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pAkIStAN’S FIrSt INDepth NewSpAper oN cuStoMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 163

Karachi, Thu August 20, 2015

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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ADRA has no data which could lead to detect wealthy tax defaulters. These rumors are baseless that NADRA has data of 3.2 million tax defaulters .

Talking to Customs Toady, senior member Inland Revenue (Policy) Shahid Hussain Asad conOirmed the reports that NADRA did not have any such data. He also said that

Price Rs. 14.00

during the recent past, the FBR authorities asked NADRA to provide the data of tax defaulters, but after repeated reminders NADRA did not comply with its commitment.

Shahid Hussain Asad said that now the FBR is itself collecting data of wealthy tax defaulters through its own resources. He further said that nowadays we are keep a close eye on persons who are purchasing properties in posh areas, purchasing luxurious vehicles, and travelling abroad frequently. He said we seek assistance in this regard from different departments.

Customs Preventive challenges verdict of Appellate Tribunal in SHC

Faisalabad Customs confiscates 25,000 litres of motor oil

Pak-Thai trade volume may increase to $16 billion thru FTA: Dastgir

Customs Intelligence seizes cloth, drinks worth millions

FCCI terms photo Journalists backbone of news media

The MCC (Preventive) has approached the Sindh High Court (SHC), challengingr. | See pAge 02 |

The Customs Investigation Faisalabad has seized 25,000 litres of motor oil | See pAge 03 |

Minister Khurram Dastgir has said that the trade volume between Pak-Thai. | See pAge 04 |

The Customs Investigation Lahore has seized curtain cloth

Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue. | See pAge 09 |

| See pAge 03 |

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Jarar Shah appointed as attachment officer Thursday, August 20, 2015

National

ISLAMABAD: The Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad has appointed Superintendent Customs Jarar Ali Shah as attachment Officer.

According to details, Jarar Shah as attachment officer has been directed to seize the moveable/immoveable properties of Shakeel, a resident of Model Town Islamabad, Syed Akhtar Husain, a resident of Charbagh Swat, Dadullah Siafuddin, a resident of Qilla Abdullah, Amjed Perviz, a resident of Rawalpindi, and Muhammad Waheed Abbasi, a resident of Abid Shaheed Road Rawalpindi, for the recovery of outstanding government dues while observing the provision of customs.

customs preventive challenges verdict of Appellate tribunal in Shc

Freezing of accounts: Shc adjourns hearing of Axact petition KARACHI

MuhAMMAD YouSAF

KARACHI

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MuhAMMAD YouSAf www.customsbulletin.com

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he Collector Model Customs Collectorate (Preventive) has approached the Sindh High Court (SHC), challenging the verdict of Customs Appellate Tribunal in a case pertaining to recovery of duty and taxes amounting to Rs 669, 815 from a carrier.

The Collector Model Customs Collectorate of (Preventive) Oiled the special customs reference, submitting that respondent M/s Al-Haj Enterprises (Private) Limited was among the carriers selected for transportation of imported diesel meant for ISAF/Nato forces stationed in Afghanistan.

The respondent carrier was issued 86 TPs for transportation of cargo during the period from October, 2010 to January 2011. Later, the carrier and customs agent submitted the copies of TPs to Oil Section, Kemari after delivering fuel to ISAF/Nato forces.

On scrutiny of those TPs it was found that quantity of diesel delivered against 57 TPs was short by more than 1 percent. The carrier and customs agent were therefore liable to pay customs duty and other taxes chargeable on short delivered quantity. The counsel said the respondent carrier was issued show-

he Sindh High Court (SHC) has adjourned the petition filed

by Axact against freezing of accounts of its directors and employees.

The petition was listed for hearing on Tuesday but it could not be taken up for want of time. The next date for the hearing would be fixed by the court office later on.

In the petition, it was stated that FIA has illegally freeze bank accounts of the company, their employees and family members due to which salaries of the employees could not be paid for last three months and payments of other routine expenses was also not made. During previous hearing, the counsel for FIA submitted that bank accounts of the petitioner and its employees have been attached following the orders of the trial court. The investigation agency had asked the trial court to attach the petitioners’ account and properties under anti money laundering law as it was found during investigation that petitioner and its employees were involved in laundering money through these bank accounts.

cause notice for recovery of custom duty and other taxes amounting to Rs 32,98640 chargeable on lost 142019 liters of diesel. In response to the notice, the carrier paid amount of Rs 2,628,825, however, the additional collector of customs (MCC) Preventive passed an orderin-original against it directing it pay the remaining amount of Rs

669,815. He, however, submitted that later the respondent carrier challenged the ONO before Customs Appellate Tribunal which was allowed and the ONO was set aside.

After initial hearing on Tuesday, a division bench of SHC issued notice to the respondent M/s Al-Haj Enterprises (Pvt) Limited for September 1, 2015.

Meanwhile, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between Pakistan Customs and the IATA at a local hotel. Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation, Customs, Abdul Majid Yousfani signed the MoU on behalf of the Customs while the IATA was represented by its deputy director Ms Nathalie Herbelles.

Faisalabad Customs Intelligence confiscates 25,000 litres of motor oil FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Investigation and Intelligence Faisalabad has seized 25,000 litres of motor oil worth Rs 875,000 and impounded a truck worth Rs 2 million which was being used for the transportation of the smuggled oil.

The Customs Intelligence team acting upon credible information conveyed through the Additional Director Muhammad Ismail intercepted a truck bearing Registration No. LIT-4643 near Jhang bypass, Faisalabad.

The ofOicials while searching the truck recovered 25,000 litres of oil of different brands. Following the recovery of the oil, the ofOicials asked the driver namely Bismillah and owner of the oil named as Rizwan Khaliq to produce the docu-

ments showing the legal import of the motor oil.

However, they remained failed to comply with instruction due to not having any legal documents on which customs held the oil and impounded the truck under the prevailing customs laws. Customs Intelligence team comprising Senior Intelligence ofOicer Muhammad Tahir Iqbal, Muhammad Saleem, Main Muhammad Yousaf and other participated in the raid.

Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling

Organisation (ASO) has seized illegally imported black pepper having market value of Rs 2,114,700.

Sources told Customs Today that Faisalabad Collector Tauseef Ahmed Qureshi received credible information regarding smuggling of foreign origin black pepper. Soon after receiving the tip, a raiding party was formed, which consisted of Superintendent Zahid Bukhari, Inspector Mehmood Ahmad and sepoys Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Salam, Atta Muhammad, HaOiz

Naseer and Liaqat Ali. The customs team during a raid at SM ShaOiq Sohail Good’s Transport Company, Choly Wali Puli, Jhang Road, Faisalabad seized 38 bags of black pepper, each weighing 53kg, which involved duty and taxes amounting to Rs 348,532. The raiding team asked accused Muhammad Saleem Paracha, son of Muhammad Arif Paracha, a resident of Sitara Sapana City, to produce legal documents regarding possession of black pepper, but he failed to provide the same.

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Customs to set up body on WeBOC KARACHI: The Customs Department has decided to establish a special committee to look into the matters of the WeBOC. Sources told Customs Today that decision in this regard has been taken to bring efficiency in performance of WeBOC system, because authorities are receiving complaints from a quite sometime about performance of the system. The committee will look all this matters and suggest measures to improve it. The representatives of traders and customs agents will be included in the committee.

court awards death sentence to narcotics smuggler ISLAMABAD

ShAhID MINhAS

Thursday August 20, 2015

National

customs Intelligence seizes cloth, drinks worth millions of rupees

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pecial Court of Anti Narcotics has sentenced a smuggler to death and imposed a Rs 200,000 fine on him for smuggling of heroin and hashish. According to details, the ANF team has arrested Zafarullah and recovered 3320 kilograms of hashish and 2 kilograms of heroin from his possession and registered a case of smuggling against him. Anti Narcotics Special Court Judge Chaudhary Anwar Ahmed Khan has heard smuggling case of accused Zafarullah. During investigations, proofs and witnesses were enough to prove his crime before the Court therefore the Court awarded capital punishment to accused and imposed Rs 200,000 fine for smuggling heroin and hashish.

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excise forms special teams for recovery of token tax LAHORE

M IMrAN MehAr

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he Motor Branch of the Excise and Taxation Department, Lahore, has formed six special teams for the recovery of token tax from the defaulters. According to the Excise officials, these teams are working in different areas of the city to take action against token tax defaulters.

Motor Branch had offered a special discount of token tax after the announcement of provincial budget of 2015-16. Date of the discounted rates on token tax has expired on 30th July, 2015. After the grace period of one month Excise motor branch Lahore has formed special teams for recovery of taxes and to inform citizens about their outstanding dues. Excise motor branch director Lahore Suhail Arshad has directed field staff to keep keen eye on defaulters and guide them about new token tax system and stickers for their vehicles.

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LAHORE

M hAYAt

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he Customs Investigation and Intelligence Lahore has seized curtain cloth and smuggled drinks worth million of rupees from a bus coming from Peshawar to Lahore, sources said.

The anti-smuggling team raided the bus on credible information near Babu Sabu Interchange, Lahore. OfOicial sources said that the contraband goods and articles were being smuggled hiding in a passenger bus. The customs authorities informed Customs Today that the expired drinks were to be sold in local market by altering its date.

The ofOicial sources said that the illegally imported iron, cloth, drinks and other items having value to the tune of millions of rupees were the ownership of suspects namely Pisal Khan and Ali Khan. The raid was conducted on the instruction of Additional Director Mohsin RaOique.

Meanwhile, he Customs Investigation and Intelligence’ anti-smuggling wing has seized smuggled items of Afghan Transit Trade valued at Rs 10 million on Multan Road.

On the information of Additional Director Mohsin Rafique, Customs Intelligence officials intercepted a truck loaded with auto parts, bicycles, alarms, tyres and cloth. The customs authorities confirming that the items were being trans-

ported to Lahore illegally, seized the items and arrested two accused Mir Gull and Ghulam Hussain, sources said.

They added that the truck was coming from Peshawar with the smuggled items belonging to many small traders.

The sources said that following registering case against the accused party the customs authorities have started investigation.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of In-

vestigation and Intelligence, Customs Lahore has under taken large

the customs Investigation and Intelligence Lahore has seized curtain cloth and smuggled drinks worth million of rupees from a bus coming from peshawar to Lahore

Customs seizes smuggled Iranian diesel

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation and FC Kalat Scouts are working on a comprehensive strategy to curb menace of smuggling from the country. Sources told Customs Today that during a crackdown in tehsil Wadh of Khuzdar district, the Customs Investigations and Intelligence seized 1,70,000 liters smuggled Iranian diesel oil amounting the millions of

rupees in international market.

Sources said that Customs intelligence received a credible information regarding smuggling of Iranian oil, after which they intercepted four trucks on national highway during search of vehicles customs teams found 1,70,000 liters smuggled Iranian oil. Customs teams asked owner and drivers of the vehicles to produce legal documents regarding import of Iranian oil but they failed to do so. After this cus-

toms authorities seized the Iranian oil and registered a case against the accused persons.

Meanwhile, The Special Customs and Anti-Smugling Court has cancelled the bail of the importer of raw material of antibiotics medicines in all three cases besides forfeiting Rs 2 million surety.

The court ordered the authorities to arrest the importer Muhammad Ali Chandna and all other co-accused.

scale transfers of officials of BS-16, including superintendent, deputy superintendents and inspectors.

The officials were strength of Model Customs Collectorate Preventive, Lahore and temporarily serving the directorate due to the shortage of staff, sources told Customs Today.

Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Munawar Khan and Fiaz Ahmad have been posted to MCC Preventive and Internal Audit.

exporters are facing great hardships at epZ xporters are facing great hardships due to late arrival and early departure of customs staff. Exporters bring this issue after contacting Customs Today but after the passage of eighteen days matter is still unsolved and now the situation is getting worse day by day. During visit to Export Processing Zone importers complains that they are facing great hardships for clearance of their consignment.

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Dar reviews working of Economic Adviser’s Wing ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar here chaired a meeting to review the working of Economic Adviser’s Wing of the Finance Division. Economic Adviser Syed Ejaz Ali Wasti briefed the minister about the functions and responsibilities of the wing, including the all important task of publishing the annual Pakistan Economic Survey which is widely disseminated and facilitates important research work on economic subjects. He apprised the minister about measures that the E.A Wing was undertaking to make this document all comprehensive. He said that the E.A Wing kept a close look on important economic issues and prepared its reports/material which were utilised by various stakeholders.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Business

pak-thai trade volume may increase to $16 billion thru FtA: Dastgir ISLAMABAD

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ederal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir has said that the trade volume between Pakistan and Thailand will be increased to $16 billion due to the free trade agreement (FTA), signed between the two countries.

The minister, expressing his satisfaction over the agreement, said that the increase in trade volume was estimated through neu-

tevta appoints 20 institute placement officers LAHORE

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he Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (Tevta) has appointed 20 institute placement officers (IPOs) to provide jobs to its pass-outs.

The appointed IPO will visit industries of their districts concerned to arrange jobs. These appointments will help Tevta to achieve its target to place 60,000 graduates in industry during the year across Punjab.

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tral research.

Dastgir added that at least 684 local items have competitive advantage in Thailand, adding that the items would increase the trade revenue up to Rs7 billion.

Dastgir said that the export of local textiles would also increase, adding that the quality import of fisheries would enhance the range of items available for local consumption. The FTA will make space for local products in the Thai market, he added.

The minister said that advanced technology would be imported for the benefit of local fishermen in Balochistan and Sindh.

ISLAMABAD www.customsbulletin.com

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ome 600,000 ghost pensioners have been identiOied who have been receiving up to Rs43 billion annually, claimed top ofOicial of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP).

Mudassir Khan, Senior Executive Vice President of the NBP, while giving a brieOing to Senate Standing

PESHAWAR

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akistan and China have agreed to enhance collaboration in space technology, said an official, who attended Pak-China forum meeting held in Karamay-Xinjiang last week.

The official said that Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal presented the proposal of collaboration in space technology as part of the Karamay declaration under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which was agreed by the both sides. Addressing the forum, Ahsan Iqbal said that bilateral collaboration on space technology would take Pakistan-China relations to new heights. He stressed upon a joint launch of space missions consisting astronauts from both countries.

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong was also a part of the forum. He labelled the meetings as successful in increasing understanding among the related stakeholders for implementing the economic corridor. He pointed out the field of energy and communication as a major part of the CPEC. He pointed out the field of energy and communication as a major part of the CPEC.

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rs 43b annual loss: 600,000 ghost pensioners identified cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

pakistan, china to work together on space technology

Committee on Finance, revealed that these ghost pensioners were identiOied during the process of opening bank accounts of all the pensioners. He maintained that the ghost pensioners were receiving pensions from the military, the federal government and the Employees Old-Age BeneOit Institute (EOBI).

Though the ofOicial did not disclose the accurate amount of loss, however, if a pensioner takes Rs6,000 per month, the estimated Oigure would be near Rs43.2 billion per annum. The federal government paid Rs219 billion in civilian and

military pensions in the last Oiscal year and Rs43 billion is roughly oneOifth of the total amount. Threefourths of the total pension budget or Rs167 billion, goes to military pensioners.

Meanwhile, The National Power Electric Regulatory Authority has allowed Fatima Transmission Company Limited (FTCL) to construct and own transmission facilities. The Special Purpose Transmission Licence was granted to FTCL for setting up a 37-km-long transmission line for transmitting 120MW electricity from generation facilities.

UBL Funds launches 1st mobile app in asset management industry LAHORE

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BL Fund Managers Limited (UBL Funds) announced the launch of the ‘UBL Funds Smart Savings’ App – the Oirst of its kind mobile application

by the Asset Management Industry in Pakistan. The UBL Funds Smart Savings application is available on iPhone and Android phones and can be downloaded on the app store and Google play.

The app demonstrates UBL Funds commitment to innovation and their ability to strengthen the brand and evolve their business to keep abreast of the new trends

emerging in the market.

The UBL Funds Smart Savings App is a convenient and easy application that gives investors access to their investment account on the go. It has an easy to use interface and design allowing investors to check their investment portfolio, make transactions round the clock and update their proOile information. The app also gives details on the

latest UBL Fund prices, keeping investors updated for all their investment needs. Once registered on the UBL Funds Online Portal, Investors can use same the login ID and password for the UBL Funds Smart Savings App.Mir Muhammad Ali, CEO UBL Fund Managers, said “At UBL Funds we believe innovation is the key. In today’s fast moving technological world, it is

imperative to keep up with the changing trends and provide cutting-edge technology based solutions so as to continue to facilitate our clients’ requirements at every step.”

He further added that “The UBL Funds Smart Savings app is a revolutionary addition to the Asset Management Industry in Pakistan. With the upward trend in mobile and internet services in Pakistan, we

felt it necessary to bring forth a mobile application that will help make investing easier and more accessible for our clients.” Additional features on the UBL Funds Mobile Application include Portfolio Value, Allocation and Analytics, downloading Account Statements, Making E-Transactions, Searching the nearest Investment Center location amongst other features.

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Tariq Bajwa has directed Haroon Tareen, the Director General of Inland Revenue Intelligence, to expedite action against inOluential tax evaders and tax defaulters.

The FBR chairman has also ordered that the departmental proceeding should be initiated against the ofOicials involved in supporting the culprits in evading taxes, besides referring the cases of ‘black sheep’ to the National Accountability Bureau.

Theses direction were given by the chairman to DG IR Intelligence in a meeting, wherein DG also briefed the FBR chairman about mega tax evasion cases, including former president Asif Ali Zardari’s case, JS Bank case, Malik Riaz, owner of Bahria Town’s case, Axact and

model Ayy He also in about the in the wa which Tari full suppo tigations.

The DG als man to inc ties and m ments to d causing lo chequer.

The FBR ch discuss it devise stra around the Meanwhil Pakistan T jor Gener Managing Brig (r) A Chairman enue (FBR were held main obje get more

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yan Ali’s cases. nformed the chairman issues creating hurdles ay of investigations on iq Bajwa assured him of rt to continue the inves-

so asked the FBR chaircrease the rate of penalmade harder the punishdiscourage the elements osses to the national ex-

hairman said that he will with the government to ategies to tighten noose e tax evaders. le, Managing Director Telecom Foundation Maral (r) Khalid Rao and g Director Pak Datacom Arshad Kiyani called on n Federal Board of RevR) Tariq Bajwa. The talks d at the FBR House. The ective of the talks was to information about the

use of information technology in collection of revenues and taxes and to stop transit smuggling, because Pak Datacom is also providing the services of v-technology.

This system is quite helpful to curb smuggling by putting a tracker with container.

Sources told Customs Today that there are some faults in those trackers which are being used nowadays at transit trade. This is the main reason that authorities are Oinding it difOicult to control smuggling at Pak Afghan Transit trade. It is pertinent to mention here that Pak Telecom Foundation is providing data to major institutions including State Bank of Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan, Telenor etc. On the other hand Chairman FBR Tariq Bajwa said that FBR always tried to use latest technology for enhancing their revenue resources. He asked Pak Telecom Foundation to extend all facilities in this regard.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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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

Journey towards financial stability

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tate Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Ashraf Mehmood Wathra has unveiled a five-year financial strategy, SBP Vision-2020, to maintain financial stability in the country.

On an Independence Day event, he said that it is the collective responsibility of every member of this nation to play its role in transforming Pakistan into a strong and prosperous country. According to the SBP governor, strong institutions are a key to progress and development of a strong financial system is prerequisite for establishing a powerful economy.

Pakistan faced various challenges since its inception but it managed to establish a central bank and a viable economic system. The economy of the country has passed through many ups and downs but it never lost its growth potential. The economy of the country has been set on the right direction and the five-year strategic plan of the State Bank SBP, Vision 2020, will manifest the ceaseless efforts of the bank management and its consultative process with external stakeholders in days to come. The governor said that the central banking has thoroughly studied the issues and financial developments in Pakistan and abroad. The bank will emerge as a role model for best practices in the corporate sector of Pakistan and it will deliver at every level.

He says that the SBP culture has been developed over the years to cover the core values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, courage, excellence and result orientation. The SBP Vision-2020 covers six strategic imperatives, including strengthened monetary policy and financial system as well as it will maintain stability in the financial regime and strengthen of the SBP's organizational efficiency. At least 50 percent Pakistanis have no access to financial services and a new comprehensive national strategy is required for the implementation of the national financial inclusion scheme.

He says that despite challenges, the State Bank has played its role to achieve financial stability and the country is now enjoying a thriving banking industry.

As a matter of fact, there is always room for improvement and the country still has a long way to go toward financial stability. The country is facing inflation – though the government has been maintaining it at a certain level for the last couple of years. Critics blame the government for taking artificial steps to contain inflation. However, it is feared that floodgates of inflation will be opened after the end of the present regime. The bank should also discourage free borrowings by the government due to which it has to cover losses by printing more currency notes. The common citizens and economy are the ultimate losers at the end.

Borrowing for budgetary support T

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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he neo-colonialists of the modern era are the international lending agencies, which do not need physical presence on a foreign land to occupy a nation.

They can now control rise and fall of developing economies from their control rooms in Washington, New York, London, Paris and Geneva. The countries which follow their directions get appreciations which mean they are eligible to apply for more loans and Pakistan is not an exception. The IMF has praised Pakistan for implementing the business, energy and social sector programs laid down

by the donor agency to restructure loss-making public enterprises, rein in its budget deOicit and build foreign exchange reserves. The Oinancial managers in the country must have thumped their chests over the appreciation form the IMF without giving the commonsense a chance that more loans will add more burdens on the weak economy and depressed nation.

No doubt Pakistan needs energy-sector reforms and business friendly environment to stop capital Olight from the country and attract foreign investment. The donor agency has projected the country’s GDP by 4.5 percent during the current Oiscal year provided it sustains macroeconomic stability, improves energy supply and low oil prices at

the international level continue to adopt downward journey. Pakistan has narrowly missed budget deOicit, tax revenue and government borrowing targets during the previous Oiscal year and structural challenges are still facing the country. The government is trying its best to comply with the reforms program of the IMF, but economic woes are forcing it to adopt unusual steps without understanding the ground realities.

The present stability in the Oinancial sector does not mean the economy has acquired a stable posture as the government steps have stirred the trade and industrial environment of the country. One of which is the imposition of the withholding tax on all bank transactions in case of non-Oilers.

The government will have to adopt austerity measures beginning from the presidency and the prime minister’s house. There are several loopholes in the government machinery from where the public money is syphoned off and it needs to be stopped. The government must unload the extra burden on the economy and it has to pinpoint the areas of concern to control Oinance and improve economy. The successive governments in Pakistan have borrowed $ 50 billion from international lending agencies during the last 10 years just for budgetary support. If this is the state of affairs, false hopes and dry promises will never support the economic recovery in the foreseeable future.

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KCCI proposes payment of Rs 20,000 with tax returns KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has suggested that non-filers should be asked to submit their returns along with the payment of Rs20,000 income tax, which should be raised by 25 percent every year. In a statement on Tuesday, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, said a series of meetings held during the past three weeks between the KCCI and the decision makers in Islamabad to resolve withholding tax and other issues. He said that acceptance and implementation of that proposal would result in exemption of withholding tax on bank transactions along with three years of audit immunity. The KCCI further proposed to immune commercial importers from sales tax audit as they were already paying 17 percent General Sales Tax (GST) along with 3 percent sales tax on value-addition, he added.

FCCI for rule of traffic laws cting President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Nadeem Allahwala said that traffic laws should be made a compulsory part of our curricula from school to college level He said that un-tuned, noise making 26,000 motorcycle rickshaws have become a permanent traffic problem and demanded action under the clauses of terrorism on intentional road blockage in the city swarming with population of four million individuals.

He was talking to Anjum Kamal DSP headquarter (Traffic) during his visit to FCCI here today.

He said that organized nations fully follow the traffic rules “We also play our positive role but only on Motorways.

Immediately after leaving Motorway, we also start violating traffic rules. He underlined the need for the sensitization, awareness and education of masses with a focus on the awareness of students. He said that traffic laws should be made a compulsory part of our curricula from school to college level. This will help the students to inculcate the habits of following traffic rules, he said and added that competitions among students on traffic rules and signs with prizes could also be arranged as a motivational programs.

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Decline in exports: FPCCI blames energy, water woes he Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has linked the over 17 percent decline in exports during July 2015 to shortages of electricity, gas and water to the industrial sectors hampering production across the country.

Vice President/Regional Chairman Khawaja Zarar Kaleem said the stuck-up refunds of the exporters in Federal Board of Revenue and the State Bank of Pakistan had aggravated the situation causing financial crunch in the export oriented industry.

"The shortages of electric and gas have caused closing of various industrial units in the Punjab and some are on the verge of closer while the industries in Karachi have fallen prey to the water mafia and they are purchasing their own water on very high rates," he claimed.

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Thursday August 20, 2015

Chambers

LccI chief calls for early refund of It/St claims ISLAMABAD

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he Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has feared that export-oriented businesses would be squeezed if stuck-up income tax/sales tax refund claims are not released immediately by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

According to a statement LCCI president Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that in the present scenario when economy needs resources for expansion, squeezing of business would be harmful.

Ijaz A. Mumtaz said the Federal Board of Revenue is hampering growth of the most productive sectors by denying the exporters and manufacturers their right of refund of Sales Tax and Income Tax. He said that the delay in release of huge funds that runs into billions has triggered serious liquidity crunch for the exporters and manufacturers that might lead to closure of several industrial units.

The LCCI president said the authorities concerned should take realistic view of the matter and allow the refunds of sales tax and

LccI president Ijaz A. Mumtaz

Income Tax to exporters and Manufacturers at the earliest, who were facing severe hardships.

He said that the process to get refunds is so lengthy and cumber-

some that sometimes takes months for a manufacturer or an exporter to get his own money refunded.

He said that exporters are already facing financial crunch due

SCCI, LCCI to ink accord on early construction of Kalabagh Dam

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FAISALABAD

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he business community of Sialkot and Lahore have developed a consensus to pave the way for early construction of Kalabagh Dam in the country. They termed the early construction of Kalabagh Dam vital to save the country from Oloods, besides getting the country rid of the prolonged energy crisis.

Standing Committee for Kalabagh Dam (Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry-LCCI), Indus Water Treaty and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) jointly organized a seminar to create awareness about developing the consensus for Kalabagh Dam among traders, businessmen, industrialists and exporters. The seminar was held at the

SCCI auditorium here. Addressing the participants, acting President of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Mir Alamgir Meyer said that the early construction of Kalabagh Dam would save Pakistan from recurring Oloods and from the darkness caused due to unending electricity load shedding in the country.

He said that the plan of establishing Kalabagh dam had ever had a great signiOicance and was the demand of the day, saying that the people who had been creating hurdles in the establishment Kalabagh were not sincere with the nation and the country as well. He said that the opponents of the Kalabagh dam were fulOilling the bad designs and wills of the enemies of Pakistan. He added that the politicians must give priority to the collective national interest besides putting aside their personal gains as

well. Addressing the meeting, Rehmat Ullah Javaid (Chairman LCCI Standing Committee for Kalabagh dam) revealed that the Pakistan’s economical survival, industrial development and prosperity was linked to the early establishment of Kala Bagh dam.

Suleman Khan (Chairman Sind Tas Water Council Pakistan) narrated that the Pakistan had been suffering from great Oinancial losses of billions of rupees every years due to non-availability of the dams and water reservoirs in the country. He said that all the engineers, religious clerics and politicians were agreed upon on the early establishment of Kalabagh dam.

During this meeting, LCCI, Sind Tas water Council Pakistan and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) jointly announced their recommendations for the early establishment of the Kalabagh dam.

to devaluation of Euro while delay in refund of sales tax and income tax claims is adding fuel to the fire.

He said that the businessmen were bearing huge financial cost on their own hard earned stuck-up money, therefore, the FBR Chairman should look into the matter and ensure early release of Sales Tax and Income Tax refunds.

He said that the businessmen have now started feeling the pinch as the businesses were already in deep troubles and experiencing toughest times because of multiple internal and external challenges including an acute shortage of electricity and gas. And now the delay in release of their own money was adding to their miseries.

He said that it was a matter of concern that despite clear instructions of Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to release Sales Tax and Income Tax refunds at the earliest, FBR machinery was using delaying tactics and creating hurdles for the business doing people.

He urged the Federal Finance Minister to take notice of the situation and issue directions to the FBR authorities to expedite stuckup Sales Tax and Income Tax refund claims.

KPCCI to form Islamic Banking Committee to provide loans to traders he Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KPCCI) President Faud Ishaq has announced to constitute Islamic Banking Committee and said that Islamic Banking Committee will provide free interest loan facilities according to the Islamic education to the business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This he said in a seminar regarding Islamic Banking and Takful at KPCCI chamber.

Faud Ishaq expressed satisfaction over the growth of 30 to 40 % ratio in Islamic Banking in Pakistan over the past six years, adding that as the State Bank of Pakistan is serious about the growth ratio of Islamic Banking, therefore in 2020 the Islamic Banking share will be exceed around 20% in Pakistan.

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Mumbai customs seizes 8 gold bars worth 18.2m Thursday August 20, 2015

World

MUMBAI: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs on Sunday seized unclaimed gold worth over Rs one crore from one of the toilets in an aircraft at the international airport. The AIU, on basis of information given by the airline’s security staff, seized eight gold bars of 1 kilogram each, totally weighing 8 kilograms valued Rs 1, 82,23,920. The gold bars were recovered from the rear toilet of the aircraft. The gold was in a flight was scheduled to go to Chennai in the morning. “Officers from the Batch C on their night shift duty were informed by the Indigo security at around 1.30am about the consignment. No airline staff was involved in this case,” said a Mumbai Customs official. The AIU officers in Indigo’s flight 6E 62 (Dubai- Mumbai), after disembarkation of the passengers recovered the gold.

Dubai customs, trAck IBtA-Arabia renew cBp partnership deal

US Customs seizes 20 pounds of cocaine at Fort Lauderdale Airport

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FORT LAUDERDALE

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DUBAI

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ubai Customs and TRACK IBTA-Arabia (the licensee of IBTA programs in the MENA region) have renewed the partnership CBP agreement for year 2015.

This agreement will enable Dubai Customs to deliver 17 certification programs in English and Arabic with the international exams via PROMETRIC Prime.

The programs vary between the foundation and the executive level covering all management departments and levels.

The CBP Programs will help Dubai Customs employees to acquire the necessary Soft-skills in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the UAE's transition to

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an integrated knowledge-based economy, and enhancing the international standard certification in the society like CBP Human Resources, Project management, Conflict Management, Sales and Customer services.

The strategic partnership focuses on activating the framework of cooperation for the development and empowerment of international

Soft-skills standards certification among customs employees. It will emphasize the Soft-skills for effective integration in the market.

In addition, the partnership will contribute in strengthening and enhancing Dubai Customs employees and other governmental employees to fulfill labor market requirements, focusing on the need to improve the skills and capabilities.

Nigerian Customs seizes bulletproof vehicle, 100 others

he Federal Operatives Unit (FOU) Zone C of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Owerri, Imo State has recorded yet another feat in its war against smuggling of illegally imported goods. The unit seized a bulletproof vehicle and 100 others valued at over N441 million This is coming barely one week after the zone seized 42 various contraband with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N197,385,747.00.

The operatives arrested 14 suspects in connection with the contra-

band seized with a total DPV of N441,685,968.00. Ananalysis of the items conOiscated indicate that 5,364 cartons of imported frozen poultry product (Chicken, turkey and gizzard) which were concealed in Mercedes Benz trucks, with used Jacuzzi bathing2 tubes, rolls of black polythene nylon bags, and crates of woods lining the walls of the truck, to beat the eagle-eye Customs ofOicers. The products, which were impounded in the Benin, Agbor and Bayelsa/PortHarcourt axis between August 13 and

14, 2015 have a DPV of N89,338,400.00.

Besides, 100 vehicles with fake documents were impounded along Benin Express-way, Agbor-Asaba axis and Aba/Owerri highway of which 15 are latest models of vehicles ranging from Toyota Camry (bulletproof car) 2015model without End-user CertiOicate, six Land Cruiser Prado, Land Cruiser VXR, Toyota Fortuner, Lexus LX 570 and M/Benz CLS 350, all 2014/2015 model worth N346,347,568.00.

.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport arrested a 33year-old male citizen of Haiti for smuggling nearly 20 pounds of cocaine in the false lining of two suitcases. The man was arriving from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti on July 26.

CBP officers selected the individual for further examination.

During inspection, CBP officers lifted the emptied suitcases and noticed they were unusually heavy.

Anomalies appeared on the X-ray screen when scanning the suitcases and a subsequent examination of the lining revealed a white, powdery substance that tested positive

for cocaine.

A total of approximately 19.6 pounds of cocaine was seized and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

“This is another excellent example of our CBP officers’ expertise and vigilance in preventing dangerous drugs from entering the United States," said Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Port Director Jorge Roig.

"We are very proud of their hard work every day.”

The men and women of CBP are responsible for enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws and regulations. On a typical day, CBP welcomes nearly one million visitors, screens more than 67,000 cargo containers, arrests more than 1,100 individuals, and seizes nearly 6 tons of illicit drugs.

Malaysia to send 300 customs officers to resolve traders’ gSt issues

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total of 300 trained Customs ofOicers will be sent to help traders resolve problems related to the Goods and Services Tax. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Johari Abd Ghani said the Customs Department was now recruiting graduates who would be trained to engage small businesses traders.

“We want to help them if they have problems, not penalise them.

“We do not want their businesses to slow down because of GST. We will meet them but they need to be up front with the department, too,” he said after visiting the Customs Department at Kelana Jaya yesterday.

He said 98% of businesses and traders were GST-compliant but there

were still some who needed help to get adjusted to the system.

Johari said among the issues faced included the delay in getting their refunds. He said between April and June, 92% of the refunds were paid within the stipulated 14 days.

However, there had been cases of delays because traders used wrong documents to claim their refunds or were unable to be contacted by the department.

“Some whose turnover is less than RM5mil annually have submitted their returns monthly instead of every three months.

“Only those whose turnover is more than RM5mil annually need to submit monthly returns.

BD new customs bill to be placed in parliament in upcoming session

A DHAKA

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new customs bill is expected to be placed in parliament for passage in the upcoming session in September, NBR Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman said.

The new law, which will replace the existing Customs Act 1969, has

been framed to incorporate international best practices and use of automation in the customs business process, according to the National Board of Revenue.

Rahman's comments came at the inauguration of a four-day workshop on drafting of the new customs law and the respective best practices. The NBR in association with the Asian Development Bank or-

ganised the programme at the capital's Sonargaon Hotel.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith said he was surprised that customs activities were based on a 46-year-old law.

“I was surprised today to Oind that we are still working on the basis of a customs law from 1969,” he said at the programme. He expected that both the practitioners and stakeholders will Oix the issues that are

currently bothering them.

The Customs Act 2015 has been prepared in light of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), which was adopted in 1999 as the blueprint for modern and efOicient customs procedures in the 21st century.

The RKC aims to ensure transparency and predictability of customs actions, standardisation and simpliOication of goods declaration and sup-

porting documents and maximum use of information technology.

Once implemented widely, it will provide international commerce the predictability and efOiciency that modern trade requires, according to WCO. The new customs law has also been framed in line with Trade Facilitation Agreement at the WTO Ministerial in Bali, Indonesia, said NBR ofOicials.

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Greece Port, Elliniko, regional airports to be fast-tracked by TAIPED ATHENS: The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) has said that three major privatization projects and several smaller ones are being fast-tracked by govt. The goal is to set the process in motion by October this year, subject to govt and its creditors completing all planned parliamentary and other procedures, and barring additional delays such as early elections. TAIPED is in charge of proceeding with all privatization tenders that were in its portfolio as of December 31, 2014. As agreed between Greece and its creditors, the new 50-billion-euro fund will be established in the next few months and will include real estate, public participation and concession rights.

Ports of Auckland releases inland hub in Port of Tauranga's area orts of Auckland is opening a freight hub in Mount Maunganui, the backyard of its rival, Port of Tauranga.

The Auckland port company said it wanted to provide choice to Bay of Plenty exporters and improved access to overseas markets.

"Competition is a good thing. Our Bay of Plenty freight hub will help make New Zealand exporters more competitive on the world stage by making their access to global markets more efficient and easy," Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson. Port of Tauranga is due to report its financial results on Thursday.

Ports of Auckland has two other "intermodal" or inland freight hubs, at Wiri in South Auckland, and Longburn in the Manawatu.

The two ports are generally seen as competitors, with Auckland being the biggest for container volumes, and Tauranga hogging much of Fonterra's business, as well as having tie-ups with shipping company Maersk and Timaru's Prime Port. The Tauranga port is also dredging to become "big ship-capable" so it can host the new generation of large freight ships.

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New customs port opens in uS new U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is experiencing a hiccup in opening.

Thomas Henderson, assistant director of airports for Monroe County, told the Marathon City Council Tuesday that lastminute change orders from inspectors will set the opening back by at least a month.

It was expected to open this month but that's been pushed back by a month or two.

"It's an international port of entry. The standards are pretty high," Henderson told the Keynoter. "There are no major changes to the project, just some detailedorientated items."

When it does open, it's scheduled to have hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday to Sunday. The office will have one full-time Customs agent, which is projected to cost $150,000 annually. Costs would be picked up through user fees.

It's being built by Big Pine Key contractor Pedro Falcon Electrical Contractors through a Monroe County contract for $1,091,403.

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Ports & Shipping

Brookfield buys Australian port and railroad operator Asciano for $8.6 billion SYDNEY

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rookOield Infrastructure Partners, a global asset manager, said on Tuesday that a group it leads had reached an agreement to buy the Australian port and railroad operator Asciano for about $8.8 billion in cash and stock, and that it was shopping for ports farther aOield in a push to expand.

“We would like to leverage our container platforms in the U.S., Europe and South America,” said Sam Pollock, BrookOield’s chief executive, in an interview after announcing the Asciano deal in Sydney. Asked if that meant BrookOield, which has $207 billion in assets, was seeking port acquisitions, Mr. Pollock said “yes.”

BrookOield wants to acquire more ports amid forecasts that seaborne trade will increase to as much as 24 billion tons in 2030 from about nine billion tons in 2014, according to a study by Lloyd’s Register, QinetiQ and Strathclyde University in Scotland.

A study by Drewry Maritime Research said that PSA International of Singapore, Hutchison Port Holdings of Hong Kong, APM Terminals of the Netherlands, DP World of the

United Arab Emirates and the Cosco Group of China are the five biggest port operators based on container volume, controlling together 29 percent of the world’s trade. Brookfield has 10 ports on the West Coast of the United States and in Europe, according to its website, making it a fairly minor player in container terminal operations compared with its Asian and Middle East-based rivals.

BrookOield is a serial acquirer.

This month, it said that it would seek to take a stake in the Brazilian toll road and airport company Invepar, had acquired a 50 percent stake in a 1.86-mile Chilean tunnel and signed

agreements to purchase with co-investors the largest owner and operator of natural gas storage in North America, Niska Gas Storage Partners.

Asciano owns a national network of railroads that haul iron ore, coal and grains. It also owns a cargoloading company, dry bulk ports and container terminals in Australia. It had been in exclusive negotiations with BrookOield since the beginning of July.

BrookOield, with operations based in Toronto, raised its offer for Asciano to 9.15 Australian dollars, or $6.73, in cash and shares from a 9.05 Australian dollars cash-and-share offer on July 1.

Thursday August 20, 2015

Oman’s Sohar Port focuses on GCC rail integration MUSCAT

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man’s Sohar Port and Freezone is working “at full steam” to ensure the industrial port and adjoining freezone are integrated with the national and GCC rail networks, a senior executive has said.

Edwin Lammers, executive commercial manager, said the planned introduction of rail corridors along the gateway’s main cargo terminals will give Sohar Port a significant advantage over other well-established regional ports, which have relatively congested cargo terminals that do not allow any large-scale incorporation of rail infrastructure.

Lammers told Oman Daily Observer: “We believe on-dock rail facilities will give us a major advantage over other main ports around us. “Towards this end, we are trying to determine how we can connect our terminals to the rail network, thereby enabling the transportation of containers, cars, dry bulk cargo, and other such freight, by rail. “The ultimate goal is to bring the rail network as close to the terminals as possible, to eliminate the need for intermediate logistics which have the potential to ratchet up freight costs,” Lammers added.

Sohar Port has been working with Oman Rail to ensure its gateway is suitably equipped for rail operations. “We are in regular discussion with Oman Rail to ensure that the alignment they have in mind allows for, among other things, a smooth interface between the port, freezone and other stakeholders in the area, the required rights of way are in place,” Lammers said.

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chidambaranar port handled traffic of 13.06 million tonnes in current financial year up to July

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TUTICORIN

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O Chidambaranar Port here handled trafOic of 13.06 million tonnes in the current Oinancial year up to July 31, registering a whopping growth of 27.56% over the corresponding period last year (10.23 million tonnes). This is the highest growth rate achieved among the major ports

during this period, according to an ofOicial statement from Port Trust.

Major cargoes that contributed to the achievements are coal (43%), containers (32%), fertilizer and fertilizer raw materials (4%), copper concentrate (3%), construction materials (2%), liquid cargoes (4%) and other bulk/ break bulk (12%). It terms of containers, the port has handled 2.06 lakh TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in the current Oinancial year up to July

31, registering a growth of 15.27% over the corresponding period last year (1.78% lakh TEUs).

“This is the highest growth rate achieved among India Major Ports during the current Oinancial year ending July, 2015. During the last Oinancial year, the port achieved 13.17% growth and crossed the ministry of shipping’s target of 32 million tonnes by handling 32.41 million tonnes. This achievement has been possible due to the cost

effective service offered by the port and conducive working atmosphere prevailing in V O Childambaranar Port,” said Port Trust chairman S Anantha Chandra Bose.

He appreciated the commitment, hard work and dedicated efforts of the ofOicers and staff of the port, terminal operators and all stakeholders for achieving such signiOicant growth in volumes, which is in line with the port’s vision ‘to become a pioneer.

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Saudi Customs nabs Kuwaiti with 25,000 bullets, firearms RIYADH: Customs officers at Al- Khai border checkpoint in Saudi Arabia arrested a Kuwaiti citizen in possession of firearms and 25,000 bullets, reports Al-Shahed daily. According to sources, the citizen left Kuwait via Al-Nuwaiseeb border checkpoint and his vehicle was checked at Al-Khai border checkpoint where the customs officers found the firearms and ammunition in a secret compartment inside the vehicle. When questioned, he admitted that he was planning to sell the contraband to an individual in Saudi Arabia.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Multan RTO surpassed tax collection target by Rs 160 million in July MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Regional Tax Office Multan has surpassed tax collection against the set target during the month of July in the financial year 2015-16.

The Regional Tax Office Multan was assigned the tax collection target of Rs 3.99 billion from Federal Board of Revenue in the month of July economic year 2015-16. The Federal Board of Revenue have allocated the sales tax target of Rs 2.40 billion in the month of July for existing fiscal year .The Regional Tax Office Multan has collected almost Rs 2.36 billion sales tax revenue during the month of July against the target of Rs 2.40 billion.

Near about 99.33% target of sales tax collection have been achieved by the Regional Tax Office Multan during the month of July in the fiscal year 2015-16.

The Federal Board of Revenue have allotted the income tax target of Rs 1.46 billion to the Regional Tax Office Multan for the collection throughout July in the current fiscal year 2015-16.

Overall Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Regional Tax OfOice Multan has

composed revenue of Rs 4.15 billion against the assigned target of Rs 3.99

billion during the Oirst month of the Oiscal year 2015-16.The Regional Tax

OfOice Multan has the 104% revenue target assigned by the FBR.

Peshawar Customs Intelligence seizes drugs worth Rs 3m T

ISLAMABAD

ShAhID MINhAS

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he Directorate of Investigation and Intelligence, Peshawar Customs, has seized 33 kilogram charas and 11 kilogram opium worth Rs 3 million, besides arresting a suspect in the operation.

According to the details, the Custom Intelligence, acting upon credible information regarding the smuggling of contraband items from Peshawar to other cities of Pakistan, had conducted the operation Customs Intelligence team intercepted a Bed Ford Truck bearing Registration No. DNA-537 at GT Road, Peshawar and

searched the truck thoroughly which led to the recovery of the foreign origin 33 kg charas worth Rs 1.98 million and 11 kg opium valued at Rs 1.1 million.

After the recovery of drugs, customs team held the accused person and registered First Investigation Report No. 176/2015. However, further investigations are underway in this regard.

Meanwhile,The Anti-Narcotics Force Peshawar, in separate crackdowns, arrested four persons and recovered 109 kilogram of charas, and five kilogram heroine. During first incident ANF Peshawar in routine checking and search of a Toyota Hiace No TL-783 near New Toll Plaza, Indus Highway, Kohat, recovered

57.6 kilograms of charas hidden in secret cavities made under the floor of the car. An accused on board namely Zar Wali resident of Landi Kotal was also taken in to custody.

In another crackdown ANF Peshawar intercepted a car Honda Civic No LOF5197 near Darband Road, Oggi Bazaar, Mansehra and recovered 9.6 kilograms of charas from the car. Two accused namely Abid Jan resident of Charsada and Sartaj Khan, resident of Mansehra were also arrested during the operation.

Separately ANF Peshawar recovered five kilograms of heroin from personal possession of an accused Muhammad Ashraf Qureshi resident of Multan in an

operation conducted near Lahore Bus Stand, Peshawar. Another raid was carried out near Hangu Phatak, Kohat and arrested a drug carrier named Muhammad Ullah resident of Kurram Agency alongwith 1.2 kilograms of charas.

ANF Peshawar Road checking team stopped a suspected Toyota Hiace near new toll plaza Indus Highway Kohat and recovered 43.2 kilograms of charas during search of the vehicle. Charas was kept in improvised cavities of the vehicle. A person on board named Amjad Khan, resident of Kurram Agency was taken into custody during the operation. As per preliminary investigation the accused was trying to smuggle the drugs to Punjab.

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