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Karachi, Wed April 18, 2018

MULTAN

IMRAN ALI

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he Customs Collectorate held meeting for formulating effective strategy for accomplishment of revenue collection task during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017-18. According to details, Collector Customs Collectorate Ambreen Ahmad Tarar held a meeting with ofSicers and staff on the directions of Member Customs Zahid Khokhar to implement an effective plan to increase customs duty, sales tax and withholding tax collection on imports during remaining

period of (April-June) 2017-18. Multan Customs discussed the revenue collection made in the Sirst nine months of the ongoing Siscal year 2017-18 and chalked out plan for the revenue collection task in the Collectorate. Multan Customs including other Collectorates are advised by Member Customs Zahid Khokhar to lay special emphasis on few areas for maximizing revenue generation efforts. The Collectorate has decided to speed up enforcement and recovery measures on imports that would ensure extra revenue generation in the remaining period of economic year 2017-18. Customs Collectorate has already adopted effective measures for the

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generation of revenue including correct determination of PCT, description value, rate and due implementation of valuation rulings. The Customs Collectorate has decided to recover outstanding arrears from defaulters to achieve revenue collection mark in this regard for the current economic year 2017-18. Multan Customs will implement proper mechanism of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for expeditious clearance of import consignments from the Collectorate. The Customs Collectorate discussed to realize revenue stuck up in the litigation in different courts and Collectorate will pursue the said cases in the relevant court proactively.

All stations of Islamabad Customs generate Rs18m as Customs Duty

Serving of notices compels defaulter companies to pay outstanding dues

Customs Preventive foils bid to smuggle foreign currency from Lahore airport

DG Valuation revises customs values of galvanized iron suspension system

Multan Customs ASO impounds three NDP vehicles worth Rs4m

All Stations of the MCC received surplus revenue of Rs18million | See pAge 02 |

Customs Export has recovered the evaded amount of taxes and duties | See pAge 03 |

Customs Preventive foiled a bid to smuggle foreigncurrencyabroadfromLahoreAirport | See pAge 04 |

DG Valuation has revised the customs value of galvanized iron and steel ceiling | See pAge 09 |

ASO impounded three smuggled vehicles in their diďŹ&#x20AC;erent action | See pAge 16 |

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TATA recommends dry port, customs centre in AJK Wednesday, April 18, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Travel and Trade Authority (TATA) has recommended the establishment of a dry port or a customs facilitation centre in Muzaﬀarabad or Rawalakot. TATA was also planning to establish two well-equipped quarantine labs and fumigation chambers at both crossing points to impose restrictions on fruits and vegetable carrying viruses harmful to local plants and crops.

Islamabad

All stations of Islamabad customs generate Rs18m as customs Duty

ISLAMABAD

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tARIQ DeRYA

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he National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi has arrested Dawood Khalid owners/partners of Suzuki Chaudhry Motors Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The accused persons are allegedly involved in cheating public at large by receiving a huge amount of money from the general public in the name of showroom-pool investment for profit on a monthly-basis. The accused persons have reportedly embezzled an amount of Rs86.694 million. In another case, NAB Rawalpindi Sub-Office Gilgit has filed a reference in Accountability Court Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit against the officers/officials of Forest Department. As per detail, accused Muhammad Ismail Zafar ex-conservator Gilgit, Saleem Ullah Khan Divisional Forest Officer Astore, Qadar Dan ex-Range Forest Officer Forest Department, Maskeen Faqeer, Forest Lessee and Riaz Hakeem, Forest Lessee on the allegation of transportation of illegal cut timber from Minar Forest (C-10) and Makhley Forest (C-46) in violation of Timber Disposal Policy 2013 that resulted in a loss of more than Rs113 million to the national exchequer.

ll the Customs Stations of the Model Custom Collectorate Islamabad received surplus revenue of Rs18million under the head of CD during the month of March FY17-18 against an assigned revenue collection target. According to details explained by sources of the Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad that, during above said duration, all the stations, consisting of IDP, AFU, Car sections, C.Bond, UAB, AB and IMO, collected Rs610.67million gross revenue collection of Customs Duty (CD) against an allocated revenue collection target of Rs592.67million. All the stations of the MCC Islamabad generated Rs524.93million under same head during the same period of corresponding FY16-17. The sources told CT that the Islamabad Dry Port (IDP) earned Rs7million less revenue as CD against an earmarked target. The IDP was assigned Rs323.37million revenue target while it earned Rs295.25million. The Air Freight Unit (AFU) collected Rs39million extra revenue against an allocated revenue target for the month of February FY17-18. During said period, the AFU was assigned Rs266million revenue under the head of CD while it received a surplus amount of Rs305million. The Car Section was assigned Rs15million

NAB arrests fraud car dealers for cheating public

target against a collection of Rs6.33million of CD while C.Bond earned Rs0.15million against an allocated revenue collection target of Rs3.50million whereas the Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB) received

Rs0.74million against an earmarked revenue target of Rs0.70million under the head of CD. The Accompanied Baggage (AB) generated Rs1.55million of CD against an assigned revenue collection target of

Rs3.00million. The sources said that the International Mail OfSice (IMO) collected Rs1.24million against an earmarked revenue collection target of Rs0.70million for the month of March FY17-18.

gDp, tax collection witnessed sharp increase: Senate told

ISLAMABAD

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tate Minister for Finance and Revenue Rana Muhammad Afzal has said that owing to the efforts of the incumbent government economic policies, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and tax collection have witnessed sharp increase while inSlation has considerably been decreased. Winding up debate on a motion

that the House may discuss the recent devaluation of Pakistani rupee by 5 percent, the minister said economy was moving in right direction and development budget of the provinces had also been doubled. The minister said the GDP ratio remained only 3 per cent till 2012 while during last Sive years it witnessed 5 per cent growth. “Yesterday GDP was recorded as 5.7 per cent,” he added. Afzal said currently import worth $ 54 billion was being carried out through banking channels and

the Federal Board of Revenue collections have jumped to Rs 4000 billion from Rs2000 billion. He said devaluation of currency would not affect the national economy and it would help increase export of the country. The minister said the government inherited 12 per cent inSlation while currently it was lower than 4 per cent. The international rating agencies have also enhanced Pakistan rating, he added. He said the government had decided in the budget to abolish subsidies on petroleum products.

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SHC directs counsel for petitioner to file rejoinder on next date of hearing KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed petitioner to file a rejoinder on the next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Usman Trade Linkers (Private) Limited, seeking release of a consignment of polyethylene shrink film. A twomember bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, heard the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the Deputy Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation-FBR Directorate of Customs Valuation filed a reply in which the customs officials informed the court that the petitioner was involved in mis-declaration.

court rejects bail petition of accused involved in wine smuggling

Wednesday April 18, 2018

Karachi

Serving of notices compels defaulter companies to pay outstanding dues

KARACHI

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he Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi rejected bail application of suspect namely Ashok P. Jethmilani son of Jethmilani, who was booked in a case of attempting to smuggle non-duty paid 5844 win bottles, after the rejecting bail, customs oﬃcials arrested him and sent to customs lack up. During the hearing, above mentioned suspect appeared before the court along with his counsel and moved bail application, counsel argued that applicant is innocent and has falsely been implicated by the agency in this case. He further argued that there is no evidence available on record against the applicant.

karachi NAB arrests eight suspects KARACHI

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ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) has claimed to have arrested at least eight suspects. The NAB spokesperson said that eight accused persons nominated in reference No 2/2018 filed in Accountability Court at Karachi have been arrested subsequent to withdrawal, recall of their pre-arrest bails by the High Court of Sindh at Karachi. The spokesperson further said that the accused persons namely Nisar Ahmed Jan Memon alias Nisar Morai, Abdul Saeed, Sultan Qamar Siddiqui and others were charged on the allegations of corruption and corrupt practices including illegal appointment of 400 employees in Fisherman Cooperative Society of BPS-18 and below from January 2014 to July 2017.

KARACHI

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he Customs Export has recovered the evaded amount of taxes and duties from defaulter companies which were earlier issued with notices to pay the arrears. Sources told Customs Today that, during a scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Shabbir Mobiles Karachi availed undue beneSits and concessions by importing different consignments of mobile phones and its accessories by misusing the SRO 560 through Examiner Zia-ur-Reham Zia on November 14, 2017. Sources said that the company was allegedly involved in the tax evasion of Rs5.12million. After detecting the tax evasion, the Customs Export served on it a final notice on March 19, 2018 to deposit the evaded amount within 14 days. The management of M/s Shabbir Mobiles Karachi deposited the evaded amount in the official account of the Customs Export on 6th of April 2018. The management of M/s Uzair Foto Express also cleared Rs2.88million of taxes and duties. Sources told CT that M/s Uzair Foto Express also availed undue benefits and concessions and avoided paying taxes according to the customs bylaws. The Customs Export authorities issued to it a final notice on March 23, 2018. After receiving the notice, the management of

M/s Uzair Foto Express deposited the evaded amount of taxes into the official account. Meanwhile, The Customs Export has recovered Rs57.86million during the past 15 days as the method of sending notices to defaulter companies continues. The Customs Export has recovered an evaded amount of taxes and duties of Rs17.81million from defaulter companies which were earlier issued with notices to pay the ar-

the management of M/s Shabbir Mobiles karachi deposited the evaded amount in the oﬃcial account of the customs export on April 2018

Shc seeks reply on petition filed by usman Logistics

KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Customs Department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Usman Logistics (Private) Limited, seeking restoration of its clearing agent license/NTN number/ user ID password blocked by customs authorities due to al-

legedly involved in ISAF scam. While hearing of the petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, also directed them to file their respective para wise comments on the next date of hearing. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that the petitioner is a clearing agent and customs private bonded carrier, and has regularly been submitting its goods declarations and monthly sales tax returns/ income tax returns and

never involved in a sales tax evasion or any criminal activities. The counsel argued that it is seriously aggrieved by action of the respondents who issued notice to the petitioner and allegation was fixed that the petitioner is involved in ISAF scam, and suspended its business license i.e customs private bonded carrier license/ clearing agent license/ NTN No/ user ID password without fulfilling legal requirement and approval of the competent authority.

rears. Sources told Customs Today that, during a scrutiny of the import data, it was revealed that M/s Akram Cutters and Marble Accessories availed undue benefits and concessions after importing different consignments of automatic marble machine Ginza by misusing the SRO 561 clearing through Abdul Shakoor on November 6, 2017. Sources further said that the company was allegedly involved in the tax evasion of Rs5.48 million.

pSX sheds 390 points akistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued trading in the negative with the benchmark KSE-100 index losing 390 points to fall below the 45,700-level. The index opened lower and continued on the downward trajectory to close at 45,682 points, touching a day’s low of 45,610 on the way.

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IRSA releases 92,100 cusecs water Wednesday April 18, 2018

Lahore

ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) released 92,100 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 117,800 cusecs. According to the data released by IRSA, water level in the Indus River at Tarbela Dam was 1395.79 feet, which was 15.79 feet higher than its dead level of 1,380 feet. Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 31,400 cusecs while outflow as 18,000 cusecs. The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1071.30 feet, which was 31.30 feet higher than its dead level of 1,040 feet whereas the inflow and outflow of water was recorded as 28,300 cusecs and 16,000 cusecs respectively.

fto remands back customs preventive foils bid to smuggle appeal filed by Bismillah foreign currency from Lahore airport poultry Service LAHORE

LAHORE

SAJID NAwAZ

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he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has remanded back an appeal to solve the issue of petitioner. The same appeal was Siled by a Proprietor of Bismillah Poultry Service against the Regional Tax OfSice (RTO-II) Lahore which was adjourned until the next date of hearing. FTO Advisor Haji Ahmed heard the case. The counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant since a fall of two years. He said that the RTO-II has been collecting excessive taxes from the company for the last two years. The petitioner approached the officials concerned several times for release of refunds, but the RTO of-

Businessmen laud pM’s tax amnesty scheme ahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Vice President Zeeshan Khalil has said that the initiative of the tax amnesty scheme is good as the black money will be brought back, enabling the country to build its reserves and leave dependence on the foreign direct investment and loans from donor agencies. However, he said the timing of the scheme is questionable. Kashif Anwer, sales tax aﬀairs chairman of the standing committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Lahore Region, said that it is good that the government announced the amnesty scheme as this measure would bring back black money into the country which will build up forex reserves and the economy would get strong. He, however, said that the last date for the scheme was June 30 which would not produce the required results. –CB Report

ficials failed to clear refunds after the lapse of a reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking his intervention in the case. The counsel appealed to the FTO Advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that delay in release of refunds puts burden on the taxpayer, so the RTO-II should make audit of the case and release the extra amount collected from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant has not submitted all the record in the office for claiming refunds. If he provides accurate record, the RTO-II will release refunds after a proper assessment, he maintained. After hearing the arguments from both sides, FTO Advisor ordered the Regional Tax Office to resolve the issue of petitioner regarding the tax refund.

M hAYAt

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team of Customs Preventive foiled a bid to smuggle foreign currency abroad from Allama Iqbal International Airport and arrested the suspect. As per details, an alleged WAPDA SDO, Akhtar Mehmood, was travelling to China by Slight no 186 and declared that he was carrying $10,000. However, the authorities recovered 15,000, dollars, 2,687 Yuan and 9,530 rupees from him. The customs authorities registered an FIR against him and arrested him. Meanwhile, the Customs Allama Iqbal Airport has achieved 74.47 percent additional target. According to the facts and Sigures, a target of Rs 880 million was assigned as customs duty last month. The Customs has collected

customs Appellate tribunal orders to release htV diesel dumper

ustoms Appellate Tribunal has ordered to release HTV Nissan diesel dumper loaded with nonoffending coal to its lawful owner after the payment of redemption Sine of 10 percent of seized goods. The appeal was Siled by the Naveed Akhter and others against Director, Directorate of Intelligence and investigation-FBR Faisalabad and others. Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, Member Judicial, heard the case in details and examined the record which produced by the parties. Af-

ter hearing the arguments case has been decided with remarks that in the view of clear provision of section 181 of Customs Act 1969 the order of adjudication authority has been modiSied in extant to that same shell be redeemed to its lawful owner on the payment of redemption Sine equal to 10 percent of value in addition to duties and taxes applied on it. According to details of case, reported by the customs department the staff intercepted diesel dumper loaded with non-offending coal. –CB Report

Rs 954.47 million which is more than the set target. The target was of Rs 229.3 million in March 2016. Meanwhile, The Custom Collectorate of Preventive has been quite active against the movement of smuggled goods into the city and carried out a number of operations seizing smuggled vehicles and goods worth of Rs 951.27 million during the Sirst nine months of the current Siscal year (from July 2017 to March

2018). Collector Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmad Lahore has advised Deputy Collector Muhammad Moazzam Raza, Superintendent Nasir Mehmood Tarar and entire ASO team to keep strict vigil on the movement of smuggled goods. During the period under review, the Customs Collectorate of Preventive seized 71 non-duty paid vehicles and miscellaneous goods worth of Rs 951.27 million.

fIA arrests 10 human smugglers he FIA has arrested 10 humansmugglers from Faisalabad district during last week. According to a FIA spokesman, the arrested human smugglers were involved in defrauding people of heavy amounts on the pretext of sending them abroad for employment. The accused were identiSied as Muhammad Ajmal, Airek Masih, Asif Tanveer, Muhammad RaSique, Munawar Hussain, Riyasat Ali, Syed Burhan Ali Shah, Mohsin Ali Cheema, Zahid Hussain and Muhammad Esa. Accused Mohsin Ali Cheema was branch manager of

Bank of the Punjab at Jaranwala and the FIA arrested him over committing bank fraud of Rs 60 million, spokesman added. Meanwhile, FIA immigration ofSicials have deported a foreigner after refusing his entry into Pakistan as he landed at the Lahore airport without any Pakistani visa. According to an FIA ofSicial, the passenger was identiSied as Andrew William Peart, a British national, holding passport No 510735336 arrived from a Gulf state without any visa. He said Andrew was not having any invitation letter as well. –CB Report

‘New tourism policy being devised for promotional strategies’

M LAHORE

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anaging Director (MD) Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor here on Thursday said the department is working to introduce a new National Tourism Policy to build

tourism infrastructure and devise focused promotional strategies for uplifting the country’s image. Abdul Ghafoor told APP that the new tourism policy would have various aspects, including promotion, awareness, branding and marketing. The policy is aimed at helping restructure government departments that regulate tourism, uplift existing infrastructure and encourage the pri-

vate sector to come up with innovative ideas to promote tourism in the country. He said in this regard a feedback was taken from all the tourism industry stakeholders to get input on the proposed National Tourism Policy on the after effects of devolution of tourism to provinces and the problems, issues being faced by the tourism industry currently and their solutions. Alpine Club of Pakistan,

Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), Adventure Foundation of Pakistan (AFP), Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) were being consulted to formulate the new policy, he said. He informed that as per vision of the present government, PTDC is struggling hard to promote tourism within the country and abroad for creating a tourist friendly image of Pakistan all over the world.

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ISLAMABAD

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ederal Board of Revenue Member Facilitation and Taxpayers Education (FATE) Wing Nausheen Javaid Amjad has said increased trade Slow and greater business activities would help broaden the tax base, increase revenue collection and improve tax infrastructure along modern lines. She made these remarks while dilating on the “Challenges of Taxation in CPEC-related Projects” at a three-day seminar held at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) under the title “CPEC – Harnessing the Opportunities and Addressing the Challenges”. The seminar was attended by policymakers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, Chinese ofSicials and leading academics. In her keynote address to the seminar, Member FATE gave the audience a detailed presentation in a highly interactive session, highlighting the challenges FBR is facing and possible meas-

ures that could help build a future laced with development and inclusive economic growth for the country. Member FATE emphasized the availability of potential opportunities through bilateral cooperation in the region. The creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will play a key role in bringing foreign investment, promoting industrial growth, job creation and improving

sized mpha e e t A er f y of Memb labilit i a v a ies the rtunit o p p o tial poten ateral gh bil throu region in the n o i t a r coope

competitiveness and efSiciency of the local industry. She stressed to bring in effective monitoring of imports and exports to minimize smuggling and pilferage through implementation of latest technology such as Radio Frequency IdentiSication Devices (RFIDs), E-tagging along with an alarm system to notify of any anomalies in the operations process. Responsible Data Management would help in making the monitoring process more robust, ensuring that the interests of the local industry are safeguarded. She shared that FBR has formed a Joint Tax Working Group that will work in collaboration with the Chinese side to iron out potential tax anomalies and issues. She emphasized that in order to fully reap the beneSits of CPEC, all the stakeholders have to work together to ensure that every possible facility to improve ease of doing business is made available, helping Pakistan create an enabling environment for sustained growth.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

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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

ADB report on economy

he Asian Development Bank, in its report the Asian Development Outlook 2018, cautions that the pace of growth of Pakistan’s economy may slow down to 5.1 percent as fallout of the growing external account challenges. The report projects the expected growth in the country’s gross domestic product at 5.6 percent on strong prospects of the large-scale manufacturing sector and recovery of the agriculture sector for the second year in a row. But difficulties in the balance of payment problem could outweigh the improvements in supply-side. The bank praises the ongoing infrastructure investments under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor which would strengthen economic growth, revive exports, improve power supply and contain inflation despite twice increase in the oil prices. The bank also expects the Pakistani government to maintain a stronger growth trajectory through domestic and regional stability, competitiveness, revitalization of the public sector enterprises and completion of the infrastructure projects within the time frame. The rising current account deficit could pose a challenge to the financial sector, but improvement in export sector would ensure the brighter economic prospects. However, the bank still suggest ‘greater exchange rate flexibility,’ which shows the bank is very particular about its own interests and has nothing to do with the improvement in the Pakistani economy. The government will have to introduce structural reforms in every sector of the economy and devise a new standard operating system to not only improve administrative affairs, but also enforce industrial compliance with quality control and better its position in the global ease of doing business index. The official rigmarole is the biggest enemy of Pakistan which is adding further woes in business, trade and investment. The government departments will have to work in tandem and improve coordination among them. It appears the officials are incapable of doing anything positive or they are not taking interests in the official business due to inherent lethargy. It is time the political leadership should also change its approach toward national affairs with a strong will to overhaul the entire government system.

Latest growth figures T

LAHORE

DR AftAB AfZAL

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he government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has announced provisional Sigures of the economic growth, claiming that it will achieve a growth rate of 5.8 percent in the gross domestic product against the set target of 6 percent during the Siscal year 201718 ending June 30. With this, the size of Pakistan’s economy will swell to $312.7 billion by the end of Siscal year 2017-18, but the per capita income in dollar terms will reach only $1,638.2 per person with marginal increase of 0.6 percent. Though unemployment remained high and industrial sector’s growth also fell short of the target it would be the

highest growth rate in over a decade as all sectors of the economy have shown a better performance during the government’s Sinal year in the ofSice. However, the per capita income in rupee terms has recorded a growth of 11 percent. Though the government could not achieve the economic growth rate of 6 percent, the achievement of 5.8 percent growth is still appreciable against low projections by the international Sinancial institutions. The country has been facing political chaos, mismanagement and terrorism, but a 5.8 percent growth rate shows the economy of Pakistan is still resilient and international affairs have little impact on its chemistry. Experts are giving the credit of healthy growth in services sector and recovery in

the agriculture sector to the positive indicators spelled out under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Despite achieving a suitable growth rate, the government missed all major macroeconomic targets. As the population of the country is growing at a fast pace, water resources are dwindling and the country has shown very bleak performance in the domain of international affairs, the growth rate of 5.8 percent is insufSicient to absorb the bulge of youth in the job market. Experts fear the rate of growth below 7 percent will increase unemployment and the next government will have to stimulate industrial sector to create jobs and produce export surplus. A tiny country like Vietnam exported $31

billion worth of mobile phones which is the highest number after China and Bangladesh exported over $22 billion worth of garments, which is again the highest Sigure after China. Why Pakistan has failed to exploit even its cottage or indigenous industry is million dollar question. Instead, Pakistan is facing trade and the current account deSicit of billions of rupees and its foreign exchange reserves are less than any African economy. The government ofSicials are minting millions of rupees annually by drawing hefty salaries and perks, but giving the nation the gifts of loans. If this is the way of managing economy, the government should be handed over to a corporate organization on contract basis.

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FIA arrests three held for travelling on fake documents LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration wing has claimed to have arrested three passengers trying to travel on fake documents. FIA sources said that Khurram Shehzad and Muhammad Afzal reached at Allama Iqbal International Airport from South Africa and Greece, respectively, by a ﬂight number 620. Similarly, Hasan Riaz travelled on fake documents from Turkey to Lahore. All the three passengers have been arrested. They have been handed over to the Anti-human traﬃcking cell for investigation.

M/s Al Shaikh Associates moves Shc challenging VR No 1268/2018 KARACHI

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/s Al Shaikh Associates has moved a constitutional petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC), challenging Valuation Ruling No 1268/2018 dated 7/3/2018, enhancing 100 percent valuation on import of roller chain imported by it. During the hearing of the case, counsel for the petitioner stated that the petitioner imports roller chain and always fulfills his liabilities in accordance with law and never involved in any crime. The counsel argued that the petitioner is seriously aggrieved by the action of the Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East which issued and assessed the imported consignments of the roller chain under Valuation Ruling no 1268/2018 dated 7/3/2018 and enhanced 100 percent at the same without fulfilling legal

Wednesday April 18, 2018

National

Dg Valuation revises customs values of galvanized iron suspension system T

KARACHI

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he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of galvanized iron and steel ceiling suspension system/tee-grid vide Valuation Ruling No 1281/2018 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. Earlier the customs value of Galvanized Iron and Steel Ceiling Suspension System/Tee-Grid was determined under Section 25-A of Customs Act, 1969 vide Valuation Ruling No. 1120/2017 dated 06.04.2017. However, it needed revision to reSlect the current price trend prevailing in international market. This prompted an exercise to re-determine the Custom values of the subject goods under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. Meeting \\ ith stakeholders was held on 03.04.2018. The participants were requested to submit invoice of Imports made during last three months showing factual value. Websites, names and E-mail address of known foreign suppliers / manufacturers of the item in question through which the ac-

tual current value could be ascertained. Copies of contracts made / LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of items in question. Copies of Sales Tax paid invoices issued during last four months (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate their contentions. Representatives of Collectorate stated that the val-

ues are suppressed, keeping in view the increase in the value of its raw material, which are published internationally. Importers on the other hand, requested to decrease values of ’ the (Galvanized Iron and Steel Ceiling Suspension System/Tee-Grid. They, however, did not submit any documentary evidence to support

their contentions. Valuation methods given in Section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969 were applied sequentially to address the valuation issue at hand. Transaction Value Method under Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 of the Act ibid was found inapplicable because there were wide differences in values in the declarations.

customs Islamabad profits Rs5764m from all taxes ISLAMABAD

requirement. Citing Chairmen Federal Board of Revenue, the Chief Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement South, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Director General Valuation as respondents, the petitioner pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary. He also pleaded the court to set aside impugned notification and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this petition. SHC office accepted this constitutional petition and fixed it for hearing for next week of this month.

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he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad demonstrated 54% revenue achievement against an allocated revenue collection target under all the heads during Sirst three quarters of FY1718. It showed 65% growth against an identical corresponding period of FY16-17. The ASO Islamabad launched a crackdown on tax evaders and notorious elements within its jurisdiction. This was stated by Muhammad Ishfaque Khan, Additional Collector, MCC Islamabad, while talking exclusively to Customs Today. He said that, with the collective efforts of ofSicers and staff of the MCC Islamabad, the Customs Collectorate Islamabad displayed an outstanding

performance by earning surplus revenue of Rs16420million under all the heads during Sirst nine months of FY17-18 against an assigned target of Rs10656million. So the net proSit received is Rs5764million. He added that the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) is also working efSiciently and showed magniSicent performance by impounding smuggled goods, offending vehicles (Vehicles used for carrying smuggled goods) and Non-Duty-Paid (NDP) vehicles worth Rs506million which is not a usual performance. Telling about the revenue details under all the heads, he narrated that the collectorate posted 25% increase during Sirst nine months of FY17-18 against an earmarked revenue target under the head of CD while it showed 41% hike against the same previous FY16-17 under

the identical head. He further said that the MCC earned Rs5584million during Sirst nine months of FY17-18 against an assigned revenue collection target of Rs4468million. The collectorate received Rs3960million of CD during the same corresponding duration. He informed CT that the MCC Islamabad showed 107% increase against an allocated target under the head of Sales Tax (ST) for nine months of FY17-18 while it demonstrated 108% growth under identical head against a revenue collection during the same corresponding duration of FY16-17. The collectorate generated Rs7619million as ST during Sirst nine months while it was earmarked a revenue target of Rs3689million. The MCC Islamabad collected Rs3658million under the identical head during the same previous period. Muhammad Ishfaque told the correspondent

that the collectorate displayed 29% revenue performance against an assigned revenue target for Sirst nine months of FY17-18 of Income Tax (IT) while it demonstrated 38% hike against a revenue collection during the same previous period under the same head. The collectorate earned Rs2684million as IT during Sirst nine months of FY17-18 against an assigned revenue collection target of Rs2078million. The MCC Islamabad generated Rs1944million under the identical head during the identical corresponding duration of FY16-17. The Additional Collector MCC Islamabad enlightened that the collectorate showed 27% growth against a set revenue collection target of Federal Excise Duty (FED) for July to March FY17-18 while it displayed 38% increase against the same previous period.

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NA committee approves bill to prevent smuggling of migrants Wednesday April 18, 2018

National ‘charter of economy needed to bring improvement in system’

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior has approved the bill seeking prevention of smuggling of migrants, recommending that it should be passed by the House with insertions for further legislation. The bill titled ‘The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants’ was presented by the government. The 42nd meeting of the standing committee was chaired by MNA Rana Shamim Ahmed Khan at the Parliament House.

‘pakistan has made notable progress in boosting it’s economy’

ISLAMABAD

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CHICAGO

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inister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal has underlined the need for developing charter of economy to strengthen the system in the country. Talking to a private news channel, he said growth rate and inflation was under control due to the policies of present government. Commenting on interim-set up of the government before holding next elections, he said that there was no dearth of impartial and honest persons for running the aﬀairs of the country. Replying to a question, he said that Pakistan will have to pay an installment of loan of 3.36 billion before June. He added that we were taking initiatives to improve the economy before establishing the next government. To another question, he said that political parties should avoid playing politics on national economy, adding that they should work for welfare and prosperity of the people of this country.

constructors demand tax exemption in budget he Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) called for exempting the import of construction equipment, machinery and formworks system, including plywood for formwork, from advance sales tax of 17 per cent and additional sales tax of 3 per cent. CAP Chairman Kamal Nasir Khan made this demand in the budget proposals for year 2018-19 submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He said that the construction sector played a major role in the economic development and uplift of a country because it was an important employment generating industry which oﬀered job opportunities to millions of skilled and un-skilled labour forces, he added. –CB Report

akistan retail market is the third largest retail market in Asia and will cross $200 billion by 2020, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the country’s consul general in Chicago, told a group of faculty students at the Loyola University. He said Pakistan’s foreign investment policies are attractive, liberal and consistent. Tirmizi said that Pakistan’s geographical proximity with Afghanistan made the country more important for the United States. Pakistan, he said, was on the front line in the struggle against terrorism and had made “great sacrifices” and “important contributions” in the fight. Pakistan was perhaps the only

country where extremist elements were being effectively pushed back without any external help. Tirmizi said Pakistan could share its expe-

rience in combating terrorism with all friendly countries. including the US. A specially prepared presentation about history, cur-

rent state of affairs of relations with the US as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries was the main feature of event. The consul general spoke about Pakistan’s contributions in the two significant achievements of the US foreign policy—the US-China rapprochement and the defeat of communism. In conclusion, Tirmizi said more dialogue was needed in order to to remove some misgiving on both sides. Earlier, Professor Thomas Regan, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences introduced the consul general at the event. Dr. Marcia Hermansen, Director of the Islamic World Studies Programme and Professor in the Theology Department at Loyola University Chicago thanked the Consul General for his visit to the University.

gwadar customs confiscates computer accessories & other items T

KARACHI

MuBeeN huSSAIN

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he Customs Collectorate Gwadar has seized a large quantity of computer accessories including branded headphones, RAM (random access memory) and other items priced at Rs5.5million on Monday morning. Sources told reporter that Deputy Collector Gwadar received secret information that some smugglers are trying to smuggle computer accessories from Gwadar into Karachi. He constituted a raiding team of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) under the supervision of Customs Preventive Inspector Sarfaraz Tanoli and others. The team, during a search operation near Jewani Highway Road, intercepted a truck bearing registration No: GKS 472.

During the search operation, the team impounded 2000 pieces of branded non-duty-paid headphones, 5000 pieces of laptop system ram, 500 mother boards and cable wires valued at Rs5.5million.

The team took into possession all the smuggling computer accessories and arrested two smugglers. Source said investigation is going on from the held persons. After the investigation, an FIR will

be launched against the smugglers. It is pertinent to mention here that the Customs Collectorate Gwadar has also impounded nonduty-paid smuggled tyres worth Rs6million during a week.

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Agriculture sector grows at 3.81 percent in FY18 ISLAMABAD: The agriculture sector of the country is estimated to grow by 3.81 percent during the fiscal year 2017-18 against the growth of 2.07 in 2016-17 and 0.15 in 2015-16, showing considerable improvements as compared to last couple of years. Among the agriculture sector, the crops sector witnessed 3.83 percent growth, with important crops growing by 3.57 percent and others crops by 3.33 percent, according to latest data available for six to eight months and projected for the whole year. During the year 2016-17, the growth of crops was recorded at 0.91 percent while there was negative growth of 5.27 percent in 2015-16, the provisional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates revealed.

8 new companies to invest in auto sector KARACHI

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he government of Pakistan has approved eight applications of new entrants who want to set up vehicle assembly plants in Pakistan including the passenger vehicles. This was informed by a representative of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) during an open hearing on the Automobile Sector in Pakistan organized by The Competition Commission of Pakistan. He said that eight applications of new entrants were approved to set up vehicle assembly plants in Pakistan including the passenger vehicles. This would result in considerable foreign direct investment in the country creating more jobs. The EDB, was providing full sup-

port to strengthen the engineering base in Pakistan by creating a level playing field for all manufacturers, he further said. The CCP’s bench, comprising the Chairperson Vadiyya Khalil, and Members Dr. Shehzad Ansar and Dr. Muhammad Saleem, conducted the open hearing that was attended by the representatives of Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Commerce, Engineering Development Board (EDB), Excise and Taxation, representatives of auto manufacturers including Indus Motor Company Limited, Pak Suzuki, Pakistan Automobiles Manufacturers Association (PAMA), Pakistan Automobile Assemblers Dealers Association (PAMADA), Pakistan Association Of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), online platforms including Pakwheels, car importers, and consumers in large number.

National

court seeks final charge sheet against M/s Insiya packaging in betel nuts case

NAB recovers Rs 296 billion since establishment ISLAMABAD

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ational Accoutability Bureau (NAB) has recovered a sum of Rs 296 billion from the corrupt elements and deposited the looted money in the national exchequer, reveals in a meeting. The meeting chaired by NAB Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal to review the overall performance of the Bureau. The meeting was told that NAB has so far received 3,67,742 complaints since its establishment. Out of which 3,65,374 has been disposed off as per law of the land. NAB has so far authorized the verification of 12,702 complaints. Whereas12,189 complaints has been disposed off after the verification. The meeting was briefed that NAB has authorized to conduct inquiries of 8,084 complaints, out of which 7,425 inquiries have been disposed off as per law. NAB has authorized 4001 investigation since its establishment. Out of which 3,705 investigations have been disposed off. The meeting was told that the NAB has authorized to file 3,050 references, out of which 2,049 references has been disposed off.

ISLAMABAD

tARIQ DeRYA

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he Customs Court has directed investigation ofSicer to complete investigation and submit a Sinal charge sheet against owners/ partners of M/s Insiya Packaging, Muhammad Hanif, proprietor of M/s Getco Agencies and others. The suspects were booked in a case of fraudulent clearance of betel nuts in the garb of raw material for processing at Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). During the hearing, the investigation ofSicer appeared before the court and sought further time to submit a Sinal charge sheet in this case; therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the matter. Earlier, investigation ofSicer had submitted initial reports in two separates FIRs and informed the court that during the investigation and circumstances, it was established that the importers, with the active connivance of their clearing agent and other associates, deliberately mis-declared description of the impugned goods and tried to replace the imported goods with other ones with an intent to get illegal clear-

Wednesday April 18, 2018

ance of betel nuts in the garb of raw material and also evading legitimate amount of taxes. He further informed the court that a gang of culprits is engaged since long in illegal removal of the imported goods en route to KEPZ in an organized manner with the connivance of some black sheep in the customs department, role of tracking company is also very much suspicious in this case. Investigation ofSicer stated that cases were registered against them

for violation of under section 2 (s) 16, 32A, 79 and 121 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses 8 (i) 9, 14A, 43, 44, 45 and 63 of section 156 (1) ibid read with allied laws procedures and prosecution is trying its best for arrest of above mentioned suspects. After the hearing, court took FIRs into it’s record and directed him to complete investigation and submit charge sheet against above-mentioned suspects on next date of hearing.

people in litigation with fBR cannot avail tax amnesty scheme

ISLAMABAD

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dviser to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail has said that the people who are in litigation with the FBR cannot avail themselves of the tax amnesty scheme. However, talking to media, he said that those who have received notices from the revenue board can beneSit from this scheme. The PM’s adviser said that the government could get direction from the courts regarding the pending cases. Hopefully, the courts will give directions that the litigants

could also avail themselves of the tax amnesty scheme. The adviser agreed that increasing the tax slab from Rs600,000 to Rs1,200,000 no doubt would result in shortage of revenue collection. According to him, the FBR would face Rs90 billion deSicit in revenue collection after this proposal. However, he said this shortfall is in terms of accounting but at the end of the day the government would be the beneSiciary of this scheme. “Though in terms of accounting, the government is in loss but in terms of economics, the government is the beneSiciary even after the tax exempt amount is increased from Rs600,000 to

Rs1,200,000. Those 90 billion rupees would ultimately be spent in the market and a huge chunk of money will come into national kitty in the form of income tax”, remarked the adviser. Majority of the direct taxpayers are from salaried class and by increasing the tax slab would no doubt result in shortage of tax collection. However, apart from salaried class, there is another class whom they call “self-employeed” which is still not in the tax net. Those who are earning Rs200,000 a month can easily pay 5 percent of their annual income which is not a big issue for them to whiten their money. Inclusion of this class into the tax net

would be a great achievement for the government, he said. “Most of the Pakistanis have parked their wealth in the real estate sector. We have simpliSied the process through this tax amnesty scheme for such people. We have offered them through this scheme to come and get register your property by paying only one percent tax. We have made it compulsory that the non-Silers would be unable to purchase property above Rs4 million. Through this scheme we have offered them to come and register them. Through this scheme the government could buy anyone’s property in double rates within the time period of six months.

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Dutch oﬀshore wind plans to oﬀset Groningen gas cuts

World Customs

AMSTERDAM: Plans for oﬀshore wind farms and new power cables are expected to help facilitate Dutch government plans to close coal plants and end gas production at the Groningen ﬁeld by 2030, an analysis by S&P Global Platts shows.We have essentially all coal units retiring by 2030 and not much gas running [in the power sector], with Dutch demand largely met by wind and imports,” Platts Analytics Managing Director of Global Power Bruno Brunetti said.

Wednesday April 18, 2018

customs seized heroin hidden in hollowed-out rubber pillows

govt allots p6.1b for emergency rice imports

MANILA

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BANG KOK

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ustoms ofSicials manning an X-ray scanning machine at Klong Toey port found something suspicious among the para rubber pillows being scanned and took all the pillows meant to be sent to Hong Kong for closer examination. Cutting open the pillows, the found two bars of heroin hidden in each of 40 pillows. Customs then booked ofSicials of the importing company for questioning before handing them over to narcotics police for further investigation in order to Sind out the mastermind of the drug trafSicking racket. Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce Sonthirat Sonthijirawong, has disclosed that Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Somkid Jatusripitak, recently called a meeting of the government’s economic team, comprised

uS china tensions could hurt local economic growth US-CHINA trade war will have severe implications on Malaysia’s economic growth, although the impact may be limited for now. Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute research and business development director Lau Zheng Zhou said any major disruption to the global trade environment and momentum will significantly affect Malaysia’s attractiveness for investment and hurt its growth prospects. “In the short term, we may even see a weakening ringgit as investors move to safe-haven assets in US dollars should global trade relations worsen. Lau also said heavy tariffs imposed by the US will see Malaysian firms being slapped with rising input costs and falling demand for their value-added component products. –CB Report

of the Ministries of Finance and Commerce, the Bank of Thailand and the Stock Exchange of Thailand, to discuss the effects of the US-China situation. At the meeting, the Ministry of Commerce emphasised that the situation poses both risks and opportunities for Thailand. Risks outlined were mostly to do with the impact on Thai products used in supply chains in

China, but the ministry noted its conSidence that Thai exports would still see growth of no less than 8 percent this year. The ofSice claimed it has already brought up the US’ adjustment to its tax ceiling for metals and aluminum with the Thai-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Joint Council (TIFA JC), urging tax waivers for Thai products.

china’s four-decade route to the world’s top-performing economy

his year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s economic reform and opening. In December 1978, China’s “open door” policy signposted a turning point in its economic management and trajectory. All of these impressive achievements are thanks to the perseverance and far-reaching changes in China’s economy and society, from the decollectivisation of agriculture to the expansion of

international trade and the welcoming of foreign direct investment. The Chinese government has also committed to reforms in banking, securities and insurance. These included diversifying banks’ equity structures and transforming state-owned banks into jointstock banks. Key securities companies were restructured, while reforms in the insurance sector also progressed. –CB Report

tate-run National Food Authority (NFA) is allocating around P6.12 billion for the procurement of the 250,000 metric tons (MT) of rice as part of the emergency importation via the government to government (G2G) scheme. NFA is set to send the letter of invitation to the governments of Thailand and Vietnam for the supply of 250,000 MT of 25 percent brokens long grain white rice well-milled. Only Thailand and Vietnam can participate in the bidding process since they are the only ones with an existing memorandum of agreement with the Philippines. The rice imports will be discharged in the ports of La Union, Subic, Manila, Tabaco, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Davao and Surigao. The P6.1 billion budget estimate is based on the average prevailing world market price of rice and for-

eign exchange rate at P53 per dollar. President Duterte used his emergency power to bring in muchneeded rice into the country to replenish NFA’s rice buffer stock. NFA is required to maintain a food security reserve good for at least 15 days at any given time. While the interagency council preferred the government-to-private (G2P) scheme, G2G is the best option right now to immediately replenish stocks of cheap rice in the market and stabilize prices of commercial rice. Meanwhile, The Department of Finance (DOF) in the Philippines is establishing an online-based payment gateway to enable taxpayers and other state clients to remit fees and other charges electronically to government agencies. This is in line with the Philippine Government’s efforts to cut red tape and improve the ease of doing business in the country. The PHPay system is designed to be a secure and reliable collection system.

finland to forward coal end date to 2029 inland’s government will legislate to ban the use of coal in energy generation a year earlier than planned in 2029, and launch a subsidy scheme to incentivise Sirms to stop using the fuel by 2025, environment minister Kimmo Tiilikainen has said. The policy will “signiSicantly reduce the emissions from heating,” Tiilikainen said. The government will propose legislation for the 2029 phaseout to parliament in its autumn session. It also plans to divert funding from renewable power generation to set up a €90mn fund to support investments to phase out coal use in the heating sector. The fund will

be available to energy Sirms that commit to ending unabated coal-fuelled generation by 2025, and will be split equally between renewable CHP generation, and other new technologies to replace coal use. “The incentives package will be Sinanced by lowering the required annual production, proposed for the tendering scheme for renewable electricity, from 2TWh to 1.4TWh,” Tiilikainen said. Redirecting support from renewable power to heat is justiSied on the grounds that nearly 80pc of Finland’s power production is carbonneutral, while only 36pc of its district heating uses renewable sources, he added. –CB Report

Russia removes ban on breakaway Abkhazian products

MOSCOW

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he Russian Federation has decided to remove a temporary ban imposed last month on the import of vegetables and fruit from Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia. However, Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture stated they are tightening

control on imports, and Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) will be in charge of this. Russia prohibited the import of certain products from occupied Abkhazia due to the “critical phytosanitary situation” in the form of the agricultural pest the Asian Stink Bug (Brown Marmorated Bug) which destroyed nearly the whole hazelnut harvest in Georgia

and occupied Abkhazia last year. The Russian side made the decision in order to prevent the spread of the pest onto Russian territory from occupied Abkhazia. Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture stated the decision to remove the ban on breakaway Abkhazian products was made adding it would take effect. The Director of the Department of Plant Production, Mechanization, Chemicalization and Plant

Protection of Russia, Petr Chekmarev, spoke about the measures taken by the de facto Abkhaz side to improve the phytosanitary situation, and the results of monitoring during the visit of Russian specialists. “The authorities of Abkhazia mobilized troops, organized manual collection of the pest, chemical treatment and conducted a mass effort with the population to eliminate the pest.

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KPT shipping intelligence report KARACHI: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued the following shipping report for the last 24 hours, ending 0700 hours. ALONG SIDE (Bulk Oil Pier) OP-II High Challenge L. Naptha Alpine 10/04/18 ALONG SIDE (East Wharves): 1/2 Sand Piper D. Gen.Cargo Aaras-Sh. 12/04/18 2/3 Grand Pioneer D. Coal OC-Services 10/04/18 4 First I D. Coal OC-Services 11/04/18 5 Magda P L. Wheat OC-Services 11/04/18 11/12 Egret Bulker L. Wheat WMA Shipcare 09/04/18 12/13 Jia Run D. Gen.Cargo Aaras-Sh. 11/04/18 12/13 Naess Intrepid L. Wheat East Wind 05/04/18 14/15 Baltic Panther L. Wheat WMA Shipcare 07/04/18 15/16 UAFL Zanzibar D. L. Cnt. Golden 1/04/18 ALONG SIDE(P.I.C.T): Berth Vacant.

India and non-proliferation export control regimes n 2016, India’s bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) generated considerable interest and debate, both at home and within the international non-proliferation community. India’s push was a natural follow-up to the 2008 exceptional waiver granted by the NSG to India, though the political judgement regarding the timing was questionable, given the shift in China’s position between 2008 and 2016. The stand-off at the Seoul plenary in June 2016 generated controversy in India because nuclear-related issues enjoy greater play in domestic politics. In comparison, India’s engagement with other export control regimes – Australia Group (AG), Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) – has attracted less attention, though India’s policy

Ports & Shipping

South korea to suspend tariﬀ concessions on uS imports

Shipping activity at port Qasim hipping activity remained active at the Port where six ships MSC Susanna, Bar Bouny, Endeavour Strait, Arctic Aurora, Nagig8 Sky and Jo Pinari scheduled to load/offload Containers, Sand, Coal, LNG, Palm and Diesel oil were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, Multi Purpose Terminal, Pakistan Gasport Consortium Terminal, Liquid Cargo Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively on Thursday. Meanwhile four more ships, Hugo Schulte, Asma, Al-Huwaila and Lowland Amstel with Containers, Bitumen, LNG and Coal also arrived at outer anchorage of Port during last 24 hours. Nine ships namely, MSC Susanne, Bar Bouny, DA Kang, Endeavour Strait, Azizi, Ruby Arctic Aurora, Star, Nagig-8 Sky and Jo Pinari are currently occupying PQA berths to load/offload Containers, Sand, General Cargo, Soya Bean Seeds, Coal, LNG, Palm oil and Diesel oil respectively. –CB Report

SEOUL

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he World Trade Organization (WTO) said Friday that South Korea is to suspend tariff concessions on certain goods from the United States due to tariffs imposed by Washington on solar cells and washing machines responsible for around 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in annual trade. “The Republic of Korea notiSies the Council for Trade in Goods that it has decided to suspend substantially equivalent concessions and other obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 to the trade of the United States,” a WTO notice said. The measures are in response to U.S. safeguard measures against imported solar cells and residential washers, according to WTO ofSicial documents Siled in Geneva by South Korea, notifying that its measures apply to “equivalent concessions” which are not yet named. The U.S.

Wednesday April 18, 2018

administration decided in January to impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on imported washers for the next three years, and up to 30 percent on solar cells and modules for the next four years. In its documents, South Korea said the U.S. measures affect almost 304 million dollars in washing machine products on which Washington collected 152 million dollars in duties in 2017, and 1.1 billion dollars of solar panel imports which accrued duties to the

Americans of 330 million dollars in 2017. Meanwhile, The UN security council has blacklisted dozens of ships and shipping companies involved in smuggling oil and coal in and out of North Korea. The security council’s North Korea sanctions committee on Friday acted on a request by the US, took action against 21 shipping companies – including Sive based in China 15 North Korean ships, 12 non-North Korean ships and a Taiwanese man.

china begins imports of Dutch veal after 18 years of talks towards all four export control regimes is consistent, its evolution being part of the same organic policy shift. All four export control regimes are informal in character; these are not treaty-based undertakings but rather arrangements among groups of like-minded countries. The reason that India’s quest for NSG membership exposed such sharp differences within the NSG has less to do with India’s bid, and more about NSG’s origins in the aftermath of the 1974 Indian peaceful nuclear explosion (PNE), its ambiguous relationship with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the changing geopolitics overshadowing the politics of nuclear non-proliferation. –CB Report

BEIJING

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he Netherlands is to begin exporting veal to China after 18 years of negotiations, the Financieele Dagblad said. The Netherlands is the Sirst country in Europe to gain entry to this large market which remains closed to other exporters as well as to Dutch producers of other sorts of meat, the paper said. ‘The export of veal to the Chinese is good news for the Dutch farmer. A lot of people have worked towards this for a long time.’ China closed its doors to European meat in the late 1990s after the outbreak of mad cow disease. The disease has been under control for many years, but not entirely removed from Europe. A cow infected with BSE died two years ago in France. Reputation The good international reputation

of the Dutch meat sector helped diplomats to lift the ban, said Henny Swinkels, director of the familyowned Van Drie of Apeldoorn, one of the world’s leading calf producers in the world. Swinkels says the market for veal must be developed but estimates annual sales of between

€20m and €30m from 2021. Meanwhile, The world’s largest iron ore exporter delivered a mixed message on the outlook, raising near-term price forecasts but combining that revision with a more sombre message that China’s gargantuan imports are set to level off

as steel production eases in the coming years. Iron ore will average $61.80 a metric tonne this year and $51.10 in 2019, Australia’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science said in a quarterly report on Monday. That compares with projections of $52.60 and $48.80 in the previous outlook. The forecasts are for free-on-board prices. Prices are “expected to moderate, to better reSlect the fundamentals of growing low-cost supply from Brazil and moderating demand in China,” the department said, predicting rising global volumes this year as well as next, driven by new mines including Vale’s giant S11D project in Brazil. Steel production in China will drop each year through to 2023, while iron ore shipments from Australia and Brazil rise before levelling off, it forecast. Iron ore received a battering in March, collapsing into a bear market.

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Revenue oﬃcers asked to complete 100% recovery target Wednesday April 18, 2018

Business

SARGODHA: Additional Deputy Commissioner Tariq Khan Niazi has directed the revenue oﬃcers to meet hundred percent recovery targets of agriculture tax and other government dues. Addressing a meeting here on Saturday, he directed the Assistant Commissioners (ACs) of all tehsils and oﬃcials of the Land Record Computerization to achieve the target as early as possible.

ADB Signs Deals worth $375m to Improve Irrigation ISLAMABAD

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government have signed two loans totalling $375 million to improve irrigation services and promote public-private partnerships (PPP) in Punjab province. The ADB would provide loan for projects including the one for Jalalpur Irrigation Project amounting to $274.63 million; and second for enhancing Public-Private Partnership Investments in Punjab amounting to $100 million (ADB’s share). The loan agreements were signed by ADB Country Director for

ex- ppDc cfo handed over to NAB on remand LAHORE

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Pakistan Xiaohong Yang and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani at a ceremony in Islamabad. Secretary of Planning and Development De-

NAB to complete investigation against Lanjhar in two months

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n accountability court has handed over the former chief financial officer (CFO) of the Punjab Power Development Company (PPDC) Ikram Naveed to National Accountability Bureau on 13-day physical remand, according to a report by a private media outlet. The Anti-Corruption Establishment had accused the former chief financial oﬃcer of the Punjab Power Development Company (PPDC) Ikram Naveed and others of embezzling funds worth Rs230 million.

partment Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and Secretary of the Irrigation Department Asadullah signed the project agreements on behalf of the provincial government. The $275 million

Jalalpur Irrigation Project will develop a surface irrigation system in Jhelum and Khushab districts of Punjab by drawing water from Jhelum River at Rasul Barrage. The project will convert over 68,000 hectares of less productive and predominantly rain-fed area into irrigated farmland beneSiting 384,000 people. The irrigation system will include intake structure at Rasul Barrage, main canal (117-kilometres), distributaries, minor canals, cross-drainage structures, Slood carrier channels, and associated structures. The project will improve water-use capacity of 485 water user associations at each watercourse, who will participate in planning, designing, construction, operations, and maintenance of watercourses.

KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has granted the accountability watchdog two months to complete investigations against Law and Prisons Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjhar in connection with alleged corruption and accumulation of assets. A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro, directed the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) special prose-

cutor to complete the investigation and submit a progress report by June 21. Till then, the court also extended the interim pre-arrest bail earlier granted to the minister on May 29, 2017. Lanjar, who belongs to the Pakistan People’s Party, had apprehended his arrest by NAB on charges of corruption and had approached the court seeking bail to avoid his arrest. During proceedings, the special prosecutor informed the judges that the inquiry launched against the provincial minister had been completed and the same had been converted into

an investigation. The prosecutor alleged that during the inquiry, Lanjhar was found involved in corrupt practices, misuse of official authority and accumulation of movable/immovable assets beyond his known sources of income. The court was informed that the inquiry suggested that the petitioner had purchased a bungalow in Karachi’s upscale Defence neighbourhood. The prosecutor claimed that Lanjar’s name was duly mentioned in the sale agreement of the bungalow, which he got transferred on the name of his father-in-law.

Ansari urged to resolve issue of wht refund claims MULTAN

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he textile sector in Pakistan has an overwhelming impact on the economy and contributes 57% to the country’s exports, said Minister of State for Commerce and Textile Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari. Talking to a delegation of the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), he said, “In the highly competitive global environment of today, the textile sector needs to upgrade its supply chain, improve productivity and maximise value-addition to be able to survive.” The minister assured of resolving problems faced by the ginning industry. Speaking on the occasion, PCGA Chairman Muhammad Akram apprised the minister of their grievances like stuck refund claims of withholding tax and unjust and embarrassing notices of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ginners. Akram demanded that the ginning industry be exempted from sales tax on electricity and withdrawal of cotton standardisation fee. The minister assured that the issues would be referred to the concerned ministries.

SSgc posts after tax earnings of Rs8614m in 2016-17 ISLAMABAD

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ui Southern Gas Company has posted after tax earnings of Rs8614 million in 2016-17. The company posting losses since 2013-14 has yet to Sinalise accounts for Sinancial year 2016-17. According to ofSicial data, the company has been in loss since 2013-14. During 201314 its loss after was Rs3753 million,

which increased to Rs5391 million during 2014-15 and in 2015-16, company’s after tax loss was Rs6115 million. The ofSicials of the company blamed delay in revision of consumer sales price resulted in excessive Sinancial charges and delayed payments to its creditors affecting adversely the Sinancial position of the company. They also argue that since 2011, the SSGC was preparing its accounts based on stay granted by the Sindh High Court (SHC) on matters

relating to UFG bench mark, treatment of late payment surcharge, royalty from JJVL and proSit from meter manufacturing from FY 2010-11 to FY 2014-15. However, the honourable court dismissed all the appeals Siled by SSGC against OGRA which contributed to overall loss to the company. On the other hand after showing losses for consecutive three years SNGPL showed proSit in 201516 and 2016-17. It posted a proSit of Rs124 million in 2015-16 and after

tax earnings of Rs8614 million in 2016-17. During 2013-14 its losses were Rs3964 million which reduced to Rs2494 million in 2014-15. Increase in UFG percentage and reduction in UFG benchmark by OGRA from 7 percent to 4.5 percent increased UFG disallowance which further aggravated the company’s losses. The ofSicials claim increase in provision of doubtful debt disallowance further deteriorated the Sinancial position of the company.

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Iran’s revenues through car imports fall TEHRAN: The Iranian government’s revenue through car imports stood at 15,100 billion rials during the first 11 months of the last fiscal year, ended March 20, 2018. The figure is 27.1 percent less compared to the same period of the preceding year, according to the country’s Central Bank data. The government revenues of car import taxes was significantly below the forecasted figure for the 11-month period (29,600 billion rials). Meanwhile the country’s car imports during the same span of time witnessed a rise by 3 percent to $1.653 billion. The country’s revenue from car import taxes was projected to hit 32,200 billion rials by March 2018, according to the last year’s budget. The Iranian government’s total tax revenues amounted to 921.8 trillion rials during the first 11 months of the last fiscal year, 7.6 percent more year-on-year.

LccI & DRAp to help deal with issues relating to health & pharma sector

Wednesday April 18, 2018

Chambers

entrepreneurs urged to focus on branding to promote exports

LAHORE

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he Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry has demanded of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to form a liaison committee as any further delay will destroy the pharmaceutical industry. The demand was raised by the LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid while talking to the Chairman Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Dr. Sheikh Akhtar Hussain at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid, Mian Misbah ur Rehman, Ijaz A. Mumtaz, Kh. Shahzeb Akram, Naeem Hanif and others were also present. Malik Tahir

Javaid said that a liaison committee comprising members from LCCI and DRAP would help deal with issues pertaining to health and pharma sector. Chairman DRAP welcomed the proposal and also said that operations and regulations of DRAP are being restructured and transformed on modern scientific basis. The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid drew the attention of DRAP Chairman towards increase in dollar rate, late issuance of final registration letter and form six & seven to the importers. He said that there is 15% increase in exchange rate of dollar which has made the production of such medicines unviable that are made of imported raw material. DRAP must take necessary step to give instant relief to the industry. Malik Tahir Javaid said that DRAP issued Medical Device Rules 2015 which have now been replaced with Medical Device Rules 2017.

ISLAMABAD

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akistan has good potential to enhance exports to USA and Europe by developing good brands and business community should focus on branding of products to promote business activities and improve exports. This was said by Muhammad Siddique from Atlanta, Georgia USA, a Global Social Media Authority, Mass Publicity InSluencer, and Entrepreneurial Philanthropist as well as host of Instant Publicity Interviews. He was holding an interactive session with local business community on “Secrets to Grow Business” at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Muhammad Siddique said that many Pakistani products including IT & software have the potential to get good market share in Western and European markets and stressed that business community should develop brand stories as it was vital to develop good brand stories to get the attention of customers in the prevailing highly competitive business environment at local and interna-

tional level. He also provided many valuable tips to the participants for successful growth of businesses. Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry in his welcome address said that Pakistan was witnessing youth bulge and promoting entrepreneurship in youth would put the country on the path of sustainable economic

growth. He stressed that government should offer some good incentives in the coming budget for entrepreneurship promotion in the country. He said government should also provide loans on easy terms to the youth for business startups as it would help in promoting business activities and reducing unemployment. Muhammad Naveed Malik Senior Vice Pres-

LccI for ground-reality based tax reforms LAHORE

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axation system needs reforms based on ground realities and due consultation process with the stakeholders to ensure resultoriented policies for the businessmen. Harmonization in tax system across the country is also a must to get rid of the issue of dual taxation. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid said in media statement here Wednesday that though amnesty scheme was a good step to bring out-of-country capital into the country but these could not be productive until and unless major issues like withholding tax on banking transactions were resolved. LCCI President stressed the need for making the existing system eco-

nomically neutral, taxpayer-friendly, equitable, progressive as well as facilitative and supportive to generate healthy business activities for all. “Taxation is, of course, important source of revenue collection but tax policies must be based on the best international practices and universally accepted canons of taxation,” he added. He expressed the concern that with the existing narrow taxbase, the policymakers should revolutionize the tax policy options instead of burdening the existing taxpayers whether corporate, (LSE&SME) salaried, individuals and certain other documented sectors of the economy. He called for giving an end to withholding tax regime, tariff structures leading to protectionism and creating hurdles so as to promote the domestic industry. He suggested Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) must remove various distor-

tions in the existing tax policies by giving due consideration to the feedback of all the representatives of business organizations. It was universally an admitted fact that public policy makers could make noticeable difference by linking their mindset to ground realities. Malik Tahir Javaid blamed the tax department’s ofSicials of misusing Section 38-B of Sales Tax Act 1990 and paying unnecessary visits to markets and go downs that perturbed business people. “We are of the view that teams from tax department should visit the markets, if indispensable, but they should be bound to follow due process,” he said and asserted that FBR should convene a meeting to be attended by all the Chambers of Commerce, prominent representatives bodies, associations and lay down uniform and transparent policy guidelines for the Sield formation.

ident and Nisar Vice President ICCI thanked Muhammad Siddiqui, Entrepreneurial Philanthropist from Atlanta, Georgia, USA for coming to ICCI and giving a detailed lecture on the secrets to grow business to the local business community. They hoped that his useful tips would help the businessmen in better growth of their business ventures.

fpccI hails govt decision to put cpftA-II on hold resident FPCCI Ghanzanfar Bilour and Senior Vice President Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir have expressed their gratitude to Federal Commerce and Textile Minister Muhammad Pervaiz Malik and Prime Minister’s Advisor on Revenue Senator Haroon Akhtar Khan for deferring finalization of second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA-II). The non-signing of CPFTA-II has been welcomed by trade and industry sectors of the country, a statement issued by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry said. FPCCI leaders elaborated that Pakistan was a developing country and its industrial base was very thin as compared to China.

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Sargodha FIU seizes smuggled apples SARGODHA: The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 8690 kilogram apples worth more than Rs20,85,600. FIU also impounded Hino truck worth Rs 40,00,000 which was being used for smuggling purpose. It is pertinent to mention here that Rs10,50,000 customs duty (CD) is imposed on import of foreign origin apples.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Multan customs ASo impounds three NDp vehicles worth Rs 4 million MULTAN IMRAN ALI

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he Customs Collectorate Anti-Smuggling Organization impounded three smuggled vehicles in their different action. According to details, Multan Customs AntiSmuggling Organization has initiated crackdown against smuggled vehicles in the jurisdiction on the directions of Collector Ambreen Ahmad to curb non customs paid vehicles. The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has enhanced the patrolling in the suspected areas of the Multan. Special teams of Anti-Smuggling Organization vehicle branch was asked to remain watchful on the road and given task to detect smuggled vehicles moving on the roads. Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization has taken two foreign origin vehicles into their possession from Sahiwal during their patrolling. Both vehicles Suzuki Jimmny jeep of Model 2009 and Suzuki Kei of Model 1998 were found suspicious to Customs AntiSmuggling Organization during their initial examination. Customs team asked the drivers of the

vehicles to produce documents of said vehicle to justify their possession. Customs team found documents of detain vehicles bogus after veriSication from Motor Registration Authority. Customs

anti-smuggling squad has taken another suspicious vehicle of Honda Accord Model 2003 into their possession during road checking activity near Arif Wala region .Said owner was asked to produce

documents but he failed to produce anything and said vehicle was also non-customs paid .Customs AntiSmuggling Organization seized all three vehicles under the Customs Act 1969.Seized vehicles were

shifted to State Ware House of Multan Customs. The net value of three seized vehicle has been around Rs.4 million. Further investigations are still under way regarding seized vehicles.

ANf recovers 1.091 tons drugs, 1625 liters acetic anhydride; arrests 27 RAWALPINDI

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nti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan has seized 1.091 tons narcotics and 1625 liters acetic anhydride worth Rs1.25 billion in international market and arrested 27 persons including two females allegedly involved in drug smuggling. According to ANF spokesman, ANF impounded seven vehicles

while conducting 27 counter narcotics strikes across the country and seized drugs comprised of 1019.65 kg Hashish, 23.29 kg Heroin, 36.35 kg Opium, 5.85 kg Amphetamine, 5.94 kg Methamphetamine and 1625 Liters Acetic Anhydride. Most of the recovered drug was intended to be smuggled abroad. ANF Quetta seized mega cache of drugs comprising 930 kg Hashish and 1625 liters Acetic Anhydride in two separate intelligence based operations conducted at Qilla Abdullah and Quetta. According to details, ANF Quetta raided a desolate site located at

Killi Popal Zai, Tehsil Gulistan, District Qilla Abdullah and seized 930 kg Hashish. In second operation, ANF Quetta recovered 1625 liters Acetic Anhydride from a godown based at Old Truck Adda, Satellite Town, Quetta. ANF Rawalpindi arrested British National IdentiSied as Faiz ur Rehman at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad and recovered four kg Hashish. In another operation, ANF Rawalpindi acting on a tip-off intercepted a vehicle from parking area of Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad and recovered 8.65 kg Heroin concealed in front doors of the vehicle. Three accused

identiSied as Zahid Ali Khan and Zaro Jan r/o Lakki Marwat and Muhammad ShaSique r/o Gujranwala were also arrested during the operation. In third operation, ANF Rawalpindi arrested an accused identiSied as Usman Maqbool r/o Lahore from Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad and recovered 540 grams Heroin. In fourth operation, ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a car near Railway Park, Attock and recovered two kg Hashish from personal possession of two accused identiSied as Zahid Iqbal and Sajid Mehmood both r/o Attock. ANF Rawalpindi arrested an accused identiSied as Umar Saeed

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r/o Swabi from Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad and recovered two kg Heroin concealed in his trolley bag. ANF Lahore intercepted a motorcycle near Chiragabad Motorway Interchange and recovered two kg Opium from personal possession of Saif Ali r/o Chiniot. Further, on pointation of the arrested accused 43.2 kg Hashish and 34 kg Opium was also recovered from Dera Rana Ihtisham, 334 JB, Chiragabad. In another operation, ANF Lahore arrested two accused identiSied as Muhammad RaSique alias Feeqa and his lady accomplice Rehyana Kousar both r/o Sheikhupura at Multan.