.

Earlier, Sardar Latif Khan Khosa on last hearing had argued before the court that his client was not involved in the currency smuggling case and had been kept in jail for four months without any reason.

Pakistan Customs lawyer Farhat Lodhi opposed the arguments and said that evidence clearly showed that Ayyan Ali was involved in the currency smuggling case. He had pleaded the court to reject her acquittal plea.

Sardar Latif Khan Khosa pledged that he would challenge the verdict in appellate tribunal as per section 46 of Anti-Smuggling Act 1976 even before the date decided by customs court to indict Ayyan Ali. He said that some hidden powers are roping Ayyan Ali in the case in a bid to target some respected politicians.

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN & SHAHID MINHAS www.customstoday.com

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— Exclusive Customs Today photo

he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad Preventive Division under supervision of Collector Zeba Hai seized Rs 29.9 million imported items during month of October 2015.

According to details, during the course of anti-smuggling activities in October 2015. Customs Preventive Division has seized and recovered Rs 29.9 million imported goods, including four non-duty paid vehicles worth of Rs 4.5 million. At least 1,500 kilograms imported smuggled cloth worth of Rs 1.1 million, while 512 cartons of smuggled cigarettes worth Rs 2 million were also seized during the anti-smuggling drives.

Moreover, Customs Preventive has recovered smuggled electronics and smuggled tea having worth of Rs 4.8 million collectively.

Sources further told that Customs Preventive has also recovered and seized other smuggled goods worth 17.5 million, including DVDs, mobiles, CD players, accessories, auto parts, tyres, pampers, during antismuggling raids as well.

It is also pertinent to mention here that in the coming days Customs Preventive will conduct auction of seized vehicles.

Meanwhile, Customs North Chief Collector Sarwat Tahira Habib and Model Customs Collec-

Collector Zeba Hai

Seized items include four non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 4.5 million and 1,500kg imported cloth worth Rs 1.1 million

people hail Fbr’s newly launched Facebook page M

ISLAMABAD

CUSToMS ToDAY reporT www.customstoday.com

aterialising the idea of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa, Facilitation and Taxpayers Education (FATE) Member Nadeem Dar has launched a page of FBR on social interactive media website “Facebook” that is being hailed by people, especially the business community.

The common people and taxpayers are sending their quires to get information regarding different policies and system of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on this page, while the officers

are responding to their questions in no time in order to facilitate them timely.

On the other hand, people are not only surprised but have also appreciated the initiative of the department to modernise it with latest techniques.

While talking to Customs Today, the visitors of FBR's Facebook page said that other government departments should follow the suite to upgrade their system using the social media.

“We are not expecting instant response to our queries by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) but surprisingly we are educated without any delay,” said one of the visitors.

The idea of using Facebook

was floated by the FBR chairman in order to inform the people about the tax system, promote the tax culture and specially to bridge the gap between the tax authorities and the taxpayers.

Officials said that almost 500 people have “liked” the page on the very first day of its launch, adding that the number of visitors was increasing day by day, as a number of businesspersons were subscribing it.

The officials said that strength of subscribers would run in millions in a year and the FBR would not have to publish costly advertisements in daily newspapers to disseminate its message among people.

Published by M. F. Riaz, Off. 91, 3rd Flr, Gul Plaza, M.A. Rd., Karachi, for Customs Today and Printed at Dhoom Printing Press Masheer Mahal Building, Off: I. I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi