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pAkIStAN’S FIrSt INDepth NewSpAper oN cuStoMS
Daily
Vol 1 Issue No. 265
Karachi, Tue December 15, 2015
ISLAMABAD
M FAIZAN
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esides hitting hard on illegal trade and smuggling, the Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation is striving for eliminating irregularities, smuggling and frauds in guise of safe transportation (ST) and transit permit (TP) and also reviewing all old procedures, in this regard. This was stated by Customs Intelligence Director General Imtiaz Ahmad Khan in an exclusive inter-
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view with Customs Today, adding that fresh suggestions were being considered to draw an effective plan to curb smuggling and irregularities. He said that tracking and scanning system for ST and TP will be enforced. He added that all customs ofQicials have been issued strict directions that staff concerned will be considered responsible, if any misuse of ST and TP was found. He has also directed all regional directorates to expedite the operation and take strict measures against illegal trade and smuggling, specially the smuggling of cigarettes, cell phones, black tea, Iranian diesel and petrol, cloth and money laundering through borders and roads.
FBR prepares reply of China’s reservations over increased customs duty
Multan Customs recovers 13 non-customs paid generators
PM Nawaz terms TAPI project a ‘game changer’
Faisalabad Customs Intelligence seizes items worth Rs 5.5m
ICCI chief calls for more Commerce Colleges for girls to speed up economic progress
FBR has finalised draft to response the Chinese govt for its reservations | See pAge 02 |
Customs Intelligence has seized 13 heavy duty generators worth Rs 23m | See pAge 03 |
PM Nawaz said the world’s future hinged upon this region due to its fast | See pAge 04 |
The Customs Intelligence confiscated smuggled goods worth Rs 5.5 million | See pAge 12 |
Females were half of the country’s population and government | See pAge 09 |
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IHC issues notice to Customs Appellate Tribunal in a customs reference Tuesday, December 15, 2015
National
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a notice to Customs Appellate Tribunal for appearing before the court in a customs reference case on January 14, 2016. The court has issued notices after a customs reference in a case filed by Hadiri Beverages (Private) Limited. The notices states: “you (the tribunal) are hereby summoned to appear in this court (IHC) in person or by a pleader duly instructed and able to answer all court’s questions relating to the matter on 14/01/2016.”
FBr prepares reply of china’s reservations over increased duty
MULTAN
ISLAMABAD
IMrAN ALI
ShAhID MINhAS
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he Collectorate of Customs Adjudication has finalized 40 seizures cases worth Rs.32.192 million in November. Deputy Collector Farhat Ali of Customs Adjudication has settled 31 seizure cases of Rs 9.492 million in November. These settled cases were formed by AntiSmuggling Organization and Customs Intelligence and Investigation in the different actions. Additional Collector Fayaz Anwar has decided eight various seizure cases of almost Rs 17.700 million during the said period. Collector Tahir Majeed Raja has settled only single case of Rs 5 million during whole November in the on-going fiscal year 2015-16. Almost 57 new seizures cases have been added during the month of November for legal proceeding in the Customs Adjudication during November. There are still 31 pending cases available in the Customs Adjudication for hearing except newly added cases. Customs Adjudication settled 160 various cases of Rs 114.999 million during first five months of the ongoing economic year 2015-16. About 31 cases are still pending from more than three months in the Customs Adjudication for conclusion .
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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has Qinalised draft to response the Chinese government for its reservations over the increase in customs duty on import of Chinese goods. According to the details, China had showed concerns when rate of customs duty was raised on import of goods from China and declared this step anti-free trade between two countries those have close relation at all levels. Sources said that FBR has taken stance that Pakistan has imposed new rate of taxes on a temporary basis to cover the revenue crises, as it is required funds to assist the military operation, Zarb-e-Azb. It is also stated in the letter that Pakistan products are also facing problems as compare to imported goods. The sources added that FBR has also said that government will review the issues and it is possible that increase in customs duty might be withdrawn in fiscal year 2016-17. The letters will be sent to Chinese authorities soon, it is learnt here. Meanwhile, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan has directed ofQicials concerned to de-centralize the computer system. More powers are
Multan customs Adjudication finalises 40 seizures cases
assigned to the Regional Tax OfQices (RTOs) and Large Taxpayer Units (LTUs). Prior to this, computer system of the FBR was centralized. Sources told Customs Today that FBR chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan decided to decentralize computer system after receiving lot of complaints from customers regard-
ing IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) software. Sources said that after decentralization of computer system a marginable decrease in complaints would be witnessed from customers who are using online system for submission of their tax returns. FBR is also considering to assign
more powers to Regional Tax OfQices and Large Taxpayer Units in collection of tax revenues. FBR is optimistic that through these measures, tax net will be enhanced and they will be able to collect more revenues, because more decisions will be taken on regional basis to solve tax related issues.
governor ebad opens renovated eduljee Dinshaw road KARACHI
AFtAB chANNA
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he historic and cultural heritage – Eduljee Dinshaw Road – outside the Customs House has been opened for public as the Governor Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Sunday formally inaugurated
the road. Chief Collector Enforcement South Zahid Khokhar, Collector MCC Preventive Syed Tariq Huda, Chairman KPT Vice Admiral (retd) Shafqat Jawed, Collector MCC Exports Dr Saifuddin Junejo, Director Customs Valuation Dr Manzoor Memon, DG Valuation Samaira Nazir, consulate generals of various consulates, businessmen, civil society members attended the event.
While speaking on the occasion, Governor Ebad lauded the efforts of Collector Tariq Huda for his untiring efforts and support for the completion of the said project. “We are hoping that the same kind of projects may be initiated in other parts of the city to beautify the city”, the governor added. The renovation of the Eduljee Dinshaw road was kicked off last year at a cost of Rs 65 mil-
lion. The project aimed at renovating the Eduljee Dinshaw road was launched with the efforts of Collector MCC-Preventive Syed Muhammad Tariq Huda and it would be completed by the end of year 2015. The road would be closed for traffic and the people would come at evening to spend their leisure time and rejuvenate their memories for old times, as plants, park-lanes and other recreational items have been in-
stalled at the corners of the road for entertainment of the visitors, Collector S Tariq Huda. “The monuments like Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Building and Imperial Custom House Building are the tourists’ attraction”, Collector MCC-Preventive S M Tariq Huda added. “The people will now enjoy the old memories of the city and spend their time playing luddo, their kids running around etc”, Tariq Huda added.
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Lahore Customs employees seek weekly off on Saturdays LAHORE: The Lahore Customs employees have demanded the government declare Saturdays as off day like other federal government departments. On the condition of anonymity, Customs employees told Customs Today that the Lahore Customs is kept open on Saturdays unlike the other federal government departments. The employees said that they are directed to attend office on Saturdays while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Islamabad and the Tax House adjacent to the Lahore Customs House remains open for business, depriving the employees of their right to avail two weekly offs.
FSt hears cases filed by FBr employees regarding ‘seniority, de novo inquiry’
Tuesday December 15, 2015
National
Multan customs recovers 13 non-customs paid generators
ISLAMABAD
NAeeM uLLAh tArIQ www.customsbulletin.com
he Federal Service Tribunal (FST) on Monday to maintain hearing cases filed by employees of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) submitting complaints pertaining to ‘seniority’ and de-novo inquiry’. FST Division Bench comprising of Syed Zahid Hussain and Dr Nazir Saeed would hear the cases carrying complaints about ‘seniority’ matters. The petitioners, Tariq Bela, Asif Jammali, Faiza Bashir, Haider Abbas Abbasi, Imran Zafar, Jawhar Ali Shah and Imran Rafique have submitted that their due seniority was being belated at FBR.
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Faisalabad customs seizes imported container FAISALABAD
NAeeM SheIkh
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he customs collectorate Faisalabad has confiscated container loaded with miscellaneous items worth Rs 2.2 million which also involved duty and taxes amounting to Rs 1.2 million. Sources told Customs Today that Faisalabad Collector Dr Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary received information regarding the smuggling of miscellaneous items. After receiving the information, he constituted a raiding party comprising Muhammad Anwar Pervaiz (deputy superintendent), examination incharge Muhammad Jamil Ahmad, (appraiser) and Ajmal Iqbal Cheema (inspectors). The customs team raided near Dry Port Faisalabad and seized the container. After seizing the container, a notice was issued to the owner of the container but neither importer nor his authorized person approached the Customs Faisalabad for clearance of their consignment.
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MULTAN
IMrAN ALI
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he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized 13 heavy duty generators worth Rs 23 million. Talking to Customs Today, Additional Director of Customs Intelligence and Investigation said that intelligence teams received information that some non-duty paid heavy generators had been concealed in a godown of Liberty Market near Vehari Chowk. After receiving the information, Additional Director Nisar Ahmad formed team for action against them which comprised of superintendent Fareeduddin Masood, senior intelligence ofQicer Pervaiz Amjad, inspector HaQiz Muhammad Younas , inpector Malik Nasir and others. The Customs teams raided two gowdowns located on Vehari Road and recovered 13 heavy duty generators from their warehouses. The power of the recovered heavy duty generators were almost 1350 KVA. Local police were also called during the raid due to prevent resistance from the owners at the time of raid. Talking exclusively to Customs Today, Additional Director Nisar Ahmad said that seizure report has been made and investigations are started in this regard. He said that his departments is arresting smugglers in the region and all routes are under surveillance of the Customs
staff to stop smuggling in the region. Director General Customs Intelligence Imtiaz Ahmad has also directed Customs Intelligence to curb smuggling in the jurisdiction and measures have been taken to make to curtail smuggling in the region. Meanwhile, Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range OfQice seized miscellaneous goods and vehicles worth Rs.27.06 million in November. Customs Intelligence and Investigation authorities conucted various anti-
the power of the recovered heavy duty generators were almost 1350 kVA. Local police were also called during the raid due to prevent resistance from the owners at the time of raid.
taxes on luxury items not to affect common man: Dar LAHORE
M hAYAt
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ederal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that new taxes had been imposed only on imported luxury items and these taxes will not affect the common man. He was responding to the media persons after addressing a
seminar on “The Role of Islamic Banking in Economic Development of Pakistan” here. Dar said that he remained Qinance minister for four times and was not involved in any
sort of corruption during his tenure. He added that in 2014, the courts had also put such cases against him in the dustbin that again proved his innocence and non-indulgence in corruption. To a question, the Qinance minister categorically ruled out the media reports about NAB (National Accountability Bureau) investigations against him. He mentioned that those media organizations, which published and on-aired such news, had already contradicted these reports.
smuggling operations within the jurisdiction of Multan which comprised of Sadiqabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan. Customs teams seized several articles and vehicles worth Rs 27.06 million during the month. Customs Intelligence seized different smuggled goods, including imported LEDs, DVD players, black tea, welding rods, tyres, along with automobiles and other miscellaneous goods from their jurisdiction during different raids against smuggled goods in the month of November.
Shc moved to get pesticides released he Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Pakistan Customs to respond to a petition filed by M/s Pak Farming Care for getting release of its consignment of pesticides. Petitioner M/s Farming Care submitted that it had imported 18.240 metric tons of fertilizers and agriculture-related chemicals from China and made payment of customs duty and taxes.
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Gas pressure to improve in a few days: SNGPL Pindi GM Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Business
RAWALPINDI: Sui Gas Rawalpindi Region General Manager Mohammad Zahoor Sunday said that gas pressure would improve in few days as steps are being taken to solve the problem. Talking to APP, he said that the gap between demand and supply is constantly increasing he admitted that frequent increase of demand crippled the lives of people. He urged the consumers do not use gas heater and geyser so that regular supply of gas to be ensured for the domestic users. It may be mentioned that low gas pressure continued in most parts of the city, which has affected the daily routine activities of people.
kSe loses 33,000 level as 100-index sheds 291 points KARACHI
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he Karachi Stock Exchange Monday witnessed bearish note all the day and also lost 33,000 level, shedding 290.69 points to drop to 32757.82 points at closing. The market recorded the highest trading level of 33048.51 points and lowest level of 32497.42 points, with the volume of 100,639,970 shares, having Rs5.9
rs 906.9 million to be spent on 60 uplift projects
billion value. As many as 317 com-
pM Nawaz terms tApI project a ‘game changer’
FAISALABAD
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he City administration has announced to spend Rs906.9 million on 60 development projects. Divisional Commissioner Captain (R) Naseem Nawaz Sunday said this while chairing a meeting. He said these projects would be kicked off very soon for the improvement, rehabilitation and beautification of the city under third phase of Punjab Cities Governance Improvement Project.
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panies were active; of which 70 ad-
vanced, 231 declined and 16 remained unchanged. Oil & gas marketing companies remained the highest traded sector with total volume of 28,843,300 shares, while Commercial banks remained second traded sector with a total volume of 21,628,700 shares. Despite dropping share price, the three top traded companies were Sui South Gas with a volume of 22,347,000 and price per share of 42.44 (-2.15), Band of Punjab with a volume 14,144,000 of price per share of 9.47 (-0.22), TRG Pak Ltd with a volume 9,854,000 of price per share of 36.04 (-1.54).
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rime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday said the world’s future hinged upon this region due to its fast growing trade potential and greater connectivity linking Central Asian Republics with South Asia and China. During an interview with media persons on board the aircraft during his return journey after ground breaking ceremony of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-
Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, the Prime Minister said the project had created a ‘win-win situation’ for the economies of its component countries. He said about 2 to 3 billion people lived alone in South Asia and China with unprecedented potential to rise as a hub of the world’s rapid growing economies. It was his cherished dream to forge strong connectivity and relationship with energy rich Central Asia and South Asia, he added. With the completion of TAPI, the Prime Minister said, the energy requirements of Pakistan would be met. It would be a ‘game changer’ as
the country would be able to get 1.3 billion cubic feet gas annually from it. “With the clean energy supply, the power plants would work efQiciently producing inexpensive power when compared to oil-run units. About 70 per cent energy needs would be met with this project,” he added. Annually 1 billion dollar could be saved, which was by no means a little saving, he said. To a question, the Prime Minister replied that he had also talked to the presidents of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan over his vision of enhanced connectivity, and they also appreciated and supported it.
uAe investor lauds kp cM’s efforts for construction of $500m oil refinery PESHAWAR
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n oil investor from Middle East has lauded the efforts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for construction of oil refinery in the province. UAE’s Al Motahedon Petroleum Refineries (AMPR) Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al Kaitoob Al Nuaimi, along with his delegation, has called on Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and thanked him for directing the authorities concerned for preparing necessary documentation at the earliest for formal signing of sovereign land agreement to construct $500m oil refinery in KP. The chairman said that the project aimed at utilizing production from the fields of Nashpa, Makori East, Maramzai, Mari fields. He was also excited to see the fields of Paharpur (recently acquired by the Government of Kuwait), Orakzai as that could further enhance production of crude and condensate in the province. The AMPR chairman assured timely completion of this landmark project, adding that he would also take over one technical training institute for orientation of locals as the first CSR initiative by his company.
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Broadband subscribers, including 3g, 4g, cross 23.6m mark ISLAMABAD
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he total broadband subscribers including for 3G and 4G services have crossed around 23.6 million mark in the country, registering a reasonable growth rate with each passing month. As per latest market Qigures, the 3G and 4G subscribers also reached 20.6 million by November
this year. In September this year highest growth rate of 14.43 per cent was by cellular companies, which have added 2.35 million 3G/4G subscribers. A senior PTA ofQicial Sunday revealed the number of broadband subscribers in other technologies are DSL 1,563,321 users, HFC 43,929 users, Wimax 245,284 users, FTTH 20,549 users, EvDo 1,273,184 users and others 6,160 users. Experts of telecom industry are
having a viewpoint that portable mobile broadband devices like MiFi and Wingles are one of the main reasons of this growth in 3G/4G subscribers and many more will follow this trend in upcoming days. In the context of upcoming 3G/4G auctions for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) regions, these stats are really encouraging for the mobile phone companies which depict the increasing demand of these technolo-
gies across the country. Meanwhile, country’s largest mobile phone operator, Mobilink has overtaken its competitors to become the No 1 3G player after official figures were released by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Mobilink crossed the six million 3G subscriber mark during the 4th quarter of 2015. Vice President Marketing, Mobilink, Asif Aziz said key to this leading position is consistent in-
vestment to further innovate on behalf of subscribers by delivering not just the best 3G and voice network, but also improvements in customer service, and product lines. He said to support its 3G services, Mobilink has in place a robust fibre optic infrastructure that expands to over 6000 kilometres coupled with the latest technology, state-of-the-art equipment and a well versed team of professionals.
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Tuesday, December 15, 2015
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fter assuming charge by Collector Tariq Huda, the Model Customs Collectorate Preventive’s Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) set numbers of achievements, as it conQiscated smuggled items worth Rs 2030 million, besides arresting many smugglers during almost two years and four months. Collector Tariq Huda who is committed to his work took charge at Customs Preventive on August 24, 2013 and solved unsettled cases by moving on the track of success. Keeping his performance in view, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has never transferred him after his appointment at Customs Preventive. If his recent performance is reviewed, the department following the effective directions of Collector Tariq Huda seized imported goods worth Rs 1510 million during the calendar year, January 2015 to December 10, 2015. According to the details, the ASO teams seized perfumes of as-
sorted brands worth Rs 165.27 million, mobiles phones and tablets worth Rs 12.08 million, clothes worth Rs 16.89 million, Qive containers worth Rs 112.9 million, air conditions, auto parts, diesel worth Rs 296.8 million, LED TVs worth Rs 46 million, motor oil and other items worth Rs 8.4 million, besides conQiscating soap, cigarette lighters, foundation cream, cell phones’ batteries, chargers, tyres, toiletries, black tea, generator and gutka worth Rs 852 million during the said period. The ASO during the last calendar year, 2014 held smuggled goods worth Rs 310 million, while from the date, when Tariq Huda took charge and up to December 2013, it conQiscated contraband items worth Rs 210 million Meanwhile, Customs Enforcement-South Chief Collector Zahid Khokhar and Collector Tariq Huda appreciated the performance of anti-smuggling unit of Customs Preventive. Talking to Customs Today, ofQicials said that department was showing remarkable performance under the supervision of Chief Col-
lector Zahid Khokar and Collector Tariq Huda. On the other hand, both high ups have urged the people to help the department to foil smuggling bids in the regions by informing it about any suspicious activity in this regard. They added that people should conQirm prior to purchase imported goods/branded goods about their customs clearance in order to save the national economy.
is rmance o f r e p t nt cen If his re the departme d, reviewe g the effective n r tariq o followi t c e l l o ns of c ods directio d imported go ize the huda se 1510m during 5 s 01 worth r ear, January 2 ry calenda mber 10, 2015 to Dece
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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
Declining exports
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ccording to newspaper reports, the total exports of the country have further nosedived by 13.81 percent to $8.541 billion during the first five months, from July to November, of the current fiscal year. The total exports stood at $9.909 billion during the same period in the previous fiscal year. Experts hold the government responsible for the declining trends in exports as no official of the federal government or the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is ready to take responsibility of the situation. The finance minister is using his full energies to arrest the fast devaluation of the Pakistani rupee against dollars and running from pillar to post to hold negotiations with donor agencies to get more and more loans and the minister of commerce is busy in the local politics. The prime minister has his own busy schedule and exports seem to have the lowest place in the priority list of everyone who matters. The businessmen are waiting for a new trade policy, textile policy as well as an effective auto policy and they have to wait until the mandate of the present government ends in 2018. On the export sector, Pakistan is lagging behind even Bangladesh and Vietnam. The country’s exports witnessed a decline of over 15.12 percent and stood at $1.662 billion in November 2015 compared to $1.958 billion in November 2014, said a report issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The government though released some of the long-awaited sales tax refunds to exporters in November but only to sugar mills in Sindh and Punjab and it made the volume of exports slightly better. Some officials hold the energy shortage, especially in Punjab, responsible for decline in exports, but the most important issue is the apathy of the government to realize the problems faced by the business community. However, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and reports from world donor agencies still claim that Pakistan’s economy has been improving for the last few months as compared to the previous year. The World Bank and the government circles forecast 4.5 percent GDP growth in 2016 and 4.8 percent in 2017. Pakistan’s exports have been declining but it is a good omen that the government has managed to curtail trade deficit by 4.48 percent to $9.936 billion in July-Nov 2015-16 from $10.402 billion in the same period of the last year. In November 2015, trade deficit was 37.50 percent month-on-month due to drop in imports and exports.
prospects of regional trade T
LAHORE
Dr AFtAB AFZAL
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hough business and trade moots in Pakistan, which are arranged by the government agencies to spell out economic prospects of the country, often turn into social gatherings and without achieving any goals in real terms. However,experts do hope positive effects of the business moots in the long run. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the best example for the South Asian countries to enhance regional connectivity and boot SAARC trade. But for the purpose, the leaders will have to work overtime to revive the
South Asia Free Trade Agreement and evolve standard operating procedures to increase volume of trade within the states in the region which is currently at five percent.The experts at the 8th South Asia Economic Summit, organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute, hoped that a thaw in relations between Pakistan and India is necessary to enhance regional trade. The future of South Asia lies in the regional trade and development of infrastructure is the basic requirement to achieve this end. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is $46 billion project with focus not only on infrastructure, but also on power and energy projects. If the coun-
tries in the region want to enhance trade, they will have to offload the burden of the bitter past and take a fresh start. At least one third of the world population lives in this region with only 3 percent of the global trade.Half of the population in South Asia lives below the poverty line. Pakistan on its part is enhancing connectivity not only with China, but also with Afghanistan and beyond. The CASA 1000 project with Central Asian States and the economic corridor project with China will change the lot of this nation. But again, the countries in this region are the hostage of the bitter past as the leaders are refusing to learn from the European countries. According
to experts, the international trade has fallen from 10 percent to below 2 percent due to global economic crisis and losses can be covered by enhancing regional trade. Despite all odds, the civil society in South Asian region is very strong it needs to persuade their respective governments to soften their stances. On its part, the civil society in Pakistan is very strong and is effectively doing its job. On the government side, Pakistan has signed mega projects like Turkmenistan-AfghanistanPakistan-India (TAPI) and Central Asia and South Asia (CASA), which will pave the way for regional trade and investment. This is not the era of conflicts but cooperation.
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Vancouver Chamber names interim CEO NEW YORK: John McDonagh, publisher of the Vancouver Business Journal, has been named interim CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. McDonagh will serve while the chamber searches for a permanent CEO/president to replace Kelly Love, who leaves today to take a media and community affairs position at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, the chamber said Thursday. McDonagh begins the interim job on Monday. McDonagh has been active in local community affairs, with leadership roles in the Clark County Fair Association, the Greater Clark County and Vancouver Rotary clubs, Columbia River Economic Development Council, and the School of Piano Technology for the Blind. He is past board chair for Share and the Vancouver Civil Service Commission.
central Louisiana chamber hosts expo & Luncheon entral Louisiana Chamber of Commerce combined two of its biggest annual events into one Business Expo & Luncheon. It allowed the rare opportunity to visit with several businesses at the same time and place. There were more than 60 booths on hand ranging from education, to health care and office needs. It offered an opportunity for businesses that belonged to the Chamber of Commerce to not only network with the community, but with their peers. “We’re not just here to meet and greet with the community, but you have to interact with these booths because they’re potential clients as well,”Donna Cafferata, Director of Marketing at Southern Heritage Bank said. “The business expo provides an opportunity for great chamber
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members to showcase their office and products to get business leads,”Deborah Randolph, Chamber President said. “It’s a celebration of what they do as members of the business community.”Across the hall at the Chamber Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors for the 2016 year were announced with Valerie Aymond serving as Chairman of the Board. “You spoke, and we listened” said Aymond, referring to a poll of Chamber members that outlined the coming year’s plan which is available at www.CenlaChamber.org. The keynote speaker for the meeting was LSU President F. King Alexander who encouraged young people to obtain a degree before entering the workplace. Meanwhile, John McDonagh, publisher of the Vancouver Business Journal, has been named interim CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. McDonagh will serve while the chamber searches for a permanent CEO/president to replace Kelly Love, who leaves today to take a media and community affairs position at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, the chamber said Thursday. —CB Report
Tuesday December 15, 2015
Chambers
IccI chief calls for setting up more commerce colleges for girls F
ISLAMABAD
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emales were half of the country’s population and government must take positive measures for their economic empowerment so that they could play more effective role in nation building and economic development of the country, observed Atif Ikram Sheikh, president, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry while speaking as Chief Guest at the Investiture Ceremony of Students Council of Islamabad Model College of Commerce for Girls, F10/3, Islamabad. He said it was the age of economic wars and if Pakistan has to achieve speedy economic progress, it will have to develop a strong pool of youth having business education. He stressed that government should establish more Commerce Colleges for Girls in the country to enable them to unleash their full potential for driving the economy towards fast growth. He said with latest concepts and theoretical knowledge of business education females could be instrumental in
introducing latest business practices in the private sector for its better growth. He emphasized that female students should devote priority focus to their education as they were the future of Pakistan and laced with business knowledge, they could play more effective role in improving their careers and strengthening the economy.
In her welcome address, Ms. Nasreen Khalid, Principal, Islamabad Model College of Commerce for Girls, F-10/3, Islamabad highlighted the role of her college in promoting commerce education. She said this was the only Commerce College in the twin cities of Islamabad/Rawalpindi to provide professional education exclusively to female students and has become
‘British firms seek trade ties with pakistanis’
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nited Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) Lahore head Ben French f has said that some well-reputed British companies want to establish their trade relations with Pakistani business community and these companies want to facilitate the traders of Sialkot. He was exchanging views with Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Major (r) Mansoor Ahmed. He said, “We do work in Pakistan to reduce poverty and help to build a prosperous and stable country”. Ben french discussed in details the matters of mutual interest with the business community of Sialkot. He said that the time was ripe for further strengthening trade ties be-
tween Great Britain and Pakistan, as there were bright opportunities of setting up the joint industrial ventures in different trade Qields between the two countries. He added that a good number of UK companies are keen to invest in Pakistan in different trade sectors. The British government has been motivating their business people to make investments in Pakistan, he revealed. He said that the UK was much interested to engage the Pakistan’s private sector, besides, making sincere efforts to promote the soft and positive image of Pakistan globally with a sole aim to pave the way of maximum foreign investment in Pakistan. Ben French has pledged to encourage the private sector of Pakistan, besides, making some concrete efforts to boost up bilateral trade between Pakistan and United Kingdom through removing all the trade-related hurdles from the way of bring-
ing maximum British investment in Pakistan. Ben French said, “Beating poverty and building a prosperous democratic Pakistan will help not only millions of poor Pakistanis, but it will also improve stability in Pakistan, the region and beyond. He stressed upon the need of making some effective joint measures to boost and strengthen the mutual trade ties between Pakistan and United Kingdom UK. Meanwhile, Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has shown serious reservations on the imposition of sales tax under Services Act by the Punjab government. Addressing an important meeting of the local traders, industrialists and exporters , the GCCI president Sami Ullah Naeem expressed grave concern over the levy of this sale tax by the Punjab government, saying the business community was much perturbed due to the mounting burden of the already imposed much taxes.
a symbol of economic professionalism amongst the female youth. She said her College has won many laurels at academic front, however, it was facing some challenges. She said the existing Computer Lab was insufficient to meet the requirements and a new computer lab along with its accessories was needed on priority basis to facilitate the students.
MccI plays dynamic role in economic uplift of workers: Fareed he Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has been playing a dynamic role in the economic development of skilled workers of South Punjab, the chamber’s president said here on the visit of a blue pottery workshop of a local craftman. The President of MCCI Fareed Mughees Shaikh said the chamber has been doing utmost efforts to save the cultural heritage of the region accompanying to appreciate achievements of the skilled families attached to the industry of blue pottery. He also said that the MCCI has not only been working for the growth of trade and industry.—CB Report
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Australian police arrest culprit with drugs Tuesday December 15, 2015
World
PERTH: A 54-year-old St Helens Beach man charged with producing dangerous drugs as police continued to target drug suppliers. Detective Sergeant Brett Jackson, team leader of the Mackay Drug Taskforce says police are continuing to target those who are engaging in the sale and use of illegal and dangerous drugs in the Mackay community. He said there were more seizures of cannabis and Ice occurred this week which resulted in four offenders being charged, including a 54-year-old St Helens Beach man charged with producing dangerous drugs, and a 29-year-old Bakers Creek man charged with supplying dangerous drugs. Both men will appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court in early January.
Ireland customs seizes uk customs seizes 49,000 unregistered vehicle cigarettes worth over £15,000 DUBLIN
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n operation to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and alcohol across South Wales uncovered more than 49,000 cigarettes, 60 kilos of handrolling tobacco as well as illicit alcoholAn operation to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and alcohol across South Wales uncovered more than 49,000 cigarettes, 60 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco as well as illicit alcohol. Around 15 ofQicers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with support from the Tobacco Detection Dog Team, visited 19 premises including self-storage units, retail shops and a public house on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December More than 49,000 cigarettes and 60kg of hand-rolling tobacco have been recovered during a customs
Japan court sends two russians to jail for smuggling 30kg drugs apan’s Sapporo district court sentenced two Russian citizens to 12 and 11.6 years in prison for smuggling 30 kg of drugs into the country, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Thursday. Sergei Titov, 26, and Roman Andrushenko, 31, were also ordered to pay $41,000 in fines. The Russian citizens were arrested in January on Hokkaido Island, along with a Japanese national, RIA Novosti reported at the time. They travelled to Japan on a Cambodian cargo ship in December 2014, smuggling 26.7 kilograms of psychotropic substances to the country. Titov and Andrushenko planned to sell the drugs, valued at nearly $15 million on the black market, Japanese police said. —CB Report
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operation in South Wales. Around 15 ofQicers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with support from the Tobacco Detection Dog Team, visited 19 premises including self-storage units, retail shops and a public house on Wednesday and Thursday. The visits, to locations in Bridgend , Neath, Swansea, Llanelli, Ammanford, Carmarthen and Lampeter led to suspected illegal tobacco and alcohol products being seized from
three premises – two in the Swansea area and one in the Lampeter area. ‘Illicit alcohol costs UK around £3.3bn a year’ This included 49,200 cigarettes, 60 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco and 7.3 litres of alcohol. Colin Spinks assistant director of the Fraud Investigation Service at HMRC , said: “In the run up to Christmas, people may well be tempted to buy cheap tobacco and alcohol but the illicit alcohol and tobacco market costs the UK around £3.3bn a year.
he revenue commissioners have been successful at Dundalk court in getting an order for the forfeiture and condemnation of an unregistered vehicle. Opposing the application was Norman Leason, The Old Farmhouse, Commons, Dromiskin, owner of the car which was seized by customs ofQicers on 10 June, 2014. Judge Brennan heard the vehicle was registered in Scotland, and had an estimated value of €2,000. Fiach Brabazon, a customs and excise ofQicer, said he stopped a jeep on 10 June, 2014, which was being driven by Mr Leason’s son, Graham. Mr Leason Jnr handed over the keys, but not the immobilizer device. The vehicle was ultimately towed. Graham Leason, called to the witness box by his father, who rep-
resented himself, said he was in Darver credit union car-park when four customs ofQicers approached. No one showed him any ID, and he said he was told he would be let off with a €200 Qine, but he didn’t have the money on him. Cross-examined by state solicitor, Fergus Mullen, he said the car, the subject of this application, ‘is owned by me, it’s my father’s car.’ His father has two addresses, one in Scotland and one here. Mr Mullen put it to him he paid a compromise Qine before on an unregistered vehicle, and is well aware of what the law is. Norman Leason read out a statement in which he alleged the make and model of the vehicle is not correct on the summons and that the vehicle is registered in his son’s name, among other points. Mr Leason raised further issues, but was interrupted by Judge Brennan who said he would not listen to a political speech. Many of the points were not appropriate for this forum.
French customs seizes 2.4 tonnes of French customs arrests 2 Vietnamese cocaine worth $76m ustoms ofQicials have seized at and at 8:00pm was brought to the with 95 kilos of ivory least 2.4 tonnes of cocaine dock at Boulogne-sur-Mer, where
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wo Vietnamese heading for Hanoi were arrested in Paris for smuggling 95 kilograms of elephant tusks and ivory products from Ethiopia, the biggest ivory smuggling haul ever busted by French customs on air passengers. The Vietnam News Agency cited a Thursday statement from French customs as saying that they found the illegal goods inside the suitcases of the Vietnamese man and woman as they transited at Charles de
Gaulle on December 7. The couple claimed they had no check-in luggage but security tests then found three elephant tusks, many small pieces and more than 1,500 ivory items including jewelry and chopsticks, the customs said. Further investigation is continuing as the customs suspected that the two are part of a well-organized smuggling ring. They said the haul is the biggest they ever caught from airline passengers.—CB Report
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from a cargo ship off France’s northern coast, a record for the country. The Carib Palm, a Moldovan-Qlagged freighter, had sailed from Colombia and was headed to Gdansk in Poland. It docked at the northern French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer on Thursday night, a source close to the investigation said, conQirming a report by France 3 television. “The ship was intercepted yesterday (Thursday) at 6:30pm at sea
the search operation began,” the Qinance ministry said in a statement. “The drugs were concealed behind a metal partition.” Finance minister Michel Sapin described the drugs as “the largest seizure of cocaine” ever in mainland France. The haul has a street value of around 50 million euros ($76 million). Customs ofQicials were continuing to search the ship, which was carrying raw materials.—CB Report
2 held in Dubai over smuggling 1.5 tonnes of cocaine
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wo men were arrested in Dubai in an international multi-agency operation that has led to the seizure of 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, according to the British National Crime Agency. The coordinated strikes on De-
cember 1 led to 11 arrests in total, with six men from Liverpool being arrested in the UK and Dubai. Dubai Police anti-narcotics unit arrested a 39-year-old and a 38year-old at a luxury apartment. Another Qive men – two Colombians, two Peruvians and a Spaniard – were detained on December 3 by the Spanish National Police at a company in an industrial unit in
Chiva, on the outskirts of Valencia. Acting on intelligence from the National Crime Agency, Spanish police searched a shipping container from Colombia, which arrived in the Port of Valencia on November 30. The container appeared to be loaded with sacks of charcoal on wooden pallets but forensic examination found that the pallets were made of compressed cocaine pow-
der made to look like wood, and some of the sacks contained cocaine disguised as charcoal. Greg McKenna, NCA regional head of investigations, said: “We believe the charcoal company was a front for a industrial-sized lab where cocaine was extracted from pallets and charcoal, processed and repackaged for onward distribution across Europe.
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Hong Kong port’s cargo decreases 16.5% in Q3 WASHINGTON: The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (December 7) released statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the third quarter of 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, total port cargo throughput decreased by 16.5% compared with a year earlier to 63.8 million tonnes. Within this total, inward and outward port cargo decreased by 21.5% and 8.4% to 36.9 million tonnes and 26.9 million tonnes respectively. For the first 9 months of 2015, total port cargo throughput decreased by 9.9% compared with a year earlier to 200.6 million tonnes. Within this total, inward and outward port cargo decreased by 13.8% and 3.5% to 119.4 million tonnes and 81.2 million tonnes respectively.
container cargo volume growth through uS ports to slow in 2016 ontainer traffic will continue to grow, but at a slower rate, underpinning a stable outlook for U.S. ports, Moody’s Investors Service says in a report. Container cargo volume growth through U.S. ports will slow in 2016 as demand for American exports remains weak and U.S. retailers work through high inventories, according to a report by Moody’s Investors Service. Moody’s said it expects container volume will rise 3% to 4% next year, down from 5% growth this year. The strong growth in 2015 was due in part to a large influx of container cargo after West Coast dockworkers reached terms of a multi-year contract with their port employers in late February. During the months-long negotiation process, which began in May of 2014, the West Coast ports experienced periods of excessive delays with cargo ships waiting to enter the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for weeks. “The growth this year was inflated by the port gridlock and then the unwinding of that, which has really driven up inventories in the U.S.,” said Moses Kopmar, a Moody’s analyst and author of the report. —CB Report
Ports & Shipping
climate protesters target coal ports in Newcastle
lobal large-size LCD panel shipments reached 207 million during the third quarter of 2015, up 3.4% on quarter but down 12% on year, according to new figures from IDC. The top-five panel makers (LG Display, Samsung Display, Innolux, BOE and AU Optronics (AUO)) held an 85% share during the period, which represented an onquarter decline. In terms of applications, LG held the top spot for IT and monitor panel shipments and Samsung the top spot for TV panels. BOE meanwhile held the top spot in tablet panel shipments.—CB Report
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Adani port, ApSeZ to construct int’l transshipment port at Vizhinjam dani Ports and Special Economic Zones Ltd (APSEZ), India’s biggest private port operator, on Saturday started construction of a new international container transhipment port at Vizhinjam in Kerala, with the Union government agreeing to ease a key law which will allow foreign container shipping lines to operate between the new port when it begins operations and other Indian ports. A container transhipment port such as the one planned at Vizhinjam acts like a hub, into which smaller feeder vessels bring cargo which then gets loaded onto larger ships for transportation to final destinations. Larger vessels bring about economies of scale, and lower the cost of operations for shipping lines, which then translates into lower freight rates for exporters and importers. India’s coastal trade (shipping cargo between different local ports) is reserved for ships registered in India and foreign ships can be hired only when Indian ships are not available after taking permission from the country’s maritime regulator, under the so-called cabotage law. Currently, about 2.2 million twenty foot equivalent units or TEUs (the standard size of a container) are transhipped from India to ports like Colombo (Sri Lanka), Singapore, and Jebel Ali (UAE), adding to the cost of exporters and importers. —CB Report
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global LcD panel shipments reach 207m in Q3 of 2015
Tuesday December 15, 2015
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limate change activists have staged operations at three coal ports and in the centre of Melbourne, chaining themselves to equipment and calling on industry to “connect the dots” in the Qight against global warming. Police said three people who locked themselves onto a coal-loading conveyor belt at the Port of New-
castle were arrested, while activists said two others who scaled coalloading equipment at Port Kembla near Wollongong, were also taken into custody. Protesters at the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) premises in Newcastle stopped operations by locking themselves to the facility at Koorangang north of the CBD. Police sent rescue teams and the Bomb Disposal Unit, unchaining the protesters at about 8:00am. In Port Kembla, the protest and accompanying police operation caused truck trafQic to build up around the port. One of
the protesters was pictured swinging from a coal loader. Protest group Front Line Action on Coal said the two activists involved had been taken into custody. In Brisbane, a small group of protesters tied themselves to trees opposite a railway station to stop coal trains travelling to the Port of Brisbane, with a spokesperson for Queensland Rail saying one freight train was waiting to get through. With the United Nations climate conference underway in Paris, Newcastle protester Vanessa Weibford said communities were demanding more action.
Stakeholders share worries over corruption with customs
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ort stakeholders under the aegis of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF; have raised fresh alarm over what they described as `increasing rate of corruption` at the nation’s seaports. In a letter addressed to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service dated December 2, 2015 and signed by the national
chairman of the anti – corruption unit of the association, Mr Increase Uche alleged that there is a clear case of increase in corruption involving customs ofQi cers in the nation’s seaports. The group challenged the Custons CG, Hameed Ali to pay a visit to the Federal Operations Unit of the Customs, Ikeja. According to the association, corruption was getting worse on daily basis at the ports, insisting that the change mantra expected has become elusive. The letter reads in parts: “A trip to FOU Ikeja and reve-
lations therein from interventions is a pointer that corruption is in the increase due to improper Customs examination. If the Customs examination ofQi cers are patriotic and professional in their actions, the valuation unit shall resolve all disputed matters of classiQi cation and value question with ease”. The letter also said that most of the items intercepted on the road were the same goods that had been Okayed and cleared at the ports or border stations by offi cers of the service.
The freight forwarding group also frowned at the frivolous rate at which Customs commands have been seizing people’s trade goods on the allegations of under-declaration, concealment and other infractions, arguing that rather than seizure, the service should collect appropriate duty on them and allow their owners to take delivery. Meanwhile, stakeholders have identiQi ed the local alerts issued by some ofQi cers at the Lagos Ports as an epitome of systemic corruption within the Customs operation.
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Faisalabad Excise to hold auction today FAISALABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation will hold auction of 17 different lots of seized goods including six vehicles, three generators and miscellaneous on December 15, 2015. As per details, a diesel generator of 275KVA capacity, a generator of 200KVA capacity and another generator of 150KVA will be presented for open bid. Besides, eight lots, including 3023 kilograms of cloth, kids wear of Tomax brand, 151 sets of BOPP film rolls, 60 pieces of solar plates, 210 pieces of solar fans, 2,000kg of compressors, 5,937 black tea, 492kg of cinnamon (darchini) and four pieces of alloy rims.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
CUSTOMS BULLETIN
Faisalabad customs Intelligence seizes items worth rs 5.5m within a week FAISALABAD NAeeM SheIkh
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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation conQiscated smuggled goods worth Rs 5.5 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 5.09 million during Qirst week of December, 2015. According to the details, the intelligence team following the directions of Additional Director Azmat Tahira conducted various raids to fail smuggling attempts in the region. However, two cases following the charges of smuggling were registered against the accused persons. The Customs Intelligence seized a generator of Denyo Company worth Rs 2 million involving duty/taxes valuing at Rs 1.27 million, while the accused person in this case is Muhammad Waseem Iqbal who is resident of Faisalabad. On the other hand, the intelligence staff impounded a Hino Truck bearing Registration No. TKB-370 model 1998 worth Rs 3.5 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 3.24 million. Khalid Mehmood who is resident of Sargodha has been nominated as accused by intelligence staff. The customs has made
conQiscations under Section 156(1)89 and 90 ibid read with Section 3(1) (3) of the Import and Export Control Act, 1969, after the
owners failed to produce any document showing the legal import of the items. The team comprising Senior Intelligence OfQicer Zahid Saleem
Mirza, Intelligence OfQicers Mian Muhammad Yousaf and Farzand Ali, and Sepoys Ajamal Hussain and Muhammad Musaddiq Ahmad par-
ticipated in the raids. However, seizure reports have been submitted to adjudication department for further legal action.
Shc directs Ir-Intelligence to file reply in flying invoices case KARACHI
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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has once again directed the counsel for the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Inland Revenue (IR) Intelligence and Investigation to submit a reply on the bail plea of two suspects in a Qlying invoices case. A case pertaining to a single bench of the SHC has adjourned
the bail applications Qiled by Arshad Ali Khan and Touseef Ahmad, who were allegedly involved in issuance of fake sale tax invoices of more than Rs 1 billion. The accused persons moved the court seeking post-arrest bail in the case after the trial court rejected their bail pleas. According to the ofQicials of IR Intelligence and Investigation, the suspects Arshad Ali Khan, Javed Anwar Khan, Tauseef, and Rashid Ali Khan issued invoices using names of bogus companies claiming over Rs 1 billion from the sales tax department.
An FIR was registered against them in January, 2015. Accused Arshad Ali Khan and Touseef Ahmad are in judicial custody; however, Jawed Anwar and Rashid Ali Khan are still at large. Arshad Ali Khan, who claimed to be proprietor of Kotila Corporation, along with his other accomplices fraudulently, issued fake sales tax invoices. Later, the ofQicials found that the original proprietor of Kotila Corporation, Noor Mohammad, was expired in February 2007 and the tax department was also intimated about cancellation of sales tax registration of the Qirm.
Meanwhile, The Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned comments from Pakistan Customs authorities on a petition seeking release of the consignment of engine parts. A division bench of the SHC adjourned the hearing when the counsel for the customs authorities sought time to Qile comments. M/s Chief Auto Centre (Private) Limited submitted that it had imported 10.466 metric ton of Japanese origin liners and piston ring sets for diesel engines of assorted brands classiQiable under HS Code 8409.9999. Those engine parts are used in excavators, fork lifters,
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and bulldozers. Advocate Kailash, the counsel for the petitioner, stated that the importer through its clearing agent Qiled goods declaration for the assessment of the goods. Upon payment of duty and taxes the consignment was declared out-of-charge. However, when the petitioner’s carrier approached the authorities for release of the consignment, it was told that the consignment has been detained for re-assessment of duty and taxes, as the engine parts imported by the petitioner for the vehicle are classiQiable under HS Code 4809.9910.