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Vol 1 Issue No. 155

Karachi, Sat August 8, 2015

KARACHI

AFTAB CHANNA

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large number of containers have been stuck at the Karachi International Containers Terminal (KICT) since Eidul Fitr holidays and the examination of containers is slowed down, it is learnt.

Though, the importers have time and again asked the Pakistan Customs to raise the strength of the examiners, increase parking space for containers and improve the performance of its staff. However, all went in vain as the importers

Price Rs. 14.00

are still facing difQiculties. The Pakistan Customs, in order to avoid delay of containers’ clearance during Eid day, had assigned various customs staff to facilitate the importers. The ofQicers included Javed Hassan, P r i n c i p a l Appraiser, Imran Aslam Gul, Appraising OfQicer, Abdul Aziz, ZulQikar Zaman, Appraising OfQicer and Nadeem Ahmed Khan, Principal Appraise Zahid Parvez, Javed Khalid, Appraising OfQicer, Iqbal Waris, Appraising OfQicer, Siddiq Zia, Appraising OfQicer and Shair Khan, Appraising OfQicer, Ameer Ahmad Samoo, Appraising OfQicer, Muhammad Khalid, Appraising OfQicer, Muhammad Ahmed.

Customs Intelligence confiscates equipments

Multan ASO confiscates 1,036 cell phones,40,392 memory

Faisalabad ASO impounds non-duty paid Toyota Vitz

Collector Nazim appreciates performance of martyred

LCCI for diversification of products to boost exports

DirectorateofCustomsInvestigation, Karachihasseizedelectronic | See pAge 02 |

TheCustomsASOMultanhasseized 1,036setsofnewcellphones | See pAge 03 |

TheASOSara-e-Muhajarwhichfallsin jurisdictionofFaisalabadCustoms | See pAge 12 |

TheModelCustomsCollectorate Hyderabadheldacondolenceceremony | See pAge 03 |

The LCCI onThursday said that traders should introduce new products | See pAge 09 |

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Zurich airport customs seizes 262kg ivory in 8 cases Saturday, August 8, 2015

National

ZÜRICH: Zurich airport customs seized a record 262kg of ivory in eight different suitcases, during tourist checks at the beginning of July, the customs chief announced on 4 August.

The inspections were carried out on 6 July on two suitcases that had been checked in in the Tanzanian city of Dar Es Salaam, and which were travelling to Beijing. Policy requires checks to be made on luggage coming from the city, allowing customs officials to make the discovery. We started to search the passengers, and which passengers are travelling together with the same tickets, and then we found in the system that three Chinese people are travelling together and they have in total eight suitcases.

Customs intelligence confiscates Bol’s equipment, vehicles worth rs 843m

Collector Asif Jah will be awarded Sitara-e-imtiaz on August 13 LAHORE

m HAYAT

KARACHI

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irectorate of Customs Investigation and Intelligence, Karachi has seized electronic equipment worth Rs 843 million of Bol Media Group being used for media setup, considering them smuggled items.

Sources told Customs Today that Customs Intelligence raided different ofQices of Bol Media Group located in Karachi and its facilitators’ ofQices including M/s Labaik Private Limited and M/s Rauf Fattani Electronics those involved in import of said items and recovered non-duty paid media equipment, including DSNG vehicles worth Rs 843 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 370 million.

The Customs Intelligence conQiscated the recovered goods and vehicles as it was not found any evidence showing the legal import of the vehicle. They added that case No. M-2091/DCI/2015 against the accused groups has been forwarded to the Customs Adjudication for further investigation.

It is important to mention here that Customs Intelligence has been investigating the case regarding the import of non-duty paid electronics equipments for many days against the Bol Media Group and also served notices upon Bol for illegally import-

ivil award, Sitara-e- Imtiaz, will be conferred on Dr Asif Mehmood Jah of the Customs Group on August 13, 2015 for the acknowledgement of his outstanding humanitarian services.

Dr Jah, presently posted as Collector Customs (Appeals), Lahore, joined the Civil Service, (Customs and Excise Group) in 1992. Ever since joining the service, he has performed exceptionally well and contributed substantially in increase of government revenues. He has been instrumental in detection of mega tax evasion scandals in which million of rupees were deposited in national exchequer. He has been given meritorious reward by the Federal Board of Revenue on several occasions.

Besides being a competent government officer, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah has been rendering valuable services for the ailing humanity of Pakistan with selfless devotion for the last 25 years. He has been daily taking out time after the office hours to provide the medical treatment to the poor and needy patients. Thousands of patients have been treated at his Charity Hospital in Lahore.

ing machinery and other equipments.

Meanwhile, Directorate General of Intelligence and InvestigationFBR, Karachi region has issued an intelligence alert to all Qield formations and collectorates to remain vigilant as they had received credible information regarding import of telecommunication equipments by various telecom companies and clearance thereof through mis-declaration of description and PCT, etc.

They have advised the Qield formations and collectorates to be vig-

ilant and monitor the clearance of consignments of telecom equipments and to ensure submission of material documents(scanned) at the time of Qiling of GDs for proper classiQication and assessment to safeguard government’s legitimate revenue. The Directorate has identiQied that a number of consignments of telecom network infrastructure equipments imported by reputed telecom companies which were cleared in the garb of networking equipments like LAN bridges, hubs,

switches, repeaters, etc, under PCT headings 8517.6970 attracting 1% customs duty instead of actual PCT Heading 8517.6290 attracting 20% of customs duty.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs Investigation and Intelligence, Karachi has blocked a consignment comprising new Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) of Honeywell Technology brand imported by ‘Lucky Diamond’ as consignment was assessed at nominal value while it attracted high rate of tax.

ChiefCollectorNazimappreciatesperformanceofmartyredcustomsdriver HYDERABAD

ASLAm QureSHi

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he Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad held a condolence ceremony on the martyrdom of Customs driver Zian Hussain who had received serious injuries in an anti-smuggling operation when smugglers showed

resistance.

Chief Collector EnforcementSouth, Karachi, Nazim Saleem, Additional Collector Engr. Riyaz A. Memon, Omar ShaQiq, Samiullah Assistant Collector and others attended the ceremony.

On this occasion, Chief Collector Muhammad Nazim Saleem appreciated the performance of the martyred, adding that customs ofQicials either they are of high ranks or low ranks, should perform their duties in this way with honesty.

He also lauded the efforts of AntiSmuggling Organisation Sukkur, Larkana and Hyderbad to eliminate the smuggling in the region and urged them to continue their activities in order to save the national exchequer.

At the end of the ceremony, the chief collector announced the Rs 500,000 for the family of driver Zia under Assistance Prime Ministers Package and the recruitment of driver’s son Naveed Zia, accommodation, free education for the family

members including other beneQits for the deceased family.

OfQicials participated in the condolence ceremony include ASO Superintendent Nadeem Usmani, Deputy Superintendents Sikankar Akbar Panhwar, DS Muhammad Ali Lohar, DS Saleem Shah, (SWH) Deputy Superintendent Sanaullah Sarwardi, Inspectors Khair Muhammad,Pathan, Momin Shah, Guffar Sheikh, ShaQique, Waqar Ahmed Baig, Mushtaq Ali Lakho, Arif Khan, Syed Aqil Hussain Jaffry, Qazi

Tauseef Ahmed (SWH) Allaudin KK, Saleem Ajmeri and other’s Collectorate Customs ofQicers including customs MCC Hyd law ofQicer Anwer Ahmed Saddique, DS Saleem channa syed Furqan Ahmed, Latif Shar, inspector Iqbal khan KK, Riaz KK inspector HafQiz Muhammad Yousuf, Asad Mirza, Iqbal Mughal, Tariq Khanzada, Waseem Ahmed, Tauseef Ahmed, PA to Collector Iqbal Ahmed Mangrio, CHO Ansar Anwar and, other ofQicials Feroz Khan, Abid Channa, Aslam Khan.

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Muhammad Sadiq posted as collector of Lahore Appraisement LAHORE: Federal board of Revenue (FBR) has posted Muhammad Sadiq as collector of Appraisement Lahore.

Muhammad Sadiq has been working as director Input-Output Coefficient Organization and following the Collector of Appraisement Lahore, Zahid Mehmood has been promoted and posted as collector at Enforcement Karachi.The FBR has asked the officer to relinquish and assume charge using online facility.

FBr to settle issues of textile industry soon: Haroon ISLAMABAD

Saturday August 8, 2015

National

multanASoconfiscates1,036cell phones,40,392memorycardsatairport

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pecial Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue, Haroon Akhtar Khan assured the industry that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will facilitate the industry and try its best to resolve the issues as early as possible. He stated this in a high level meeting of the representatives of textile industry was held at FBR Headquarters to discuss issues relating to viability of textile sector and issues of textile industry pertaining to FBR. The meeting was chaired by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Amir Muhammad Khan Marwat, Senior officials from Ministry of Commerce, Members of FBR and other senior officers of FBR also attended the meeting.

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Faisalabad Customs seizes mazda truck FAISALABAD

NAeem SHeikH

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad seized a MazdaTitanTruck Frame in main Faisalabad City onWednesday.

According to details, Additional Director M. Ismail received a credible information regarding the vehicle and constituted a special raiding team comprising MuhammadTahir Iqbal, senior intelligence officer, Muhammad Saleem and Mansoor Khan, intelligence officers, Muhammad Sikander, Mukhtar Ahmed, Ghulam Ghous, Muhammal Iqbal and Muhammad Iqbal, sepoys.

The raiding party intercepted the truck near Customs office and asked its owner Gulzar son of Mehar Din, a resident of village Chak No 241/ RB Janjaal SinghTehsil and Distric Faisalabad, to produce legal documents regarding ownership of the truck but he failed to produce the same.

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MULTAN

imrAN ALi

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) Multan has seized 1,036 sets of new cell phones and 40,392 pieces of memory cards worth Rs 14 million here at Multan International Airport.

As per details, Deputy Collector Abdul Mueed Kanjoo received information that smuggling of mobile phones might be attempted at Multan airport on which he directed the customs ofQicials deputed at airport to tighten the monitoring system.

Following the instructions, customs started to examine the luggage of passengers more strictly due to which a passenger arrived at Multan airport from Dubai through a private airline Flight No. SZ-339 Qled away by throwing his luggage comprising three bags at airport.

Later, customs staff searched the three bags and recovered 1036 cell phones including 1000 of Nokia brand and 36 sets of Samsung Grand Prime. It also found 40392 pieces of memory card of various capacity including 2GB,4 GB,8 GB,16GB 32GB. However, customs seized the items under the prevailing customs law and started investigation to detain the accused person.

While investigating, ofQicials found that accused passenger, namely Irfan Aziz resident of Bostaan Colony Mustafa Road, Lahore was owner of the said items.

Meanwhile, Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich has appreciated the staff for failing the smuggling bid at airport, besides directing Deputy Collector Abdul Mueed Kanjoo to make the vigilance more strict to curb the menace of smuggling.

Meanwhile, The model of Customs Collectorate Multan has disappeared in the training sessions on electronic linkage of commercial banks and State Bank of Pakistan for submission and veriQication of E-Form due to fault of customs.

Chief Collectorate of Customs has

arranged training sessions for the different collectorates of Customs in which MCC Multan was not given

Later, customs staff searched the three bags and recovered 1036 cell phones including 1000 of Nokia brand and 36 sets of Samsung grand prime.

ASO impounds non-duty paid Toyota Vitz

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he Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Sara-eMuhajar which falls in jurisdiction of Faisalabad Customs, has impounded a Toyota Vitz worth Rs 900,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 330,508.

An ASO team, following the directions of Assistant Collector Model Customs Collectorate, Umer Bin Zafer Chattah, intercepted a ve-

hicle bearing Registration No MNA6554 near Sara-e-Muhajir Chowk District Bhakkar.

The ofQicials asked the driver namely to produce the documents showing the legal possession of the vehicle. But he could not show any documents on which the customs ofQicials took the vehicle into custody under Section 156 (I) of the Customs Act 1969. On the other hand, ASO has sent contravention report in this regard to the Customs Adjudication

for further legal proceedings. ASO team comprising Inspector Muhammad Umer Bhatti, Ansir Saleemi, Rana Muhammad Ashraf and others participated in the raid.

Meanwhile, The Customs Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) Mianwali has impounded a Hino Truck worth Rs 3.6 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 1.3 million. An ASO team, following the directions of Assistant Collector Model Customs Collectorate.

the training due to mistake of Customs Department ofQicials.

Electronic linkage of WeBOC with the commercial banks for the submission and veriQication of E-Form is an important initiative of the Directorate of Reforms and Automation for the different collectorates of the Customs.

The customs department took this initiative which will help in prevention of export related frauds and provide direct interface between customs and the E-Form issuing banks.

karachi rTo-i collects rs 11,303 million in July he Regional Tax Office (RTO-III) Karachi has collected Rs 11303 million in the sum of direct and indirect taxes during the month of July, 2015.According to the details, income tax collected in the month of July 2015 stands at Rs 11802 million while in the sum of federal excise duty, it collected Rs 2 million whereas for the first time the collection of sales tax.

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SBP’s foreign reserves up by $381m to $13.767b Saturday, August 8, 2015

Business

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves have surged by $381 million or 2.8 per cent to $13,767 million on a week ended July 31. According to data released by the central bank, the country’s total liquid foreign reserves held by the country, including net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, stood at $18,822.1 million while net reserves held by banks amounted to $5,055.3 million. In the week ending on July 3, SBP-held foreign exchange reserves increased 3.8% mainly because of the receipt of $514 million from multilateral and bilateral sources, which included $506 million.

pakistan on track to become Asian economic power: Ahsan ISLAMABAD

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ederal Minister of Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal has claimed that due to current economic progress, Pakistan is going to become emerging Asian power.

He said this while addressing a one-day symposium “How to Develop Strong Linkages Between, Business and Industry and Academia”, organised by Higher Educa-

rs30bcollectedin 5yrs:FiAaccusesAxact ofmoneylaundering LAHORE

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ederal Investigation Agency (FIA) has found scandal-hit IT company Axact involved in money laundering. Sources said that the investigation agency accused the company of money laundering after a thorough investigation of the case and also found the company has been laundering up to Rs6 billion annually through its inland and offshore bank accounts.

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tion Commission (HEC). He said, “We all need to synergies our energies to give engines of Pakistan economy full thrust for smooth takeoff.” The minister said that the way government, army, judiciary and other segments of society demonstrated unity to fight terrorism should be replicated for economic development. He said that verdict of Supreme Court in favour of parliament is reflection that all institutions are on one page to eliminate terrorism once and for all from the country.

Meanwhile, The domestic consumer may receive increased gas bills as the Sui Northern Gas

Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) has asked the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to surge the monthly bill.

This was revealed when SNGPL Managing Director Arif Hameed told the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources that the company is charging Rs 235 monthly bill to some domestic gas consumers, which should be increased.

During the meeting, chaired by the committee’s chairman, Senator Israrullah Zehri, discussed the issues pertaining to the gas exploration in Musa Khail, Balochistan, unaccounted for gas (UFG) and

new gas connections to Khyber Pukhtunkhwa.

The SNGPL managing director told the meeting said that the company is facing about 0.5 per cent transmission losses, which could be reduced after introduction of value metric system. He said that the Ogra is deducting Rs11 to 12 billion from the proQit of the company. The SNGPL managing director told the meeting said that the company is facing about 0.5 per cent transmission losses, which could be reduced after introduction of value metric system. He said that the Ogra is deducting Rs11 to 12 billion from the proQit of the company.

engro Fertilisers wins ‘National Finance Champion 2015’ award KARACHI

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ngro Fertilisers Limited has won ‘National Finance Champion 2015’ award, launched by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) to promote professionalism, knowledge and aptitude of the finance professionals in the country.

The Central Depository Com-

pany of Pakistan Limited remained second, while Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited got third position.

The National Finance Olympiad (NFO) 2015 is a unique combination of testing skills, showcasing talent and basking in the glory of triumph. The event provides a distinctive platform to the finance professionals to exhibit their potential and celebrate their competence.

The finale was attended by the CEOs, CFOs, presidents, vice presidents and HR partners of reputable organisations.

The finale was competed among

six teams including Pakistan State Oil Company Limited, Engro Fertilisers Limited, Kot Addu Power Company Limited, Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited, Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited and Haleeb Foods Limited.

The participants of all teams were very enthusiastic and eagerly participated in the grand finale, which was divided into three phases. The participants of all teams were very enthusiastic and eagerly participated in the rand finale, which was divided into three phases.

CpeC completion to further boost pak-China relations: envoy KARACHI

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ith the completion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the relations between the neighbouring countries would cover another milestone.

Commercial Counsellor of China Wang Zhihua, while talking to a delegation of Pak-China Club in a meeting, said a press release. The delegation led by President of the club, Javed Rasheed Arain, welcomed Commercial Counsellor of China Wang Zhihua on his posting and hoped that he would play a proactive role in further improving the trade relations between the two friendly countries. He said that new vistas of cooperation will be opened in different fields between both the nations after completion of CPEC project. He said that the aim of the formation of Pak-China Club was to further cement the diplomatic, trade, cultural and people to people relations between the two countries. On the occasion, the delegation extended various suggestions to increase trade volume between Pakistan and China.On the occasion, the delegation extended various suggestions to increase trade volume between Pakistan and China.

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Hashoo Group buys Australian exploration company BHP Billiton ISLAMABAD

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urther increasing its business and achieving investment plans, the Hashoo Group has bought Australian exploration company BHP Billi-

ton. This was revealed by Kamran Ahmed, CEO of Ocean Petroleum Limited, a flagship company of the Hashoo Group in the oil and gas industry, while talking to media.

He said that Tri Resources Investments has successfully executed the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of entire shareholding of BHP

Pakistan.

“The Competition Commission of Pakistan has already issued a no-objection certificate and NOC from the Ministry of Petroleum is expected soon,” he added.

Ahmed said that the Hashoo Group, in its bid to ramp up investment in hydrocarbon production in Pakistan, would take steps to stop the fast declining gas

output from the Zamzama field immediately after the petroleum ministry gave the go-ahead. He said that BHP has framed a policy to remain engaged in its core oil business globally whereas in Pakistan prospects of oil exploration are low compared to gas.

“This was the reason why BHP wanted to quit,” he said, adding output from the

Zamzama field had dropped from 500 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) to 130 mmcfd.

However, a study conducted by Ocean Petroleum indicates that the field has still the potential to produce 200 to 300 billion cubic feet of gas.

However, a study conducted by Ocean Petroleum indicates that the field has

still the potential to produce 200 to 300 billion cubic feet of gas.

Ocean Petroleum, with the help of joint-venture partners, has increased production from the Ratana field to over 13 mmcfd of gas and 850 barrels per day (bpd) of condensate, which is expected to go up further to over 20 mmcfd and 1,500 bpd before winter sets in.

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Hyderabad has seized smuggled items worth Rs 15.3 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 8.1 million during July, 2015.

As per details, the ASO team, following the instructions of Collector Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad, Dr Ahmad Mujtaba Memon, conQiscated non-duty paid vehicles, cell phones and its accessories, Iranian juice, cigarettes, gutka and other goods during the month.

Official sources told Customs Today that the ASO impounded a non- duty paid vehicle, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado bearing registration NO. BD-3773 worth Rs 1 million.

Besides, it seized 654 sets of cell phones and accessories worth Rs 6.83 million involving duty/tax amounting to Rs 1.54 million, 585 kilograms foreign origin gutka valued at Rs 2.6 million and 24 cartons of foreign origin cigarettes of Pine brand worth Rs 960,000 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 606,829.

ASO Hyderabad also conQiscated 1785 yards of smuggled foreign origin cloth worth Rs 178,500 involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 98,219, 495 kg gutka valued at Rs 2.35 million in another operation and 600 crates of Iranian juice worth Rs 912,000 involving duty/taxes to the tune

Saturday, August 8, 2015

of Rs 558,381 during Qirst month of running Qiscal year 2015-16.

ASO team under the supervision of Additional Collector Omer ShaQique comprising Deputy Superintendent Sikander Akbar Panhwar, Saleem Shah, Inspector Khair Mohammad Pathan, Momin Shah, Qazi Tousif, Waqar Ahmad Baig, Saeed Aqil Hussain and others took part in different operation to curb smuggling activities in the region. Talking to Customs Today Additional Collector Omer ShaQique said that the ASO Hyderabad was taking effective measures to swoop down the menace of smuggling especially the smuggling of Iranian diesel which was affecting the local markets badly.

Meanwhile, The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized 495 kilograms smuggled gutka worth Rs 2.3 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 1.2 million in an operation.

Following a tip-off received through Model Customs Collectorate Hyderabad Collector Dr Ahmed Mujtaba Memon, the ASO team conducted raid at Hyderabad Railways Station to foil the smuggling bid.

Under the supervision Additional Collector Omer ShaQique, ASO team comprising Inspector Waqar Ahmed Baig, ShaQi Mohammad Jamali and others conducted search operation of Khyber Mail train and recovered 495 kg of smuggled gutka being smuggled from Rahem Yar Khan to Hyderabad. OfQicial said that after making the seizure report the conQiscated contraband

item would be deposited to the state ware house in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Additional Collector MCC Hyderabad, Omer ShaQique while talking to Customs Today said that department was striving to increase the surveillance of suspects in the region as more check posts has been established to foiled the smuggling bids.

Sadly, a Hyderabad Customs driver Zia Hussain died in operation against smugglers as he received serious injuries when smugglers showed resistance.

Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Hyderabad has been granted seven-day judicial remand of the four accused allegedly involved in smuggling of 130,000 litres of Iranian diesel into Pakistan.

As per details, ASO Hyderabad on the instruction of Collector Ahmed Mujtaba Memon in joint operation with rangers intercepted Qive oil tanker loaded with 130,000 litres of diesel bearing Registration Nos. TUA-840, NAk-796, CH-9291, TKY-696, TUA-579 in its jurisdiction and asked the drivers to produce legal documents of this Iranian diesel but they could present any document.

Therefore, ASO team impounded all the Qive oil tankers under the customs law and also arrested the drivers named Fazal Mohammad, Bashir Ahmed, Mohammad Ishaq and Muhammad Anwar. OfQicials claimed that total value of seized diesel was Rs 9.7 million in market.

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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

Taxing the economy

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inance Minister Ishaq Dar has stressed the need for collective efforts to confront the challenges of terrorism, energy and economy facing the country. In a stereotype political statement, he asked the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to play its due role for the development and prosperity of the country instead of politicking over non-issues like supporting traders strike. Commenting on traders strike, he asked them to refrain from damaging the national economy and grab the golden opportunity of negotiations with the government to resolve the issues. On the first count, the finance minister is right that a concerted effort is required to resolve the economic mess, but putting the burden of responsibility solely on the business community should also not be an option.

And in the same way, blindly putting everyone in the tax net to enhance revenue collections is also not a plausible solution to the economic woes. There are thousands of thousands common citizens who belong to middle class and are accounts holders. If one buys or sells property once in lifetime, one will be equally treated as a businessman under the proposed tax arrangements. The government forgets a simple principle while levying additional taxes that development in business and trade automatically increases tax collections. Therefore, the government thrust should be on the development of economy rather than squeezing the businessmen as additional burden on the taxpayers will ultimately affect business and trade activities.

On another note, during her meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, World Bank Managing Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati has offered $2 billion loan to Pakistan as a mark of ‘confidence’ over its economic recovery and macroeconomic stability achieved by the government. The assistance package has been offered for a period of four years.

According to economists, the government should end its dependence on the World Bank and other donor agencies. Instead, steps are required to be taken to encourage business community rather than deeming every businessman as a suspect. The government should devise transparent methods to spend the loan amount and tax money. An annual breakup of spending should be made public as the taxpayers deserve to know where their money has been used. The reports emanating from the world media suggest that the country has the potential to become commercial hub of the regional economy provided the issues of security and energy are resolved. Fortunately, a businessman is the prime minister of the country and he knows better the problems and difficulties of the business community more than any other politician. It is his job to satisfy businessmen.

uS as trade partner LAHORE

Dr AFTAB AFZAL

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ccording to prestigious US magazine Forbes, Pakistan has the potential to become global leader and has urged the US businessmen and policymakers to look at Pakistan beyond the binoculars of a partner in the war on terror. The magazine says that the Pakistan-US relationship requires deeper thinking and action on issues around trade, investment, education and broader economic development. It says that given its 70 years of relationship, the United States should consider Pakistan as a preferred partner and not a problem. The magazine says that the US policy needs several changes to act on this opportunity. Pakistan of today is similar to that of Colombia in the late 1990s. The words

like drugs, gangs, and failed state were freely associated with the Andean country, but Colombia has now a free trade agreement with the United States, a stable 3.5 percent annual GDP growth and its security has been improved.

It says that the Western media is already highlighting Pakistan from the angle of security, increased political stability and incremental progress on the economic front as action against Taliban has improved security dynamic after terrorists attack on a school in Peshawar that killed 145 people, including 132 schoolchildren. It says that the international perception about the country has to be changed as the Pakistani government, military and its citizens are on the same page against violent Taliban and terrorists. The country is still facing challenges from fringe groups, but policymakers and investors need to understand that the real situation on the ground has been changed and Taliban are not at Islam-

The economic front as action against Taliban has improved security dynamic after terrorists attack on a school in Peshawar

abad’s doorstep. It says that a politically stable prime minister is governing the country with a competent cabinet, a majority coalition and is working in tandem with the military to maintain peace and security in the country. Pakistan has recently signed agreements worth $46 billion with the Chinese government to build Pak, China Economic Corridor. The project aims to connect Chinese city of Kashgar with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. The United States should reassess its calculus about Pakistan.

The magazine highlights opportunities of trade and investment in Pakistan, but what all glitters is not gold.

The country still needs investment and transfer of technology and this could be only possible when the US companies revise their policies regarding Pakistan. If the Unites States wants to keep Pakistan as a defence partner, it should also accept Pakistan as a trade partner.

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SC verdict to help counter terrorism, boost economic activities: KPCCI PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakthunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI) President Fawad Ishaq Wednesday said that the Supreme Court decision of upholding 18th and 21 Constitutional Amendments would help counter terrorism and boost economic activities in the country, especially in KP. Talking to APP, he said that the rejection of petitions against the establishment of military courts would flush out terrorism and bring foreign investment to the country. He said peaceful environment was imperative for economic growth, development and smooth flow of direct and indirect foreign investment. He said peace in KP would help bolster tourism and revival of closed industrial units. It would also help stop flight of capital from the KP.

LCCI for diversification of products to boost exports he Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) onThursday said that traders should introduce new products to grab more international markets, besides exploring the untapped regions to increase the exports.While talking to the representatives of export-oriented industries, LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that at present when a number of Asian countries have crossed $100 billion mark as far as exports are concerned, Pakistan must rethink its strategy.

The LCCI President said that Pakistan would have to focus its attention to the untapped regions like Africa that is destined to become an attractive place for having enormous potential.

“Role of Commercial Sections of the Pakistani Embassies abroad should be more meaningful and they should look at every nook and corner to find new destinations for the Pakistani merchandise”, Ijaz A. Mumtaz added.

The LCCI President said that Pakistan should not lose any opportunity to tap African market.

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FCCI asks govt to not increase tax rates on electricity ngineer Rizwan Ashraf, president of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), has welcomed Rs.2.68 per unit decrease in fuel adjustment charges but urged the government to shun the policy of increasing rates of taxes and duties on electricity.

In a statement, he said that Pakistan is experiencing energy crisis for the last two decades.The successive governments, instead of generating cheap electricity, preferred costly thermal generation which pushed cost of energy mix to the unbearable limits. Shortage, coupled with costly electricity eroded the profitability of our exporters, he said, adding that forced management of rupee-dollar parity also inflicted cumulative loss of Rs 7 billion.

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Saturday August 8, 2015

Chambers

Committee formed to review sales tax on services of indenters KARACHI

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hairman of Sindh Revenue Board (SRB), Tashfeen Khalid Niaz, while responding to the concerns raised over the imposition of 14 percent sales tax on services of indenters, advised the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to form a committee to review the imposition of services sales tax on indenters and analyze whether it was rational or not.

Keeping in view the multiplicity and seriousness of the issue, KCCI should form a committee to further discuss the imposition of sales tax on services of indenters and seek solution in the next meeting to be held at SRB OfQice, he added while exchanging views during visit to the Karachi Chamber.

Advisor tax policy SRB Syed Mushtaq Kazimi, vice chairman Businessmen Group and former president KCCI, Anjum Nisar, president KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra,

kCCi muhammad ibrahim kasumbi, former presidents kCCi AQ khalil, khalid Firoz and Shamim Ahmed Shamsi, chairman

senior vice president KCCI Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, former presidents KCCI AQ Khalil, Khalid Firoz and Shamim Ahmed Shamsi, chairman provincial taxes sub-committee KCCI Nasir Maqbool along with KCCI managing committee members and many indenters were pres-

ent at the meeting.

On the occasion, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra immediately announced to form a three-member committee to be led by either

by President KCCI or by senior vice president KCCI Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi which will also

iCCi hails formation of new forum for boosting exports T

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he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has lauded the government’s initiative for creating a new forum comprising key economic ministries to focus on improving falling production and exports of the country. The ICCI has called upon the government to ensure proper representation of the private sector in the said forum to make its efforts more effective and well-targeted.

The new forum will be headed

by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and will include the Ministers for Commerce, Planning, Textiles, Industries and Production, and National Food

Security. The parliamentary secretaries of these ministries will also be its members.

Ashfaq Hussain Chatha, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that industrial productivity and exports of the country were on the decline due to many factors and there was a dire need to identify gaps and challenges that were causing this phenomenon and to Qind a way forward in consultation with manufacturers and exporters to boost production and exports.

He termed the formation of this new forum as a step in the right direction as it will create synergy in the efforts of these ministries and help in addressing key issues of private sector for improving productivity and exports.

He said Pakistan was mainly focusing on Europe and West for exports with limited range of products. However, it was high time that the government should cooperate with private sector for diversiQication of products and markets. Government should give more focus on other emerging and non-traditional markets including Central Asia, Africa and Far East that have great potential for Pakistani exports.

Ashfaq Hussain Chatha stressed that the newly constituted forum should take engage private sector in consultation proves and make cohesive economic policies that should bridge the huge gap between the potential and the performance of the national economy and put the country on the path of sustainable economic growth.

comprise of vice chairman BMG Anjum Nisar and Former President KCCI Khalid Firoz.

Tashfeen Khalid stated that although they can discuss the issue of sales tax on services of indenters and accordingly give suggestions to Sindh government but the Qinal decision, in this regard, can only be taken by Chief Minister Sindh.

Commenting on concerns expressed by the meeting participants over the issuance of SRB notices to indenters, SRB Chairman said that any suitable reply be sent in response to these notices whereas the SRB OfQicials will be asked not to act against any indenter until the next meeting between the KCCI committee and SRB thoroughly discuss this matter and come up with a solution, he quoted as saying.

After conclusion of meeting memento were presented to Chairman SRB during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.After conclusion of meeting memento were presented to Chairman SRB during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

RCCI to hold exhibitions in US, Nepal, Tajikistan awalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) will organize exhibitions in the United States, Nepal and Tajikistan for introducing Pakistani products.

The first exhibition titled‘Made in Pakistan’would be held in Houston (United States) on August 21- 24, second in Nepal on October 5-10 and third in Tajikistan from October 16-19, RCCI President Syed Asad Mashhadi told APP Wednesday.

“The purpose of holding exhibitions is to attract foreign companies to purchase Pakistani products or to place orders for enhancing business relations,” he added. Mashhadi said that introduction of Pakistani products would help promote business activity in the country, besides strengthening the economy.

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Australia to impose 10% duty on wheat import Saturday August 8, 2015

World

CANBERRA: The price volatility of imported Australian wheat in the past few weeks has put a pause on forward booking contracts of wheat. The expected announcement of 10 per cent duty on wheat imports might further impact wheat imports, creating hurdles for flour millers consuming highprotein wheat.

South Indian millers who imported high-protein wheat are in a quandary, as prices have been going haywire and there was also a fear of imposition of import duty of 10 per cent on imported wheat.

Merchants and millers have contracted about 0.5 million tonnes (mt) of Australian wheat. Of this, about 0.30 mt had reached Indian shores and the balance would arrive this month.

Customs nabs two with 176 uk Customs seizes more than Saudi capsules of drugs hidden in intestines 20,000 litres of illicit beer C ustoms officers at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah foiled two attempts to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom, which were found hidden inside the intestines of two Asian nationals.

Mohammad Al-Aqeel, director general of Customs at airport, said that during the routine customs checks, the ofQicers found 87 cocaine capsules weighing 1 kilo and 3.5 grams hidden inside one of the pas-

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ustoms ofQicers have visited two South Tyneside premises and seized more than 20,000 litres of beer on suspicion of brewing without a licence.

OfQicers from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) moved in on The Maltings in Claypath Lane, South Shields, this morning.

They were seen to enter the premises shortly before lunch time with clipboards examining beer barrels. HMRC also conQirmed its ofQicers had raided premises in Jarrow and seized beer under Section 139 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, which relates to brewing without a licence.

OfQicers seized 14,760 litres of beer from a tanker at Jarrow, along with 24 nine-gallon kegs, one 18-

HongKongCustoms seizes30,000suspected fakeproducts ong Kong Customs announced today that they have made their biggest counterfeit haul in a decade after raiding just two showrooms and a storehouse in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsuen Wan. Just imagine the records they’d break if they took a stroll down Temple Street every so often.

In a joint operation with police on July 28 and 29, customs seized more than 30,000 suspected fake products – including handbags, watches, footwear, sunglasses, clothes and perfume – said to be worth around HKD3 million.

Two women and a man were arrested and released on bail pending further investigations.

The suspected syndicate is thought to have been supplying products to a network of outlets via a membership scheme.

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gallon keg, and 64 30-litres kegs of beer. From The Maltings, 6.668 litres of beer were seized, as well as 33 nine-gallon kegs of beer.

An HMRC spokesman said: “Beer Duty is chargeable on certain types of beer if their strength is more than 1.2% alcohol by volume and beer is liable for Beer Duty as soon as it’s produced. “HMRC is committed to ensuring that individuals and businesses operate within the parame-

ters of the law when it comes to the production and packaging of beer.”

Lewis Harvey, head brewer and director at Jarrow Breweries Ltd, said the incident was not a raid but an “organised visit to dispose of beer that was out of date due to a technical issue regarding the licenses of the Maltings and Bede Trading Estate breweries”. He added: “Jarrow Breweries are currently not brewing and have not brewed since mid-June 2015.

italian exports to iran increase to nearly $3.3b

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talian exports to Iran are expected to increase by nearly €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in the next four years, Italy’s Foreign Trade Commission said.

In a statement released yesterday, the commission said that a senior delegation headed by its Chief Executive OfQicer Alessandro Castellano, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and Minister of Economic Development Federica Goidi will visit Iran today “to discuss develop-

ing trade relations between the two countries, especially investment opportunities by major Italian companies in Iran.”According to the commission’s estimates, the lifting of Iranian sanctions will lead to increased Italian export volumes by nearly €3 billion from 2015-2018, in particular in the mechanical engineering, oil and gas and transportation sectors. The senior Italian ofQicials are expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister.

uS Customs issues licence to roar brokerage services

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n a move that will help catapult its business, Roar Logistics Inc. has secured a pair of federal licenses that will enable the Qirm to add customs brokerage services to its vast portfolio.

Roar has ofQicially been granted a corporate customs broker license from a pair of federal agencies, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Services and Department of Homeland Security.

Additionally, the Federal Maritime Commission granted Roar a license to operate as a “non-vessel operating common carrier.”

Combined the dual licenses allows the Buffalo-based Roar, a sub-

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he U.S. Coast Guard in Northern California seized 12,000 pounds or six tons of cocaine valued at $181 million from a semisubmersible vessel in the PaciQic Ocean 200 miles south of Mexico, the largest bust of its kind in Coast

Guard history.

Chief Warrant OfQicer Allyson Conroy said that the Alameda, Calif.based crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton also apprehended four suspected smugglers from Colombia and seized 275 bales from the vessel on July 18. A total of 4,000 pounds of the drug sank, however, during the historic seizure.

Clear the Shelters Animal Adop-

sidiary of Rich Products Corp., to land more logistical contracts from both U.S. and foreign Qirms.

“It helps us close the loop,” said Robert Rich III, Roar president. “And, it Qits right into our long term strategy.” It took the Qirm more than six months to secure both licenses and included a very detailed background check on Roar and its employees.

Rich said securing the licenses clears the way for his Qirm to hire more workers both at its Buffalo headquarters and its four other ofQices in Phoenix, Atlanta, Peoria, Ill., and Temecula, Calif. The Buffalo ofQice, located in the Adam’s Mark Hotel ofQice wing, has 35 employees.

McDonald’s cuts 225 jobs

cDonald’s says it is cutting about 225 corporate jobs as part of a push intended to revitalize its Qlagging business.

The world’s biggest hamburger chain says the cuts include about 135 positions at its corporate headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, where it says it has about 2,100 employees. An

US Coast Guard seizes 12,000 pounds cocaine CALIFORNIA

senger’s intestines, while 89 heroin capsules weighing 615.5 grams were found hidden in the stomach of another passenger. Necessary action has been taken against both, he said, conQirming that customs ofQicers apply all means to identify smuggling attempts at all the ports. Over the past week, customs ofQicials also managed to foil an attempt to smuggle nearly a quarter kilo of raw heroin by travelers who had also hidden the material in the stomach.

tion Event on August 15 Conroy did not identify the men, but said they were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency. US Dept. of Justice spokeswoman Casey Rettig would not release their names until the defendants make their initial appearance in federal court. Apparently, the suspects are still on the Coast Guard cutter en route to Alameda.

additional 90 positions are being cut overseas, the company said. It says employees were notiQied last month.

The move comes as McDonald’s Corp.

CEO Steve Easterbrook has said he will target US$300 million in cost cuts by 2017 and reorganize the company so it can react more quickly to the changing fast-food industry.

Helment camera video taken by the Coast Guard shows mostly shirtless men crawling out from the bottom of their blue vessel as narcotics crews took them onto their orange vessel. “Afeura!

Afuera!” or “Get out! Get out!” a Coast Guard crew member can be heard shouting to the men. The Coast Guard announced the seizure here the other day.

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Capesize spot rate surges $1,814 overnight COPENHAGEN: Barely six months after the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) saw an all-time low of 513 points and capesize spot rates threatened to bottomout at $3,100 daily, spot rates for capesize bulk carriers have surged by $1,814/day to reach their highest level since November 25, 2014.Likewise, the BDI has advanced 49 points on yesterday to hit an eight-month high of 1,200 points, in spite of weakening panamax and supramax markets. The BDI’s boost has been bumped up by the strong capesize marke.

Ports & Shipping Saturday August 8, 2015

Tablet shipments fall 7% in Q2 of 2015 with Apple leading decline

The CmA Cgm mArSeiLLe deliverd in South korea

SHIPMENTS

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CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT ablet vendors sold 44.7 million units in the second quarter of 2015, a 7 percent drop compared to the same period last year when the segment notched 48 million devices shipped and a 3.9 percent decline compared to the fist quarter of this year, according to a new report from International Data Corp. (IDC).

Most of the decline came at the expense of the segment leaders, with Apple and Samsung, the first and econd place vendors, respectively, the only two companies in the top five to see shipments drop year over year.

Apple saw the largest decline, posting just 10.9 million sales in this year’s second quarter compared to 13.3 million units during the same period last year. That’s a 17.9 percent decline that accounted for a drop in market share from 27.7 percent to 24.5 percent.

Samsung’s 12 percent year-over-year drop led its market share to fall from 18 to 17 percent. The company sold 7.6 million units in the most recent quarter, down from 8.6 million during the second quarter of 2014.

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kpT shipping intelligence report he Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued the following shipping report for the last 24 hours, ending 0700 hours on Tuesday.

ALONG SIDE (Bulk Oil Pier): Berth No Ship Working Agent Berthing Date OP-I Shalamar D. Crude Oil PNSC 04/08/15 OP-II Leopard L. Naptha Wilhelmsen 03/08/15 OP-III Southern Koala D. Base Oil GAC 03/08/15 ALONG SIDE (East Wharves): 1/2 Silver Star.

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ATHENS

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he CMA CGM Group, a worldwide leading shipping group, has announced that the CMA CGM MARSEILLE – 2nd vessel of its GUYANAMAX 3-vessels series– was delivered in South Korea. This 2,100 TEU containers capacity vessel – including 530 Reefer containers – is 190 meters long and 30 meters wide. It was built by the Korean shipyards Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and will be sailing under the UK Qlag.

The CMA CGM MARSEILLE will be positioned on the North Europe French Guiana North Brazil (NEFGUI) line. This 42-days rotation joins directly North of Europe, the Caribbean, French Guyana and North Brazil each week. The vessel will call:

Algeciras, Rotterdam, Tillbury, Rouen, Le Havre, Philipsburg, Port of Spain, Degrad des Cannes, Belem, Fortaleza, Natal and Algeciras.

In line with the sustainable development policy of the Group, the CMA CGM MARSEILLE is equipped with all the latest environmental technologies

which signiQicantly reduce its C02 emissions, as well as the Group’s carbon footprint. It is equipped with: New bulbous bow shapes improving the hydrodynamics of the vessel at a speed of 16 to18 knots An electronically controlled long stroke engine offering the best in fuel consumption.

GSL acquires containership for $53.6m from OOCL COPENHAGEN

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lobal Ship Lease (GSL) is to acquire a post-panamax containership for $53.6m from Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), which will then lease the ship back.

Teekay Offshore delays two floating accommodation vessel deliveries

The OOCL Ningbo (8,063 teu, built 2004) will be timechartered to OOCL for 36 to 39 months at a gross rate of $34,500 per day, after the vessel has been delivered to the buyer in late September. GSL expects the contract to generate between $37.7m and $40.9m in revenue, and over $9.4m in annual operating proQit. The

NYSE-listed company says it will pay for the vessel using cash and a Qiveyear $35m credit facility, which was recently secured from DVB Bank.

Meanhwile, Barely six months after the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) saw an all-time low of 513 points and capesize spot rates threatened to bottomout at $3,100 daily, spot rates.

eekay Offshore Partners (TOP) has delayed delivery of two semi-completed hulls, which are being converted to “high-end” floating accommodation units (FAUs) at two Cosco shipyards for TOP’s Norwegian subsidiary Logitel Offshore Holding. The first converted FAU, the Arendal Spirit, was delivered to the shipowner in February.

The unit commenced threeyear fixed-rate timecharter to Petrobras in Brazil on June 7.

The second unit, which is being converted at Cosco (Nantong) Shipyard, was due to arrive in October this year but has now been delayed by up to 12 months. The third unit, which is undergoing work at Cosco (Qidoing) Offshore Co, was scheduled to arrive in the first quarter 2017 but will now arrive 120 days later in the second quarter.The third unit, which is undergoing work at Cosco (Qidoing) Offshore Co, was scheduled to arrive in the first quarter 2017 but will now arrive 120 days later in the second quarter.

westCoastportsregainsomeofshareofimportsupplychains WEST COAST PORTS

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S. West Coast ports are regaining some of the share of import supply chains that they lost during recent labor strife at the nation’s largest gateways.

Their share of container imports—measured in the dollar value of goods—rose to 47.1% in June, up from 45% in April and May, according to data released Wednesday by

the U.S. Census Bureau.

Although the ports remain behind the majority share they held a year ago, the improvement suggests that big shippers, including major retailers, are restoring business to the West Coast as the memories of the epic delays they faced until this spring recede.

“We’re seeing the beginning of trade migrating back to the West Coast ports as we expected,” said Jock O’Connell, an international economic analyst with Beacon Economics. Get the latest logistics and

supply chain news and analysis via an email newsletter. Sign up here.

The decisions by shippers on where to bring their goods, mostly products manufactured in Asia, reverberate across the country, affecting rail and truck routings, construction and hiring at distribution centers, and they can inQluence infrastructure investment choices.

June’s 47.1% share of the imported cargo for the West Coast remains below what it’s been over the past few years. In June 2014, the West Coast ports moved 51.8% of

imported goods, and a year before that they handled 52.5% of the goods. Importers have warned that they would redraw long-standing supply chains by routing more cargo to the Gulf and East coasts after protracted labor negotiations with West Coast dockworkers, which began last spring, caused delays at the PaciQic ports. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union reached contract terms with cargo companies in late February, as dozens of ships remained anchored off the ports.

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Rawalpindi: Customs seizes smuggled goods worth Rs 20m ISLAMABAD: Directorate Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi has seized smuggled goods worth Rs 20 million and arrested six suspects.

At least 15 cases have been registered against smugglers during July 2015.Deputy Director Rawalpindi Shahid Jan told Customs Today that during the course of anti-smuggling activities in July 2015, the Directorate Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi has seized and recovered Rs 20 million smuggled goods including 2037 kilograms cloth worth Rs 12.3 million and 816 kilograms of smuggled tea having worth of Rs 0.9 million.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Gujranwala Excise issues 6,000 notices to recover 10pc increased property tax SIALKOT

ZAFAr mALik

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he Excise and Taxation Department Gujranwala has issued as many as 6,000 tax recovery notices to the owners of the residential and commercial properties (including big houses, commercial plazas) located at the posh and inter-city areas.

Director Excise Gujranwala, Ahmed Saeed, said that during this first phase of recovery campaign, 6,000 notices have been issued to the defaulters for the recovery of the 10 percent property taxes, recently increased by the Punjab government.

He said that there were more than 100,000 commercial and residential taxable properties in Gujranwala Division, saying that the Excise and Taxation Department would recover Rs 500 million as enhanced property taxes from them.

He revealed that the department would soon issue as many as 10,000 such recovery notices to the owners in the second phase of this recovery campaign.

NAB KP recovers Rs 1b looted money, arrests 72 corrupt people N

PESHAWAR

NADir kHAN

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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Director Awareness and Prevention Wing, has disclosed that NAB KP has recovered approximately Rs 1 billion looted money and arrested 72 corrupt persons, including politicians, bureaucrats, government ofQicers and private persons.

Addressing a seminar on anti-corruption themes at the District Council Hall Mansehra, he said that the bureau has Qiled 20 references in the Accountability Court during the Qirst half of this year.

The function was organized by district government Mansehra, in collaboration with NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Director Awareness and Prevention Wing NAB was the chief guest on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner Mansehra, Deputy District Education OfQicers, District President PTI, District Khateeb Mansehra and Ex-MPA also spoke on the occasion. OfQicers of all district government departments, notables, politician, students and civil society of Mansehra participated in the seminar.

Speakers of the seminar remarked that corruption is poison for the nation and stressed the need of Qight against corruption because as it is an impediment for the prosperity and development of our country.

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