Daily on www.customsbulletin.com
Find us on
pAkiSTAn’S firST inDepTH newSpAper on cuSToMS
Daily
ABC Certified
Karachi, Thu August 31, 2017
LAHORE
M HAYAT
www.customsbulletin.com
M
ember Information Technology, Federal Board of Revenue Khawaja Adnan Zaheer highlighting various aspects of IRIS said that 90 percent IRIS related complaints are being resolved on urgent basis. Federal Board of Revenue is going to sign an accord with State Bank of Pakistan and M/s One Link to facilitate traders to Qile their tax returns from their banks by using debit and credit cards. FBR is taking number of measures to bring most of people under tax net due to which number of taxpayers is increasing day by day. A seminar on Income Tax Return 2017 was held under the auspices of Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) at a local hotel the other day. Member Information Technology, Federal Board of Revenue Khawaja Adnan Zaheer was the chief guest
Vol 2, Issue No. 198
Price Rs. 14.00
on the occasion. Prominent tax lawyers, chartered accountants, income tax practitioners, and ex-presidents of Lahore Tax Bar Association including Shahbaz Butt, Rana Munir Hussain, Zahid Atiq, Chaudhary Manzoor Ahmad, Farhan Shahzad, ex-senior vice presidents Tufail Asghar, Khurram Shahbaz Butt and ofQice-bearers from Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Okara, Pattoki, Kasur were also present on the occasion. Khawaja Adnan Zaheer said we should promote tax culture as taxes play vital role in strengthening economy. He said due to comprehensive policies introduced by Federal Board of Revenue marginable increase is being witnessed in taxpayers. He assured the participants that FBR will welcome any suggestions and recommendations submitted by Tax Bar for strengthening tax system. On this occasion, Chaudhary Qamaruz Zaman President Lahore Tax Bar Association thanked Member Information Technology FBR Khawaja Adnan Zaheer for taking personal interest in resolving traders’ issues.
Customs detains huge quantity of foreign origin goods near Mandra
DG Valuation decides to revise VR No 698/2014 in last week of Sep
Customs I&I foils bid to smuggle 657kgs cloth
British High Commissioner calls on the Finance Minister
Multan Customs detects tax evasion of Rs6.833m by Textile Mills
DG of Customs I&I has detained heavy quantity of NDP smuggled goods | See pAge 02 |
DG CustomsValuation, has decided to revise theValuation Rulings No: 698/2014 | See pAge 03 |
Customs I&I anti-smuggling squad has foiled a bid to smuggle cloth | See pAge 04 |
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew, called on Ishaq Dar | See pAge 11 |
The Customs Collectorate has detected tax evasion of Rs6.833 million | See pAge 16 |
2
www.customsbulletin.com
Govt reduces mandatory course for promotion by four weeks Thursday, August 31, 2017
ISLAMABAD: The government has reduced the period for mandatory promotion training by four weeks for both national training course (NMC) and senior management course (SMC). According to a circular issued by Establishment Division on Thursday, the course period for NMC has been reduced to 18 weeks from 22 weeks. Similarly, the time period for SMC has been reduced to 16 weeks from 20 weeks. The reduced duration will apply with effect from the next NMC and SMC commencing from September 11 and 23, 2017, respectively.
Islamabad
customs detains huge quantity of foreign origin goods near Mandra
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT
M fAiZAn
www.customsbulletin.com
www.customsbulletin.com
ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has provided last year’s income tax returns and wealth statements submitted by taxpayers in order to facilitate in filing the return for tax year 2017. The FBR has uploaded the income tax return forms for tax year 2017 for individuals and salary persons on its online portal i.e. Iris. FBR officials said that taxpayers could able to retrieve the declaration of last years and on the basis of last year’s provided data, especially in wealth statements, the taxpayers would find it easy to fill and submit current year’s return. The last date for filing income tax returns by salary persons for tax year 2017 is August 31, 2017. This is statutory time limit available under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Friday denied a news report appearing in a section of the press, claiming that FBR’s online system underestimates tax liabilities. “FBR categorically denies such news as manual calculation made by the assessing officer in the body of manually typed order was not in accordance with the charging provision of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001,”, said a press statement issued by the board.
F
T
he Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has detained heavy quantity of non-duty paid smuggled goods of Indian, Chinese and Thai origin worth more than million rupees. According to details, on tip off, anti-smuggling staff of Directorate General of intelligence and investigation of the Federal Board of Revenue, Rawalpindi, comprises intelligence officer Ghulam Sarwar and others intercepted a Mazda mini-truck coming from Lahore bearing registration no: LES 5899 near Mandra Toll Plaza. The truck was driven by Mudassar Iqbal, a resident of Maria P.O. Nakiyal Tehsil Fateh Pur Thakyala, District Kotli. On search, the customs team recovered Indian, Chinese and Thai made miscellaneous goods, including Sunsilk Shampoo 320 ml, Vaseline hair tonic and scalp conditioner 100 and 200 ml, Promex CHS3 new UN1760 class 8 Corrosive Liquid 5 chlord 2 Methly 4-1 Sthazolim 3 one 2 Methyl 1-4 isothiazolin 3 one 25 Kg. Yipin Pigments (S130) Synthetic Iron Oxide Red oxide de Hierrd Sintetico Roja Roja each of 25 Kg, Kimix Redispe sible Powder Polymer, Supreme G-Raj To-
fBr facilitates taxpayers in filing of tax returns
bacco net weight 50 gram, Guru Zafrani Patti scented chewing tobacco net weight 40-e and foreign origin national high power juicer Model No. FP 610s grass weight 11-k. On demand, the driver failed
to produce any evidence regarding legal import or lawful possession of the recovered goods except bill of lading no: 438, 387, 409, 2705 and 431 issued by Lahore Cargo Beroon Madina Electric
Market Shah Alam Gate Lahore. Therefore, the anti-smuggling staff seized the goods under section 17 of the Customs Act, 1969, for further verification of its legal import and payment of duty and taxes.
iHc adjourns hearing of reference filed by Smart Zone pvt Ltd
A
ISLAMABAD
nAeeM uLLAH TAriQ www.customsbulletin.com
division bench of Islamabad High Court dated in office hearing of a customs reference filed by Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad. Earlier, IHC bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani had heard the case. FBR field office had filed customs case against
M/s Smart Zone Private Limited and others. Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation had challenged announcement made by Customs Appellate Tribunal before the court through the said cases. Earlier in the Justice Aamer Farooq had issued notices to parties regarding assisting court on the matter of M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited. The appellant had challenged the act of recovery of said
amount by Commissioner Inland Revenue of Large Taxpayer’s Unit, Islamabad. ATIR was also made respondent in the case as the tribunal had sustained departmental decision regarding issuance of show cause notice and demand of recovery of outstanding tax amount in head of federal excise duty. M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited had prayed the court that FBR office had issued a recovery notice to the company which did
not hold lawful grounds. The appellant had prayed the court to declare the act as illegal and without any lawful authority and an interim stay may be granted against recovery proceedings. M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited had also mentioned that departmental obligations were not met amid processing the notice of recovery demand while later the adjudication did not address grievances of the appellant.
3
www.customsbulletin.com
SHC orders Customs to release solar/LED light consignments KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has ordered Customs authorities to release more than a dozen of consignments of solar/DC LED lights. A SHC appellate bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan, was hearing a constitution petition filed by Millad Traders and 13 other importers of LED lights. Secretary FBR, Collector Customs, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Engineering Development Board, Alternate Energy Development Board are cited as respondents. Hyder Shaikh advocate appearing for the petitioners submitted that they availed the exemption under 5th Schedule of Customs Act 1969, 6th Schedule of Sales Tax Act 1990.
SHc orders release of soap consignments under customs lows
Thursday August 31, 2017
Karachi
Dg Valuation decides to revise Vr no 698/2014 in last week of Sep
KARACHI
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered release of consignments of toilet soaps as per Customs Valuation Ruling. A SHC appellate bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Zulfiqar Ahmed Khan, was hearing a petition filed by Ashraf Traders challenging the enhanced rate of custom duty determined by the Director Valuation. The bench, which has earlier issued notices in hundreds of identical petitions and in another dozens ordered release on payment of differential amount between the value declared by the importers and Valuation Ruling, ordered release of the goods on payment of customs duty as per Valuation Ruling.
T
ipr enforcement South seizes smuggled goods KARACHI
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
irectorate of IPR Enforcement South has seized a consignment of counterfeit goods, which was imported from China. On the directives of Director Amer Rashid Sheikh, Deputy Collector Hina Gul examined a consignment arrived from China, which contained Fair & Lovely cream of Indian origin as claimed by the packing of the goods. The Directorate drew the samples and sent them to M/s Unilever. After a joint examination, it was confirmed that the goods were counterfeit, which were seized later. The consignment also contained a large quantity of watches. The Directorate would proceed with the case after the right-holder, M/s Unilever in the case of Fair & Lovely, lodges the formal complaint.
D
KARACHI
wAQAr AHMeD AnSAri www.customsbulletin.com
D
irectorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt, has decided to revise the Valuation Rulings No: 698/2014 in the last week of September, it is learnt here. According to the details, Surriya said that the department is reviewing suggestions from importers to set new prices. She further said that some valuations, which were issued three years ago, were being reviewed from the beginning. Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of rising prices in international markets. Sources told Customs Today that an application was submitted by the importers to Customs Valuation in which change in prices of abrasive products was requested. Sources said that Valuation Ruling No. 698/2014 abrasive products issued on November 6, 2014. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on 3rd August, 2017. Importers were told to furnish the import invoices of the last three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained. The copies of contracts were made/LCs opened during the last three months showing the value of
item in question and copies of sales tax invoices issued during the last four months showing the difference in price (excluding duty and taxes) to substantiate that the beneQit of difference in price is passed on to the local buyers. Source said so many previous valuation ruling waiting to be revised. Sources said that a number of previous valuation ruling were under observation for new prices. Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the
Sources told that an application was submitted by the importers to customs Valuation in which change in prices of abrasive products was requested. Sources said that Valuation ruling no. 698/2014 abrasive products issued on november 6, 2014
court sends suspects to jail involved in smuggling
T
KARACHI
M B rAnA
www.customsbulletin.com
he Customs Taxation & AntiSmuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has sent suspects namely Muhammad Rafiq Khan son of Muhammad Ameen Khan and Muhammad Tahir son of Ameem Khan on physical remand who is booked in a case of smuggled/ non-duty paid 15,000 liters HSD. During the hearing, investi-
gation officer produced the above named accused person before the court and informed that on credible information, officials of the customs department intercepted oil tanker loaded with 15,000 liters of Iranian HSD for illegal disposal of local market. Investigation ofQicer further informed the court that prosecution needs further investigations from the suspect, therefore, court may send him back to customs department on physical remand.
After his arguments, court sent him back to customs department on physical remand of four days; court also directed investigation ofQicer to produce him on next date of hearing along with progress report. According to the prosecution, case was registered for violation of under section 2 (s) 16, 157 (2) & 178 of the Customs Act 1969 punishable under clauses (8) (9) & (89) of sub-section (1) read with subsection (2) of the section 156 of the Customs Act 1969.
customs value BOPET / holographic and PET sequin Qilm vide valuation ruling no 1204/2017 under Section 25-A of the Customs Act, 1969. Customs values of BOPET / Holographic and PET sequin Qilm were earlier determined through Valuation Ruling No.876/2016 dated 23-06-2016. There were several representations from different traders and Qlexible Packaging Association of Converters of Pakistan, for determination of customs value of BOPLI Film a fresh.
SBp injects rs 1435.15b into market tate Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on injected Rs 1435.15 billion into money market for eleven days through its open market operation. The rate of return accepted is 5.76 percent per annum, said an SBP press release.
S
4
www.customsbulletin.com
Customs Preventive staff told to follow office timings strictly Thursday August 31, 2017
Lahore
LAHORE: The newly posted Collector of Customs Collectorate of Preventive Collector Faiz Ahmed directed all officials and staff of the Collectorate to follow the office timings strictly. According to a notification no: HRD/Office Order/95/2016/629 issued on 23.8.2017, the collector has taken notice of poor attendance of officials and staff posted at Headquarters. He directed to all concerned officials and staff of the Collectorate to ensure attendance by 9:10 a.m. without fail. Any violation of this office order will be dealt with (E&D) Rules, 1973. It is necessary to mention here that newly posted Collector of Customs Preventive Faiz Ahmed told the Customs Anti Smuggling Organization to be vigilant of the smugglers and bring down the smuggling activities under the limits of the Collectorate and break the nexus of the large sized organized groups of the smugglers.
customs court extends remand of accused involved in smuggling LAHORE
M iMrAn MeHAr
www.customsbulletin.com
T
he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has asked the investigation team of customs department to complete investigations and submit challan of 14 kg gold smuggling case. Court has extended 14 days judicial remand of ccused Muhammad Riaz. According to the details, accused Muhammad Riaz was arrested by the customs authorities after rejection of his pre arrest bail plea by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Accused Muhammad Riaz is a main accused in smuggling of huge quantity of gold to Dubai. Earlier the customs authorities have arrested two female suspects involved in smuggling
Traders express concern over raids by custom teams ools hardware heat ventilation and air conditioners traders have expressed their concern over the raids by the customs authorities in the city. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry standing committee on tools and hardware heat ventilation and air conditioners Chairman Syed Mukhatar while addressing the traders alleged that the customs authorities harass genuine traders who deal in the legally imported goods. He said that business activities have badly affected due to the harassment in the market, causing losses of billions of rupees. He also criticized the income tax collectors who misbehaved with the business community. On the occasion, a large number of traders from the sector were present besides LCCI acting president Nasir Hameed Khan , convener law and order committee Tahir Manzoor, Muhammad Arshad. –CB Report
T
of 14 kilogram gold and currency from Multan International Airport. According to details Customs authorities at Multan International airport recovered 14 kilogram gold wearing both females in their hands in shape of bangles (kara) and anklets (pazaib) along with39000 Saudi riyals and United Arab Emirates dirhams. Multan Customs had seized the recovered gold and foreign currency of worth approximately Rs.64.6 million and lodged FIR on the both arrested women in charges of smuggling and money laundering. Accused Muhammad Riaz was in custody of customs investigation on physical remand. During the Qirst week of August he was produced before the court of Masood Arshad where he sent him to jail for judicial trial. Another accused of the case Mazhar Hussain is still offender and customs authorities are failed to arrest him.
customs i&i foils bid to smuggle 657kgs cloth LAHORE
M HAYAT
www.customsbulletin.com
T
he Customs Intelligence and Investigation antismuggling squad has foiled a bid to smuggle cloth worth thousands of rupees in a car from Peshawar to Lahore. Sources told Customs Today that the Customs Intelligence team intercepted a Toyota Corolla car loaded with smuggled cloth worth Rs 0.8 million and arrested two suspects. The Customs I&I intercepted the vehicle near Foreman Christian College. It was said that the customs authorities seized 657 kilogram cloth from the car. The suspects were identified as Tasleem Khan and Azeem, residents of Peshawar. The sources said that the smugglers wanted to supply the smuggled cloth to Azam
Market in Lahore. The Customs authorities after impounding the cloth worth Rs 0.8 million arrested the accused persons and sent them to jail. The sources said that the Customs I&I conducted the operations on the directions of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Director Rubab
T
Sikandar. The authorities after registering FIR against the accused persons have started further investigations. It is pertinent to mention here that Customs Intelligence and Investigation anti smuggling squads already expedited their efforts to curb smuggling attempts in the city.
fTo adjourns hearing of case filed by court to hear case of mis-declaration proprietor of M/s Hafiz plastic works he Special Federal Court of surety bonds of Rs 500,000. Ac-
F
ederal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor has adjourned the hearing of a case Qiled by the proprietor M/s HaQiz Plastic Works against the Regional Tax OfQice-II (RTO), Lahore. As per details, the FTO heard the case of Qiled by proprietor of M/s HaQiz Plastic Works in which the counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO has failed to release the refunds to the appellant of the last two years. He said that the RTO collected excessive tax from the
company during the last three years. The company approached the ofQicer concerned many times for issuance of the refunds but the department did not pay the refunds after the passage of reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that the delay in issuance of refunds put burden on the taxpayers. –CB Report
Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling adjourned hearing of the case of the alleged tax evader for September 28 whose post arrest bail plea was approved. Name of the accused is placed in Exit Control List (ECL). According to details available to Customs Today accused Muhammad Saqlain was involved in under invoicing of import of goods. Customs Court had put his name in exit control list. He was arrested while trying to Qlee from the country. On Tuesday last week customs court approved his bail against
cused Muhammad Saqlain paid his bonds of Rs 500,000 and court allowed him to go. On other hand the Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling on Thursday heard 16 cases, including pre-arrest bail pleas filed by suspects. Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings as the parties and lawyers concerned did not appear in the court. Hearing of pre-arrest bail pleas filed by accused Abdul Razaq and Salman were adjourned for new dates in next week. –CB Report
case filed by Malik ice factory adjourned till next date
T
LAHORE
SAJiD nAwAZ
www.customsbulletin.com
he Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has heard the case Qiled by proprietor of M/s Malik Ice Factory against the Regional Tax OfQice, (RTO-II) Lahore until the next date of hearing. According to the details, FTO Ad-
visor Tariq Yousaf heard the case Qiled by proprietor of M/s Malik Ice Factory. The counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO had failed to release the sales tax refund to the appellant for the last two years. He said that RTO-II collected excessive tax from the company during the last two years. The petitioner approached the officials concerned several times for is-
suance of the refunds, but the RTO officials failed to clear the refunds after the passage of reasonable time. Finally, the appellant decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the RTO-II to clear the refund claims. The counsel further said that the delay in issuance of refunds put burden on the taxpayers,
adding that the RTO-II should make audit of the cases and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer. On the other hand, counsel for RTO-II argued that the appellant has not submitted all record in the office for claiming refunds. If appellant provides accurate record, the RTO-II will issue the refunds after proper assessment, he added.
www.customsbulletin.com
ADVERTISEMENT
5
6
www.customsbulletin.com
MULTAN
iMrAn ALi
www.customstoday.com
f
ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) Member Customs Zahid Khokar and Customs Central Region Chief Collector Zeba Hai Azhar have visited Multan Customs House to review revenue collection measures. Member Customs Zahid Khokar also inaugurated the newly renovated Conference Room of the Multan Customs House along with Central Region Chief Collector Zeba Hai Azhar. On this occasion, Collector Saud Imran, Additional Collector Asdaq Afzal Sensera, Deputy Collector Saad Ata Rabbani, Assistant Collector Zohaib Sandhila, Assistant Collector Muhammad Ikram were also present along with their staff at Customs House. After the inauguration of Conference Room, Collector Saud Imran informed Member Custom Zahid Khokhar and Chief Collector Zeba Hai Azhar that Multan Customs has successfully accomplished the assigned revenue collection target due to ceaseless efforts made by ofQicers and entire team during economic year 2016-17. Collector told that Collectorate collected Rs.862 million under the head of customs duty up to 24th August while the Collectorate was able to collect only Rs475 million in the corresponding period 2016-17. Multan Customs has collected Rs5594 million including customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty (FED) in the existing
Qiscal year 2017-18. Collector told that Multan Customs has posted almost 175% growths in the July and August of existing Qiscal year due to effective measures adopted by Collectorate in the revenue collection. But Multan Customs Collectorate has collected only Rs2733 million in the matching period of Qiscal year 2016-17. The Customs Collectorate Multan has placed their complete focus on revenue generation by devising encouraging strategy. The Customs Collectorate Multan has surpassed all assigned tar-
torate collec t a h t er d n und tor tol millio collec 2 6 8 . p to ted rs duty u s m collec o t us ad of c ile the the he ust wh g ect u A to coll 24th e l b a was torate in the illion collec m 5 7 4 s 16-17 only r iod 20 r e p g n pondi corres
gets of revenue due to their continuous efforts. Multan Customs has planned aggressive strategy against smuggling in the jurisdiction and huge quantity of smuggled vehicles and goods were seized during different actions. Anti-Smuggling Organization made 26 seizure cases worth Rs77.4 million during July and up to 24th August. The Customs collectorate Multan has seized 20 various foreign origin vehicles of worth Rs.40.6 million and miscellaneous goods of worth Rs.36.8 million during the on-going Qiscal year 2017-18. Mutual efforts are required to curb the menace of smuggling in the region and Multan Customs is extending their coordinating with law enforcement agencies to curb smuggling in the region. Collector told that elimination of smuggling in the jurisdiction will promote legitimate trade and it will generate further revenue for the Collectorate. Multan Customs has enhanced the surveillance at the Multan International Airport and other suspected areas of the jurisdiction to thwart any smuggling attempt. Collector Saud Imran informed them that 98 % of Multan Customs imports clearances consist of High Speed Diesel (HSD) products and enlighten its immense importance for the region due to strategic locality. He expressed that Multan Customs is focusing to promote their import clearances other than oil imports from Multan Dry Port in order to generate more revenue.
www.customsbulletin.com
Thursday, August 31, 2017
7
8
www.customsbulletin.com
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
fTAs and business as usual
f
ree trade agreements are signed to boost bilateral trade with partner countries but in Pakistan’s case most of the agreements have adversely affected the local business and industry. According to newspaper reports, Pakistan’s imports have jumped by 300 percent during the last three years thanks to blind signing of FTAs. In a situation where exports have constantly been declining, the increase in imports means increase in trade deficit, which has now crossed an alarming level of $32 billion. At last, the burden of mismanagement is laid on the foreign exchange reserves. The country’s political scenario has recently changed with ouster of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ensuing chaos has created a vacuum to be filled by second and third tier politicians. God forbid, the country is being pushed toward anarchism as all the external and internal forces are active to disturb peace not only in Pakistan but also in the region. The undue pressure from unserious US president is adding insult to injury which will not only jeopardize regional peace but also economy. The government, on the other hand, seems caught between devil and deep blue sea. According to experts, the local industry lacks ability to counter and compete with the products dumped by the countries with which we have free trade agreements. Therefore, there is a need to review and revise FTAs to maintain trade balance in favour of all sides. The FTAs should not be signed at the cost of the local industry. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has already demanded the government revisit the sections of the free and preferential trade agreements in coordination with partner countries to improve the situation.The FTAs are the integral part of the world economy and are signed for the cause of mutual benefits and protection of Pakistan’s economic interests. However, there is a need to negotiate terms and conditions of agreements before they are signed. It appears the Pakistani officials lack abilities and capacities to negotiate with the partner countries. The free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements have so far paved the way for influx of foreign goods in local markets. The cheap and substandard foreign products have negative impact on the local industry.
Trump exposed himself T
LAHORE
Dr AfTAB AfZAL
www.customstoday.com
he recent tumultuous events within and outside the country could leave serious implications on the national economy. The announcement by US President Donald Trump has not only jeopardized the chances of peace in Afghanistan but also in the region. It is always said that little knowledge is dangerous thing and that is what Mr Trump as exposed in himself by announcing a perfunctory statement, accusing Pakistan of harbouring terrorists in its land. The statement shows that Indian lobby is proactive in Afghanistan to use it as a base to launch ter-
rorism and insurgency in Pakistan, and is also injecting money and every other thing in Washington to mislead the US ofQicials on the ground situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr Trump has miserably failed in his home front within a few months of taking over the ofQice of the US president and now the botched foreign policy has exposed the level of his wisdom and credibility. The diatribe against Pakistan is uncalled for which has lost 70,000 people andincurred $100 billion losses in economic terms in the US war on terror. One cannot expect thanklessness to this extent from the ofQicial of a country which is the harbinger of civil liberties, democracy and the
world economy. Against the uncalled for statement, the world capitals, including Beijing, Moscow and Tehran voiced concern over the ignorance of Mr Trump and urged him to admit the sacriQices made by the Pakistan army and the people in the so-called war on terrorism. Mr Trump is now planning to send another 4,000 troops to Afghanistan without giving a timetable for withdrawal. The blistering attack on Pakistan will further send the two countries apart and his claim that US paid Pakistan billions of dollars is nothing more than a bluff. Pakistan is not housing any terrorist and it is not even in our national interest. Pakistan as a country
wants peace and stability and rejects terrorism. All the concentration of the government is on economy though it is not capable of exploiting the potentials of business opportunities which are knocking the door of the country. The main problem is India which wants to cripple Pakistan’s economy and its political stability through its agents in media organizations, lawyers community and political parties. It is time the Indian leadership come out of its paranoid approach, stop hatching conspiracies against Pakistan and accept the country as a reality. Mr Trump should also get some sort of brieQing on foreign affairs and accept the role and sacriQices of Pakistan in the war on terror.
9
www.customsbulletin.com
FBR recovers Rs500000 from bank account of Islah Private limited LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue has frozen the bank accounts of a famous company Islah Private Limited. The FBR has recovered Rs500000 from a bank account of Islah Private Limited. According to the sources of Customs Today, the FBR has attached the bank account of Islah Private Limited at Bank al Falah Gullberg, Main Boulevard’s Branch, on Wednesday and recovered Rs500000 as Income Tax. The company has been defaulter of Income Tax for the years 2014 and 2015. Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue has issued a final notice to a famous and costly fashion brand Hassan Shehr on the tax evasion of Rs11million. According to details available to Customs Today through a reliable source, the Federal Board of Revenue has served a notice on the HSY to pay its due tax within 15 days otherwise strict action will be taken against the fashion brand.
collector Adjudication summons owner of nDp goods
Thursday August 31, 2017
National
Sindh cM terms fBr’s rs 6 billion tax deduction illegal
LAHORE
M HAYAT
www.customsbulletin.com
ollector of Customs Adjudication Ambreen Ahmed Tarar has issued a show cause notice to owner of the non duty paid goods and directed him to appear in person or through his legal team on 28.8.2017. According to the details, as reported in the contravention report, M/s Thokoo Impex (NTN No. 3836055) imported 296 consignments of potatoes through SRO 549(I)/2008 and availed unnecessary concessions and benefits. During audit of import documents it was revealed that the above said company with the connivance of clearing agent deliberately deprived
C
the government of its legitimate revenue of Rs59,999,981/- (on account of sales tax amounting to Rs50,898,983/-) and on account of additional sales tax Rs8,999,997/-). The company willfully caused a loss of revenue to national exchequer by evading duty and taxes. Now after receiving the contravention report Collector Customs Adjudication Ambreen Ahmed Tarar has issued a show cause notice to owner of non duty paid goods and his clearing agent M/s ARY Cargo Sanatpura, New Police Chowki, Wagha Lahore on 28.8.2017 at 11 a.m. at Custom House, Nabha Road, failing which ex-parte proceedings will take place. It is also pertinent to mention here that Customs Adjudication department is expedited its efforts to conclude the hearing of pending cases on priority basis. Hearing of pending cases is being held on daily.
KARACHI
S
M B rAnA
www.customsbulletin.com
indh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has termed tax deduction of over Rs6 billion by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) unconstitutional and illegal. Presiding over a preparatory meeting for the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the chief minister also announced to take up the issue in the CCI meeting. He said that the FBR’s deduction of the withholding tax imposed on vehicles went against the spirit of an agreement between the Sindh government and the State Bank. According to the report, the FBR has deducted over Rs6.2 billion during 2015-16 and recently it has deducted Rs292 million from the Sindh government’s accounts, said Finance Secretary Hassan Naqvi. In case the matter was not resolved, the chief minister issued directives to Advocate General Zameer Ghumro to Qile a constitutional petition in court. Talking about the national water policy, which is among the
agenda items for the meeting, Murad said he wanted sufficient supplies regularly to secure riverine areas and their economy. He emphasised that there should also be an arrangement for the disposal
of rainwater. He assured meeting participants that he would support formation of the National Water Commission for the resolution of water disputes if he was appointed its chairman on a rota-
tion basis. Referring to Balochistan’s claims regarding compensation for water supplies, Murad said Sindh had never stopped water supply to the province and the claim was not justified.
SHc calls remarks on plea seeking release of vehicle KARACHI
T
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the customs authorities to Qile their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition Qiled by Muhammad Usman Shah, seeking release of his Toyota Surf jeep bearing registration no PBF-8439 seized by customs authorities. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Yousaf Ali Saeed, was hearing the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the customs department sought time to Qile comments, therefore, court granted time and adjourned the matter. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that he neither Qirst owner nor importer of the Toyota Surf jeep bearing registration no 8439, he pur-
chased it from market after fulQillment of all legal requirement, however, ofQicials of the customs department detained the same without showing any lawful reason and respondents claimed that it was smug-
gled vehicle. He argued that he explained all the reasons and produced lawful documents, however, they denied for release of his vehicle. Citing Secretary Ministry of Finance, Director Directorate Intelligence & Inves-
tigation-FBR Regional Tax OfQice Karachi as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala Qide and arbitrary and also direct them to release his vehicle immediately.
10
www.customsbulletin.com
Assist Commissioner-IR Raisul Hassan to retire soon Thursday August 31, 2017
National Suspension period of Muhammad Yasin further extended
ISLAMABAD: Raisul Hassan, an Inland Revenue Service officer of BS-17, is going to retire from the government service on attaining the age of superannuation. The officer, presently posted as Assistant Commissioner-IR at Corporate Regional Tax Office, Karachi, will stand retired from the government service on December 4, 2017.
Dr Muhammad nadeem takes charge as Director of karachi pcA
ISLAMABAD
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
ISLAMABAD
D
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he suspension period of Muhammad Yasin Wattoo, a Pakistan Customs Service officer of BS-16 has further been extended. In continuation of Board’s Notification No.1490-C-III/2017 dated 16.05.2017, the competent authority has extended suspension period ofMuhammad Yasin Wattoo, presently posted as Inspector at Model Customs Collectorate (Preventive), Lahore for a further period of three months with effect from August 16. Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Shahab, a BS-20 officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Commissioner-IR. The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No 2143-IRI/2017, dated 10.08.2017, took the charge of the post of Commissioner-IR (Zone-IV), Large Taxpayers Unit, Lahore with effect from August 17.
T
commissioner-ir Mumtaz promoted to BS-19 Mumtaz Ali Bohio, an officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Additional Commissioner-IR (BS19). The officer, in pursuance of Board’s Notification No. 2205-IRI/2017 dated 17.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Commissioner-IR (OPS) (BS-18), Regional Tax Office-III, Karachi with effect from Aug 18 and took the charge of the post of Additional Commissioner-IR (BS19), Regional Tax Office-III, Karachi on the same date. Meanwhile, Abdul Salam Khan, an officer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Additional Commissioner-IR (BS-19). –CB Report
A
r Muhammad Nadeem Memon, a Pakistan Customs Service ofQicer of BS-19, has taken the charge as Director, (OPS) Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Karachi. The ofQicer, in pursuance of Board’s NotiQication No. 2106-CII/2017 dated 07.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Additional Collector, Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Karachi with effect from August 15 and assumed the charge of the post of Director, (OPS) Directorate of Post Clearance Audit, Karachi on the same date. Meanwhile, Saleem-ur-Rehman, an ofQicer of Inland Revenue Service, has assumed the charge as Secretary (BS-19). The ofQicer, pursuing the
Board’s NotiQication No. 2205-IRI/2017 dated 17.08.2017, relinquished the charge of the post of Sec-
retary (OPS) (BS-18), Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad with effect from August 17 and took the
charge of the post of Secretary (BS19), Federal Board of Revenue (HQ), Islamabad on the same date.
customs exports receives rs16.8 million take during 25 days of August T
KARACHI
wAQAr AHMeD AnSAri www.customsbulletin.com
he Customs Exports has successfully collected Rs16.8million during 25 days of August for Fiscal Year 2017-18. If we talk about the last 20 days of August, the Customs Exports has generated Rs14.6million during the Qirst 20 days of August. Sources said the Customs Exports issued total 13 show cause notices out of which 10 Qinal notices were served on defaulter companies in 25 days of August. Yesterday, the Customs Exports issued show cause notices to two factories in order to collect the evaded tax amount. The customs authorities issued notices to M/s Naina Marble and Export Karachi and Fayyaz Enterprises MirpurKhas, Sindh. M/s Naina Marble and Export Karachi used the wrong Pak-
istan Custom Tariff heading to get its marble tiles consignment cleared in the 1st of August 2017 and caused the national exchequer
a loss of Rs3.6 million. Checking the data in the current month, the Customs Exports found the company using the wrong PCT heading. After
detecting the tax evasion, the customs authorities issued a showcause notice No: 181/2017 to recover the evaded tax amount.
11
www.customsbulletin.com
NAB arrests two in Rs100m scam PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arrested two man, Razaullah and Ubaidullah, on the allegation of cheating public at large and depriving them of more than Rs100 million. An official communiqué said an inquiry against Jamal Khan Khattak, ex-Area Sales Manager, Nestle Pakistan Ltd, established Khattak Enterprises. The accused person in connivance with Jamal Khan Khattak lured general public to invest in the company for profits. The accused persons misled innocent individuals by inducing them that investment is being made into a Nestle’ Pakistan Ltd. For this purpose, accounts were opened in banks in the name of Khattak Enterprises, the statement said, adding, both accused persons Razaullah and Ubaidullah werethe signatories of the bank accounts and withdrawn millions of rupees.
Taxation is an important source of revenue collection: founders group LAHORE
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he Founders Group of traders has said that taxation is an important source of revenue collection by the government to provide certain facilities to its citizens either free or at nominal charges but good tax reforms can put the economy back on track and can also bring untaxed sectors into the tax net. Leaders of Founders Group, Mian Muhammad Ashraf, Sheikh Muhammad Asif and Farooq Iftikhar, said that taxation is an important source of revenue collection by the government to provide certain facilities to its citizens either free or at nominal charges. Such taxation systems are considered good and are welcomed by general public which are fairly implemented and
T
transparently spent without discrimination. Founders Group leaders said that unfortunately, Pakistan lags far behind in introducing balanced taxation system which may win confidence of taxpayers and at the same time meet the standard of best practices around the globe. They said Pakistan’s ranking in paying taxes is 171 and it is even outclassed by regional competitors like Sri Lanka and India which are at 158th and 157th places respectively. They said that in India, the total numbers of tax payments are 33 whereas in case of Pakistan and Sri Lanka these are 47 apiece. It should be matter of grave concern that Pakistanis have to spend almost 594 hours to get fully discharged from their tax liabilities as compared to 243 hours by Indians and only 167 hours by Sri Lankans. Founders Group leaders said that number of taxes and frequency of paying taxes must be reduced. Moreover, taxes may be paid quarterly instead of every month.
National
customs Tribunal orders M/s Sadaqat Limited to pay taxes to customs Dept
collector faiz Ahmad advises officials to follow discipline KARACHI
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he newly posted Collector of Customs Collectorate of Preventive, Faiz Ahmad, has advised the customs officials to follow discipline and improve their performance. The collector had the first ever introductory meeting with various sections’ officials which come under the limits of his Collectorate at the Customs House Nabha Road. The staff of the department held meeting with the collector included Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), Statistic Department, Technical department, General Branch, Accounts Office and others. The sources said that the collector instructed the staff to work to achieve the financial year’s revenue target besides facilitate work with diligence and devotion for the department’s integrity. He told the Customs ASO department to be vigilant of the smugglers and bring down the smuggling activities under the limits of the Collectorate and break the nexus of the large sized organized groups of the smugglers. He directed the ASO staff to adopt zero tolerance against all kind of illegal trade under the limits of the Collectorate.
T
T
LAHORE
SAJiD nAwAZ
www.customsbulletin.com
he Customs Appellate Tribunal has ordered a respondent M/s Sadaqat Limited Faisalabad to pay duties and taxes to the Customs Department and mention it in the show cause notice. Imran Tariq, Member Technical Bench-II, heard the case in details and passed the judgment that, according to the spirit of the case, the respondent is liable to pay duties and taxes on the wastages as apprised of by the collectorate having the jurisdiction. During the course of the audit for the Financial Year 2011-12, it was observed that licensee shall be allowed to dispose of the wastage in the local market as per provision of the import policy order after the payment of duties and taxes at the appraised value determined by the customs ofQicer. During the course of audit, it has been pointed out that a considerable quantity of 244,500 kilograms of wastage of viscose embroidery thread and 100 percent polyester fabrics is lying indisposed with licensee M/s Sadaqat Limited.
Thursday August 31, 2017
In view of the above audit observation, the licensee was directed to deposit the government’s dues. The show cause notice was issued for the adjudication proceedings. The adjudication authority directed the licensee to deposit the pointed out recoverable amount into the government’s treasury immediately. Being aggrieved from the order, a case was Qiled before the Collector of Customs (Appeals) who passed the Order-In-Original and set aside the
impugned order passed by the former authority. Being aggrieved from the order, the appellant department Qiled the case before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that OrderIn-Original is bad in law and against the facts. On the other hand, respondent denied all the allegations. After hearing the case in details, the Customs Appellate Tribunal has ordered the respondent to pay duties and taxes.
Minor penalty imposed on customs inspector
W
FAISALABAD
nAeeM SHeikH
www.customsbulletin.com
ajid Zaman, a Pakistani Second Secretary Officer, has punished Inspector Akram by imposing a minor penalty of inefficiency and issued a notification No: 1833-C-III/2017. Disciplinary proceedings under the Government Servants Efficiency and Discipline Rules 1973 were initiated against the officer presently posted as Inspector at the Model Customs Collectorate Faisalabad vide charge-sheet dated 0308-2016 Pirzada Muhammad Omar Qasmi, Deputy Collector Faisal-
abad, now Deputy Collector MCC Preventive Lahore. Omar Qasmi, Deputy Collector (BS-18), was appointed as Inquiry Officer to conduct an inquiry into various acts of omission and commission committed by the accused officer constituting inefficiency and misconduct. According to the inquiry report, the charges of inefficiency and mis-
conduct were established against the accused officer. A show cause notice dated 31-03-2017 was issued to the accused officer and he was also called for personal hearing by the authorized officer on 3005-2017. After considering the charges framed in the charge-sheet inquiry report of personal hearing and other available record, the ac-
cused officer was found guilty of inefficiency under rule 3(a) of the Government Servants Efficiency and Discipline Rules 1973. The authorized officer has therefore imposed a minor penalty of withholding of four increments without cumulative effect upon inspector Muhammad Akram falling on 1st of December 2017 under rule 4(1)(a)(ii) of the Government Servants Efficiency and Discipline Rules 1973. His period of suspension from 25-07-2016 till his provisionally reinstatement of service with immediate effect shall be treated as a leave admissible under the rules.
12
www.customsbulletin.com
World Customs
Brazil warns tax amnesty will soon close
BRASILIA: Brazil has said individuals and legal entities have until August 31, 2017, to agree to pay tax debts to avail themselves of reduced penalties and interest charges. The tax agency said that taxpayers must pay the first instalment of their debt by that date. The amnesty was launched in June and covers unpaid tax due up to April 30, 2017. Under the initiative, late-payment interest charges will be reduced by between 50 percent and 90 percent and fines will be cut by 25 percent to 50 percent, depending on how quickly taxpayers pay off the outstanding tax debt.
Thursday August 31, 2017
uS customs seizes sizable meth load at el paso port
russia to give $70 million loan to Belarus MOSCOW
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
WASHINGTON
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT
R
www.customsbulletin.com
U
S Customs and Border Protection OfQice of Field Operations ofQicers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 23 pounds of methamphetamine Monday night. The estimated street value of the seized contraband is $736,000. “This was a deeply concealed drug load,” said Beverly Good, CBP El Paso Port Director. “CBP ofQicers are working hard every day to uphold the CBP mission and protect our nation.” The seizure was made just before 8 p.m. when a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with a single female driver entered the Ysleta international crossing from Mexico. A CBP ofQicer working at the primary inspection station directed the driver to the secondary inspection area. CBP ofQicers used the ZPortal x-ray system to scan the ve-
port of Tauranga reports profit rise he Port of Tauranga’s net profit climbed 7.9 percent to $83.4 million in the year ended June, compared with $77.3m last year. The port handled 1.1 million containers last year as it became the only one in New Zealand able to accommodate super-large container ships. The port’s chairman, David Pilkington, said it has an edge over other ports. “The successful completion of our dredging project in September was a turning point, as bigger vessels were able to call in New Zealand for the first time.” Port revenue rose 4.2 percent to $255.9m, with export volumes rising 8 percent and imports up 13.7 percent. Pilkington said it was clear that New Zealand was moving to a structure of several large hub ports receiving and sending cargo and connected by coastal shipping to smaller feeder ports. –CB Report
T
hicle and noted a number of anomalies, A CBP drug snifQing dog also searched the vehicle and provided a positive response for the presence of drugs. CBP ofQicers discovered a non-factory compartment within the vehicle Qilled with bundles. The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine. CBP ofQicers took custody of the driver, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen from Phoenix, Arizona. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents to face
charges associated with the failed drug smuggling attempt. While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the uniQied border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation’s borders at and between the ofQicial ports of entry.
china’s July ethanol exports rise 8% on month to 19,814 cum
C
hina’s ethanol exports rose 8% month on month to 19,814 cu m in July, General Administration of Customs data released last showed. More than 99% of China’s ethanol exports in July were of undenatured ethanol. Saudi Arabia remained the main destination for China’s undenatured ethanol exports in July at 12,945 cu m, about 65% of total exports, followed by North Korea at 4,137 cu m and the Philippines
at 2,015 cu m. Over January-July, China exported a total 97,137 cu m of ethanol, 97% of which was undenatured ethanol. Export volumes are expected to fall from August due to a rise in domestic ethanol prices in the month, market sources said. Hydrous ethanol prices rose about Yuan 100/mt ($15/mt) in the Qirst half of August to Yuan 4,5004,800/mt, while anhydrous ethanol prices. –CB Report
ussia is to give Belarus a loan of $70 million, designed to repay Minsk’s debt to Russia, as well as to the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development. The corresponding order was published on August 24 on the webpage law.by. The Belarusian side is to repay the loan twice a year (April 15 and October 15) for 10 years. The Qirst instalment will be made in the spring of 2018. Moscow will give Minsk the necessary amount in Roubles, but the loan will be paid back in dollars. Ex-chairman of the Supreme Council of Belarus, Stanislav Shushkevich, has warned that further allocation of loans will lead to a default in Belarus. “He (the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko), is driving Belarus into great debt. This will
G
probably lead to a default. I cannot give him advice, because he does not recognize reasonable advice. He has been given advice for a long time as to how to modernize the economy, but he is threatened with losing power. With this loan, Russia is saving the Belarusian dictator,” Shushkevich said, adding that while he understood the necessity to allocate a loan for Belarus, which will not suffer if it is used wisely, “Belarus will pay it for a very long time”. In the Qirst four months of 2017, Belarus paid $120 million in repayment of the public debt. At the same time, it is expected that in 2017 alone, Minsk will return $741 million. According to the balance of payments, CBR (Central Bank of Russia) version, Belarus owes Russia about $6.4 billion. Russia remains a key partner for Belarus from a trade, Qinancing and political perspective. The gas price dispute with Russia, which echoes various energy disputes in the 2000s, remains unresolved, thus creating uncertainty for the 2017 economic and Qinancial outlook.
german budget surplus hits a record ermany’s federal budget surplus hit a record 18.3 billion euros ($21.6 billion) for the first half of 2017 thanks to a solid economic performance and rising tax revenue, according to the Federal Statistics Agency (Destatis) on Friday. This figure takes into account the budgets of the central, state and local governments in addition to the various social security funds. The surplus was not distributed evenly among the various offices though. The central government, for example, recorded a deficit of 2.5 billion euros, mainly
due to a repayment of 7.1 billion euros to energy companies for a nuclear fuel tax which was rules illegal. State and local governments on the other hand added 8 and 6 percent respectively. Although the country has once recorded a higher surplus since its reunification in 1990 – in the second half of 2000, when it recorded a surplus of 28.8 billion euros – this is the highest level recorded without one-off effects. The 2000 surplus record was only possible thanks to a special auction of mobile bandwidth frequencies. –CB Report
customs nabs two attempting to smuggle gold at igiA
T
NEW DELHI
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
wo men have been arrested by the customs for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country gold valuing about Rs2.7 million at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The accused were intercepted by the customs ofQicials af-
ter their arrival from Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. “Detailed examination of their baggage and their personal search resulted in recovery of 933.12 gms gold having market value of Rs 2.7 million, in the form of eight gold biscuits of 116.64 gm each,” a press release issued today by the customs said. The gold has been seized and the passengers have been arrested, it said. Meanwhile, Gold and memory
cards worth Rs 34.9 million have been seized by customs department ofQicials at the New Courier Terminal (NCT). According to a release by the customs department, two packages, which had come from Hong Kong and Bangkok and claimed to have been carrying Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) devices for computers by their senders, were examined yesterday. Upon opening the Qirst con-
signment, 36 packets carrying 43,020 pieces of memory cards, concealed with brown tape inside the box of the UPS, were found, it said, adding the market value of the goods, which have been seized, is about Rs 17.2 million. In the second package, which was supposed to be carrying four computer UPS, six gold bars (weighing a total of six kg) were found inside it.
13
www.customsbulletin.com
Five ships take berth at Port Qasim KARACHI: Brisk shipping was observed at the port where five ship C.V MSC pina, C.V CMA CGM Narmaca, M.V E-Trader, M.T Tiama Gas M.T and Tom Val Brog carrying containers, Steel product LPG and Furnace oil were arranged berhting at Qasim International Container Terminal, Multi Purpose Terminal, SSGC Terminal and FOTCO Oil Terminal respectively on 20. Meanwhile, ten more ships with containers, Diesel oil, Rapeseeds, Soya Bean, General cargo, Chemicals, LPG and Coal also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. High side berth occupancy was recorded at the port at over 76% on Sunday where a total of thirteen ships namely, MSC Pina, CMA CGM Narmada, GH Zephyr, E-Trader, Ruyi-I, Beks, Cenk, Pacific Tale.
Hambantota port deal opens new era for china-S Lanka ties hinese port operator China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) signed a 99-year lease agreement in Colombo to develop Hambantota Port in southern Sri Lanka in the presence of Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe and China’s Ambassador Yi Xianliang. CMPort, which also has a similar contract with Colombo Port, will take charge of all commercial and administrative management operations at Hambantota under the $1.5 billion deal, giving it a 70 percent stake, with SLPA holding the remaining 30 percent. The landmark agreement was finalized on July 25 by the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Sri Lankan cabinet describing it as “a win-win situation for both countries.” It was first proposed during the tenure of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tenure.
C
At the signing ceremony, Minister Samarasinghe said: “This is a historic day for us as Sri Lanka and China embark on a new journey to develop Hambantota Port,” under which CMPort will invest US$1.12 billion in the port and a nearby Sri Lanka-China Logistics and Industrial Zone. The agreement will be beneficial for Sri Lanka’s 20 million people, injecting new vitality into the strategic cooperative partnership in various fields. It is expected that it will boost Sri Lanka’s foreignexchange reserves by encouraging Chinese investors to establish cement, iron industries and various refineries in and around Hambantota. Hambantota Port which is 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Colombo, is a deep-water port located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, and its strategic location offers huge opportunities for the Sri Lankan economy. –CB Report
Ports & Shipping
Thursday August 31, 2017
port of cardiff invests over £4m to support steel sector G
global ports posts H1 loss
WASHINGTON
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
A
BP South Wales are investing over £4 million into warehouse improvements and handling equipment at the port of Cardiff in order to support customers in the steel, forest products, and other general cargo sectors. In April 2016, ABP South Wales took over the stevedoring of steel and general cargo operations at Cardiff from a third party provider. This investment forms part of a long-term plan to continually improve the infrastructure and equipment the port provides to these customers. The £4 million investment includes new warehousing, upgrades to existing warehouses, and new port handling equipment. The upgraded warehouses and new equipment will beneQit several steel sector customers who have signed long-term agreements, to develop their businesses at the port of Cardiff, in order to beneQit from these investments.
An aerial view of Queen Alexandra Dock at the port of Cardiff Matthew Kennerley, Director of ABP South Wales, said: “We have worked closely with steel sector customers over the past 18 months to best establish how the port can meet the needs of their individual businesses. This substantial investment has resulted in these businesses committing to remaining at
the port of Cardiff for many years to come.” All works are due to be completed by the end of 2017. The port of Cardiff is owned and operated by ABP South Wales. It supports 2000 jobs and contributes over £120 million to the UK economy every year. It can accommodate vessels up to 35,000 dwt and annually handles around 1.7 million tonnes of cargo.
lobal Ports has reported an after-tax loss of $6.7m for the six months to the end of June against a profit of $0.4m last time/ The group said the result included $15.1m amortisation expense in relation to port operation rights. The group said that having successfully completed the London IPO of GPH in May, it raised net primary proceeds of $73m which would be used to develop and expand its cruise business. Overall revenues during the period declined by 5.7% from H1 2016 ($52.7m) to $49.7m and segmental EBITDA margins fell 110bps to 64.7%. It said: “Ongoing geopolitical developments led to a deterioration of consumer sentiment towards Turkey, and a significant decline in cruise calls at the Turkish cruise ports (particularly Ege) which had a material impact on cruise revenues. “However, weakness in Turkish cruise ports has been partly offset by the strong performance in the Commercial business, which is insulated from regional instability. During this period, Commercial revenue was up 1.6% and commercial segmental EBITDA up 4.9% YoY. –CB Report
port of Siuslaw looks for ways to right ship WASHINGTON
A
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
t Wednesday’s Port of Siuslaw public meeting, commissioners and employees attempted to renew public conQidence following the contentious dismissal of former port manager Steven Leskin. Leskin’s tenure led to numerous arguments between the commission and the manager, complaints from moorage customers and public disenchantment with the port and its policies. Administrative Assistant Dina McClure, who is currently acting as interim port manager, asked to begin the process of Qinding Leskin’s replacement. This is the second time McClure has assumed the role of interim manager, the Qirst following the retirement of manager Bob Forsythe. McClure has been with the port since 2009. She sug-
gested that an individual step in as an interim manager on a part time basis, saying, “I’m already getting behind in my administrative work because I’ve been wearing two hats.” Commissioner Bill Meyer suggested caution in hiring a new manager too quickly. “What I worry about is, we’ve had a little bit of trouble the last four or Qive months. An outside individual may not be sure whether the problem was with the board or with someone else,” he said. “If Dina can agree to work in her position for a while, I would like the opportunity for the port to show the world that we’ve got our stuff together.” Commissioner Terry Duman agreed. “I think we need to rest on our laurels a bit and let things get even keeled.” Commissioner Mike Buckwald stated he wasn’t interested in hiring an interim manager, with Duman adding, “We already have a great interim manager.”
The commission agreed to give McClure latitude to hire extra help through the busy season, with the caveat that she remains as interim manager. Duman then requested McClure begin looking into options to push the development of the 40acre industrial park the port owns, located at the end of the cul-de-sac in the Pacific View Industrial Park off Kingwood Street in Florence. The park, which had been in development for over a decade, has remained largely vacant since its inception. “Right now we’ve been sitting on this property for way too long and it’s just costing us money,” Duman said. “Our role as a port is not to just own this property. Let people develop it and bring commerce to the area.” He suggested putting a call out to multiple realty brokers to come up with solutions on how to present the park to potential buyers, including ideas for
redesignating the property as commercial or residential. The commission then tackled issues surrounding moorage customers’ complaints, specifically the requirement for vessels to have insurance. Leskin, who first implemented insurance requirements the previous year, faced criticism toward his tactics to ensure compliance, including soliciting lawyers for collections. Leskin felt this was vital to restore order and consistency with moorage customers. John Murphy, co-owner and agent from Coast Insurance Services Inc., researched what similar ports along the coast require and presented his findings to the board. In Murphy’s opinion, a minimum policy of $500,000 was needed for commercial vessels, and $100,000 for recreational. Leskin set the amounts at $1 million and $300,000, respectively.
14
www.customsbulletin.com
FIA takes action against OneCoin and Bitcoin ISLAMABD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched action against OneCoin and Bitcoin. According to the report of a regional channel, FIA, after receiving a statement from State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is going after OneCoin and Bitcoin. Initially, FIA will take action in Lahore and later it will be countrywide. Exact reasons for this action against OneCoin and Bitcoin have not been made clear. The exact news is embedded at the end. Interestingly, PITB is supporting an event “Earn with Bitcoin” at Arfa Kareem Technology Park, Lahore.
Thursday August 31, 2017
Business
uk High commissioner calls on Dar ISLAMABAD
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
B
ritish High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew, called on the Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, at the Ministry of Finance. The Finance Minister and the High Commissioner discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the Qield of trade and investment. The Finance Minister said that Pakistan and the UK have a strong and historic partnership with mutual cooperation in various areas, and this partnership will further strengthen in the coming years. He
nAB gets physical remand of land grabbers MULTAN
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT
said that Pakistan values the support and contributions of the British government for various development initiatives in Pakistan. The British High Commissioner
‘china-pak economic corridor will boost friendly ties to new heights’
www.customsbulletin.com
ational Accountability Bureau (NAB) secured 13 days physical remand of three land grabbers for keeping state land occupied at Taunsa Barrage pond area for years and amassed illegally Rs 7 million. Accused Ghulam Siddiq, Muhammad Umar and Niaz were arrested last Thursday in connection with investigations into a case citing allegations that they kept occupying 450 acres of irrigation department land at Taunsa barrage Pond area since 2010 and illegally earned Rs 7 million.
N
thanked the Finance Minister for his role and support in strengthening bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and the UK. The High Commissioner apprised the
Finance Minister regarding the progress of the ongoing Brexit negotiations. He said that bilateral trading arrangements between Pakistan and the UK will further flourish in the future. He also informed the Finance Minister that two high-level British delegations will visit Pakistan next month to hold discussions aimed at fostering trade and investment ties between the two countries. Welcoming the planned visits of the British delegations, the Finance Minister said that the visits will provide both sides another opportunity to explore new avenues for enhancing cooperation. The Finance Secretary and senior ofQicials of the Ministry of Finance and British High Commission also participated in the meeting.
P
ISLAMABAD
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
akistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid, Friday said the friendship between Pakistan and China will gain greater heights during the conference on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Shanghai. According to the Pakistan embassy in Beijing, he was addressing the conference organized by Pakistan Study Center, Fudan University in Shanghai. The Conference discussed various aspects of CPEC, its progress and the way forward. The
conference was attended by seasoned diplomats, policy makers, academics and experts from both Pakistan and China. The notable participants included Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Sha Zukang, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Professor Song Zhihui, Professor Sun Hongqi, Professor Tang Mengsheng, Dr. Rifaat Hussain and Consul General Naeem Khan. In the inaugural address of the Conference, Ambassador Masood Khalid highlighted the all weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. He stated that friendship with China enjoys across the board support in Pakistan,
cross cutting political afQiliations or ethnic diversity. He said the two countries have been close partners for the past six decades and this friendship will gain greater heights in future. He said that Pakistan’s commitment to implement CPEC remains Qirm and will not be affected by recent political developments. The process of CPEC implementation will be accelerated, Ambassador added. Masood Khalid said that Pakistan’s Foreign Policy is focused on promoting peaceful neighbourhood based on the principles of mutual respect, non-interference and equality.
weekly inflation witnesses nominal increase ISLAMABAD
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he weekly inflation for the week ended on August 24 for the combined income groups witnessed nominal increase of 0.05 percent as compared to the previous week. According to the data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week under review in the above mentioned group was recorded at 219.53 points against 219.42 points last week. As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined group in the week under review witnessed increase of 0.61 per cent. The weekly SPI has been computed with base 2007, 2008=100, covering 17 urban centers and 53 essential items for all income groups. Meanwhile, the SPI for the lowest income group up to Rs 8,000 increased by 0.16 percent as it went up from 209.48 points in the previous week to 209.82 points in the week under review. As compared to the last week, the SPI for the income groups from Rs 8001 to 12,000, Rs 12,001 to 18,000, Rs 18,001 to 35,000 and above Rs 35,000, also increased by 0.10 percent, 0.07 percent, 0.04 percent and 0.01 percent respectively.
T
rice worth $107.896 million exported ISLAMABAD
R
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
ice worth US$ 107.896 million has been exported during the first month of current financial year. Rice exports from the country during the month of July, 2017 grew by 34.74 percent as about 200,995 metric tons of rice worth US$ 107.896 million was exported as compared the ex-
ports of 164,092 metric tons valuing US$ 83.974 million of same month last year. During the period under review, exports of basmati riceincreased by 28.49 percent and reached at 30,951 metric tons worth of US$ 32.990 million. The exports of basmati rice during July, 2016 was recorded at 28,725 metric tons valuing US$ 27.731 million, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Meanwhile, the country earned US$ 74.906
million by exporting about 170,044 metric tons of rice other then basmati rice, which was recorded at 135,367 metric tons valuing US$ 56.24 million of same period last year. During first month of current financial year about 32,704 metric tins of vegetables of different kinds worth of US$ 10.330 million exported as against the exports of 32,791 metric tons valuing 8.147 million of same period of last year.
The food commodities including wheat and sugar witnessed tremendous increase in their respective exports during first month of the current financial year by showing 100 percent increase. On the other hand food group imports into the country during first month of current financial year swelled by 43.15 percent as compared the imports of same month last year. The imports of food commodities into the country was recorded
at US$ 534.693 million as compared the imports of US$ 373.512 million of same month last year. The major food items which had registered increasing trend in their respective imports included dry fruits, nuts tea, spices, soya bean and palm oil. The food commodities with negative growth in their respective imports including tea and leguminous vegetables (pluses) and milk cream and milk food for infants.
15
www.customsbulletin.com
IRSA releases 285,000 cusecs water ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Friday released 285,000 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 280,400 cusecs. According to the data released by IRSA, water level in the Indus River at Tarbela Dam was 1543.73 feet, which was 163.73 feet higher than its dead level 1380 feet. Water inflow in the dam was recorded as 168,200 cusecs while outflow 165,000 cusecs. The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1233.10 feet, which was 183.10 feet higher than its dead level of 1040 feet whereas the inflow and outflow of water was recorded as 22,200 cusecs and 30,000 cusecs respectively. The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa and Sukkur was recorded as 208,000, 168,300 and 84,000 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from the Kabul River, a total of 26,700 cusecs of water was released at Nowshera and 30,700 cusecs released from the Chenab River at Marala.
Hcci decides to support uB group in election HARIPUR
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT
Thursday August 31, 2017
Chambers
Mauritius keen to promote bilateral trade with pakistan
www.customsbulletin.com
aripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) Saturday decided to unconditionally support United Business Group (UBG) in the upcoming FPCCI elections.The HCCI remained divided for the last three years and voted for both, the UBG and Businessmen Panel (BMP) in the FPCCI elections. A meeting of the traders and industrialists was held here with Group Leader of HCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh in the chair during which decision to this effect was taken said a press release. The meeting was attended by President HCCI Sheik Ilyas, Presidents of all four groups of traders including Safdar Zaman Shah, Haji Fakhar-e-Alam, Malik Nazeer and Dr. Amjad. The industrialists from Hat-
H
tar Industrial Estate were represented by their leaders Malik Aashiq Awan, Tayyab Swati, Haji Attaur Rehman.They said that we have decided to unconditionally support the UBG forever as Sailing on two boats will never serve their interests or resolve the problems. The business leaders paid glowing tribute to Atif Ikram Sheikh for uniting the business community of Haripur. Speaking at the occasion, Atif Sheikh, who has also served as president HCCI, President ICCI and Central Chairman PVMA said that he has tried to united businessmen so that they have a strong voice.We will support UBG unconditionally and we hope that they would help us resolved our outstanding issues, he added. He said that Haripur is an important district while Hattar is a leading industrial estate providing jobs to thousands of people and revenue in billions.
ISLAMABAD
T
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
he Acting High Commissioner of Mauritius, Mervin Nadrajen Chedumbarum visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and addressing the business community said that his country was keen to promote bilateral trade with Pakistan as both countries have good potential to do business in many areas. He said Mauritius was a stepping stone for Pakistan to enter into the markets of Southern and Eastern Africa and Pakistan should further strengthen its cooperation with Mauritius to get better access to African markets. He said Mauritius was importing many products from India and China while Pakistan could promote its exports to his country by ensuring high quality of its products. He said Mauritius was an attractive destination for tourism as 1.5 million tourists visited his country and added that Pakistani investors have good potential to invest in hotel industry in Mauritius to achieve lucrative outcomes.
He said both countries could also increase cooperation in tourism sector to achieve mutually beneQicial results. He assured that he would facilitate Pakistani private sector for further enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Mauritius. Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
said that Pakistan and Mauritius had signed a Preferential Trade Agreement in 2007 providing concessions to many products of each other, however, the bilateral trade between the two countries was still far less than their actual potential. He stressed that both countries must cooperate with private sectors to explore new avenues of improving trade volume.
Lcci calls for macroeconomic reforms LAHORE
M
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
acro-economic reforms and necessary policy changes can turn Pakistan into an economic power, which is a must to tackle the challenges posed by the changing global scenario. Addressing a seminar here Saturday, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan said that there was a dire need to get rid of the external influence to achieve the target of self-reliance and economic stability. They said that those areas should be handled carefully which were hampering collective growth of all sectors of economy. The LCCI office-bearers said that business community
could play the role of an ‘Economic Force’, and it should be facilitated and must be taken into confidence on trade and industry related issues. They said that taxation related issues of business community should be resolved on priority to create environment conducive for business activities. They added that government should also help manufacturing sector to reduce its production cost. Government should also develop a policy for loss-making Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) which were becoming an unbearable burden on the national economy and were eating up hundreds of billions of rupees annually, they said and mentioned that these PSEs should be pulled out of deQicit that not impossible at all. The LCCI ofQice-bearers also suggested to the government to announce incentives for private
sector to give boost to exports and control fast widening trade deQicit. “Pakistan’s exports are conQined to a few destinations while a major chunk comprises textiles only. Measures are direly needed to enhance export base by including more items and new export destinations,” said LCCI President. Abdul Basit said that in the 1960s, the collective exports of a number of Far Eastern countries were much smaller than Pakistan, but today each country has bigger export than Pakistan and they achieved this milestone by giving proper consideration to proposals of their respective business community. Meanwhile, The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure growth of marble & stone industry on sustainable basis.
He said many Pakistani products including meat, fruits, food, textiles products and others could Qind good market in Mauritius at competitive prices and urged that Mauritius should focus on enhancing its imports from Pakistan. He said both countries should make efforts to establish direct air links that would help in improving people to people contacts and bilateral trade as well.
Separate tariff for export sectors urged akistan Hoesiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) has reiterated its demand for a separate and the lowest possible tariff of the utilities for export sectors to make these competitive in the region, which is very essential to jack exports and boost these further. The cost of doing business in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and China was very low against that in Pakistan, claimed PHMA Chairman Southern Zone M.Riaz Ahmed said. He was of the view that the rate of water for industrial consumption was the highest in Karachi against the rate in other areas of the country. Besides, the industries were facing shortage of water supply and could not continue their production activities to their full capacity. –CB Report
P
16
www.customsbulletin.com
FBR I&I torches counterfeit cigarettes worth Rs10.20m PESHAWAR: The Directorate of Intelligence and Investigations FBR has destroyed the Rs10.20 million counterfeit cigarettes in Peshawar. The cigarettes seized for the reasons of the counterfeiting were duly confiscated outright under section 27(1) of the Federal Excise Act 2005. The FBR directorate of IR told media that in continuation of monitoring/ surveillance of non-duty paid cigarettes, the intelligence gathering by this directorate revealed existence of warehouses within the vicinity of district Peshawar where huge quantity of counterfeit cigarettes was stocked.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
CUSTOMS BULLETIN
Multan customs detects tax evasion of rs6.833m by Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills MULTAN iMrAn ALi
www.customsbulletin.com
T
he Customs Collectorate has detected tax evasion of Rs6.833 million against M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills on the misuse of DTRE. According to details, Multan Customs has granted duty and tax remission to M/s Ahmad Hassan for export on 10/1/2015 under the rule -298 of DTRE under SRO.450 (I)/2001. Multan Customs has given DTRE approval to M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills for twelve months for import and locally procure goods after manufacturing them. M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills imported 39,010 kilograms of cotton yarn worth Rs10.608 million for manufacturing of cotton grey fabrics under DTRE. During the scrutiny of DTRE record by audit team, DTRE user did not export a single kilogram of cotton grey fabric manufactured from imported cotton yarn. Customs teams found that M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills have not imported any cotton grey fabric after manufacturing from imported cotton yarn under DTRE. M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills has also purchased locally 30 per-
cent cotton yarn quantity from local market and used in the manufacturing of cotton grey fabric. But the DTRE user was failed to differentiate between export and locally purchased quantity on export document during audit. Customs PCA found that M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills tried to
mislead the audit team and evaded Rs3.206 million from 39010 kilogram of imported cotton yarn. The DTRE user purchased cotton yarn of 114,624 kilogram of worth Rs28.076 million and M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills has rejected quantity 24 358 of worth Rs.5.619 million of polyester cotton yarn and
exported almost 24798 kilogram of worth Rs6.075 polyester cotton yarn. M/s Ahmad Hassan Textile Mills has also obtained DTRE approval for purchase of packing material which includes paper tubes, polypropylene sheets, polyethene, paper cones, cartons, PP bags, cone washer, HD bags, 3 ply sheets, starch
chemical and it involved tax Rs1.47 million. The cotton yarn was manufactured from local cotton and cotton is exempted from sales tax. However, packing materials, used in the consignments are taxable. Therefore sales tax [ayable on purchase of packing materials is recoverable from DTRE user.
Anf strikes against drug suppliers to academic institutions, held 20 RAWALPINDI
cuSToMS BuLLeTin reporT www.customsbulletin.com
A
nti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan under its ongoing operation against drug suppliers to academic institutions has arrested 20 drug suppliers including a lady allegedly involved in distribution of drugs among the students of academic institutions. According to ANF spokesman, on special instructions of Director Gen-
eral (DG) Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Major General Musarrat Nawaz Malik, ANF has accelerated its endeavors for apprehension of drug suppliers. ANF has deployed special Surveillance Teams to check drug gangs involved in drug supply at educational institutions and special drive to identify and arrest the elements involved in drug supply to educational institutions. During the ongoing special counter narcotics drive, ANF has recovered 6.4 kg drugs worth Rs 7 million in international market. The recovered drugs include 6.3 kg Hashish and 26 gram Ice. ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a
motorcycle near Judicial Colony, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Rawalpindi and arrested three persons identiQied as Muhammad Shahbaz, Naveed Iqbal and Raja Muhammad Dawar, all residents of Rawalpindi with 450 gram Hashish. They were involved in supply of drugs to the students of Capital University of Science and Technology and Roots School System, Rawalpindi. In another operation, ANF Rawalpindi arrested a local drug peddler namely Naseer Khan, r/o Attock while he was riding on a motorcycle near Chawan Meel Chowk, Attock Basal Road, Attock and recovered 250 grams Hashish.
Reportedly, he was also involved in distribution of drugs to the students of different academic institutions. ANF Lahore recovered 130 grams Hashish from personal possession of an accused identiQied as Mazhar Hussain r/o Faisalabad near Sandal College, Millat Road, Faisalabad. As per reports, the accused was involved in supply of drugs to the students of educational institutions. In other operation, ANF Lahore recovered 150grams Hashish from personal possession of an accused identiQied as Mahmood Ahmed r/o Faisalabad from gate No. 2, Agricultural University
Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Offset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).
Faisalabad, Faisalabad. He was involved in supply of drugs to the students of educational institutions. Yet in another operation, ANF Lahore intercepted a motorcyclist identiQied as Muhammad Ahmed r/o Lahore near University of Management and Technology, Faisal Garden, Lahore, recovering 250 gram Hashish from his personal possession. In fourth operation, ANF Lahore arrested Muhammad Ijaz r/o Lahore who was reportedly involved in supply of drugs to the students of educational institutions and 125 grams Hashish from his possession.