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PAKISTAN’S FIRST INDEPTH NEWSPAPER ON CUSTOMS

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Karachi, Thu December 22, 2016

KARACHI

S R KHAN

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he Model Customs Collectorate Preventive has chalked out a plan to launch a grand operation against petrol pumps involved in the sale of Iranian diesel and petrol, it is learnt here. Sources informed Customs Today that Chief Collector-Enforcement (South) Muhammad Zahid Khokhar recently held a meeting, which was attended by Collector Preventive Dr Saifuddin Junejo, Deputy Collector Ali Turrabi and others. During the meeting, the chief collector stressed the need for eliminating the smuggling of Iranian petrol and diesel from each and every corner of the city. He added that security should also beefed up on National Highway and Super Highway.

Collector Preventive Dr Junejo briefed the chief collector about the strategy being

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evolved against smugglers and the people selling Iranian oil.

He said that the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) would start a crackdown against sale of Iranian oil from next week, adding that the assistance of the Pakistan Rangers and police would also be required to conduct result-oriented operation. Khokhar assured the collector preventive that he would consult the Pakistan Rangers and police in this regard. It is pertinent to mention here that the Customs Preventive conducted a successful operation in 2014 against a maQia selling smuggled Iranian diesel and petrol under the supervision of the then Collector Preventive Syed Muhammad Tariq Huda.

During the operation, the customs authorities had demolished and dismantle around 75 illegal petrol pumps in district west and outskirts of the city.

It may also be mentioned here that Preventive has also seized thousands of liters petrol and diesel from Super Highway a few days ago.

Customs to collect revenue of Rs1247m during December

ASO seizes huge quantity of drugs, nonduty paid vehicle during crackdown

ECNEC approves seven projects worth up to Rs143 billion

Peshawar ASO impounds 325 vehicles worth Rs 490m in 5 months

Sarfraz okays extension for submission of gold seizure report to Adjudication

Customs Islamabad has assigned revenue collection target amounting to Rs.1247m | SEE PAGE 02 |

TheASOhasconfiscatednondutypaid cigarettes,Gutkaand9kilogramsofsuper | SEE PAGE 03 |

Dar chaired the meeting of the ECNEC at the PM’s Office in Islamabad | SEE PAGE 04 |

The Customs ASO and car cell, Peshawar, impounded 325 non-duty paid vehicles | SEE PAGE 11 |

CollectorSarfraz hasapproved30days extensionforsubmissionofgoldsmuggling | SEE PAGE 16 |

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Hyderabad Customs installs scanner van at Khokhrapar Thursday, December 22, 2016

National

HYDERABAD: Customs Collectorate Hyderabad has installed scanner (Rapi Scan van at zero point Khokhrapar Railway Station. Sources told Customs Today that after imparting necessary training to customs oďŹƒcials and devising a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the maintenance and operation of scanning system the scanner was installed on 19th November 2016 now the passengers baggage is being processed through the scanning machine. Sources said that the installation of scanner at zero point is a big step towards the facilitation of passengers by using modern technology as per international best practices .

Customs to collect Rs 1,247 million revenue in December

SIALKOT

ISLAMABAD

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU

TARIQ DERYA

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Gujranwala Reign has confiscated Iranian cloth worth Rs100,000 during vehicle checking on Grand Trunk (GT) Road. Under the directions of Assistant Director Itrat Hussain, the Superintendent Tariq Rafique constituted a team under the supervision of Intelligence Inspector Saad Ullah to check vehicles under Iran Transit Trade.

The said Inspector along with his team members including constables Usama, Shafique, Mubashir, Boota started the checking of vehicles on GT Road. During the checking of vehicles, the team intercepted a van bearing registration number RIR349-06 which was coming from Rawalpindi and going to Narowal via Sialkot. During the search of the vehicle, the team recovered Iranian cloth worth Rs100,000. The team asked driver Rasheed about booking papers of recovered cloth but he was failed to produce the documents. He told that the cloth was loaded from Bus Stand Pir Wadhai of Rawalpindi and he had no idea about booking papers. The team confiscated the cloth and released the driver with van.

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ustoms Collectorate Islamabad has assigned revenue collection target amounting to Rs.1247 million under head of all duty taxes for month of December Qinancial year (FY2016-17).

Collector Dr. Arslan Subactageen told Customs Today that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been assigned revenue collection target amounting Rs.465 million under head of customs duty for month of December FY2016-17.

He said that the Board have assigned revenue collection amounting Rs.423 millions under head of sales tax for month of December FY16-17, adding that MCC also assigned target amounting Rs.348 million under head of with holding tax (WHT). He said that MCC have been assigned revenue collection amounting to Rs.11 million under head of federal excise duty for month of December FY16-17 adding that the performance regarding collection under head of all duty taxes was satisfactory during month of November 2016-17, he said that Collectorate achieved its assigned revenue target with 100% collection. He said that during said that during month of November FY16-17 the Collectorate collected revenue amounting Rs.436.806 million under head of customs duty against the assigned

Gujranwala Customs Intelligence confiscates Iranian cloth

target of amounting Rs.436 million.

The collector said that during November the Collectorate collected revenue amounting Rs.413 million under head of Sales tax (ST) against the assigned target of amounting Rs.397 million. He said that during November FY16-17 the MCC collected revenue amounting Rs.218.240 million under head of Income Tax (IT) against the assigned target under head of IT was amount-

ing Rs.268.00 million. Dr.Arslan said that during month of November the MCC Islamabad collected amounting Rs.89.249 million under head of Federal Excise Duty (FED) against the assigned target of amounting Rs.7.00 million. Collector said that MCC is making crack down against NDP, Offending and smugglers adding that he has advised the ASO and Car cell to make more and more seizers, he said that he also advised the DC auc-

tion to make another auction before ending of current month December FY16-17. He said that all the departments like Air Freight Unit (AFU), Dry port Islamabad and Preventive Departments have already advised to make every effort to meet the target of 2nd quarter of Qinancial year FY2016-17, adding that he is optimistic to achieve the target of all duty taxes assigned for month of December FY16-17.

Customs values of circuit breakers, staplers revised T

KARACHI

WAQAR AHMED ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of circuit breakers through Valuation Ruling No 994/2016 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969. Customs values of circuit breakers were determined under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, vide Valuation Ruling No.652/2014, dated 27-03-2014.

The valuation ruling needed revision in light of prevailing international prices as it was considerably old. Meanwhile a reference was also received from Directorate General of Intelligence and InvestigationFBR, Karachi vide letter No. Appg50/DCl/R&A/AICT/2016/2515 dated 31-08-2016 whereby the Directorate of Intelligence had requested this Directorate to revisit the valuation ruling in light of prevailing international prices as it had found actual invoices of certain im-

porters to be on much higher side.

Therefore, this Directorate General initiated an exercise for determination of customs values of circuit breakers. No documents were submitted in this Directorate General on or even after the said scheduled meeting. The meeting was attended by the importers and representatives of Pakistan Electrical & Electric Merchants Association and the ofQicers from Qield formations. During the course of meeting, the importers were of the view that the values of

circuits. Breakers have considerably reduced in the international market as compared to the values determined in the existing valuation ruling, therefore, the values might be reduced. However, importers did not submit import invoices, sales tax invoices, literature, representative samples, evidences and other relevant requisite import documents in support of their Contentions. They requested that market inquiry should be conducted brand-wise from Bolton market / Marriott Road.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation has revised the customs value of stapler machines through Valuation Ruling No 995/2016 under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.

Customs values of stapler machines were determined under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969, vide Valuation Ruling No.924/2016, dated 07-09-2016. The Valuation Ruling required revision in line with the prevailing prices in the international market.

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PCA detects evasion of duty, taxes by M/s Esseff Traders KARACHI: Directorate of Customs’ Post Clearance Audit (PCA) has detected evasion of duty and taxes of Rs 183,639 by M/s Esseff Traders, it is learnt. According to sources, M/s Esseff Traders imported a consignment of aerosol spray paints under PCT Heading 3208.9090 and cleared the same from Customs Appraisement East through their clearing agent M/s Zed Bee Enterprises paying customs duty @ 12.5 percent after claiming benefit of SRO 659(I)/2007 dated 03.06.2007. However, the subject goods are correctly classifiable under PCT 3208.2090 attracting customs duty @ 20 percent sales tax @ 17 percent additional sales tax @3 percent and income tax @ 6 percent.

Customs Court adjourns hearing of gold smuggling case

Thursday December 22, 2016

National

Hyderabad ASO seizes huge quantity of drugs, non-duty paid vehicle

MULTAN

IMRAN ALI

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has adjourned hearing of 14 kilograms of gold smuggling case for next week. Earlier the court had rejected post arrest bail plea of two female suspects who are allegedly involved in smuggling of 14 kilograms of gold and currency from Multan International Airport. According to details Customs authorities deputed at Multan International airport recovered 14 kg gold from two females which they wear in their hands in shape of bangles (kara) and anklets (pazaib) along with 39000 Saudi riyals and United Arab Emirates dirhams.

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Hyderabad Dry Port collects over Rs 1,433b in Nov HYDERABAD

ASLAM ANJUM QURESHI www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Hyderabad Dry Port and Sukkur division has collected Rs1433.116 million revenue during the month of November 2016-17.

According to details Hyderabad and Sukkur division has collected customs duty Rs.100,078, sales tax Rs 278,300 income tax Rs.3,040, FED Rs 0,525 during the month of November 2016-17 The major tax sources including Bonded Warehouse SWH and KPR Hyderabad (SWH Huffaz Seamless Pipe Industries, Crescent Steel, Omni Polymer Industries, Rema Cooking Oil and the Pakistan State Oil. The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) also seized non-duty paid goods worth million of rupees during the month. November 2016-17. aUnder the supervision of Hyderabad Customs Collector Agha Shahid Majeed, Additional Collector Rehmatulah Vistro.

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HYDERABAD

ASLAM ANJUM QURESHI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has conQiscated non duty paid cigarettes, Gutka and 9 kilograms of super quality opium from a coach worth Rs22.5 million and arrested two accused persons during a crackdown here. Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Collectorate Hyderabad Rehmatulah Vistro received information regarding smuggling of foreign origin contraband items and drugs. Soon after receiving the information, the additional collector constituted a team comprising Superintendent Shabbir Phalphuto, Inspector Rahib Ali Abro, sepoyes, driver and other staff to foil the smuggling bid.

The ASO team intercepted Al Asif coach which was plying on road bearing registration number C-8453 near check post of Jacobabad Sukkur and recovered contraband items which include foreign origin cigarettes, Gutka and super quality 9 kilograms of opium. The market value of seized opium in international market is estimated at Rs 20 million. The ASO team asked the driver of the vehicle to produce legal documents regarding possession of cigarette and Gutka but he failed to provide any relevant documents.

The two accused persons including driver Ali Akbar son of Muhammad Omar, a resident of district

Kalat and his companion conductor Mudassar son of Mir Kalam, a resident of Quetta were arrested and after registering a case of smuggling against him started investigations.

The ASO team conQiscated the drugs opium cigarette and Gutka besides impounding the coach worth Rs 2.5 million under the prevailing Customs laws. Meanwhile, The Customs Hyderabad Dry Port and Sukkur division has collected Rs1433.116 million revenue dur-

The ASO team intercepted Al Asif coach which was plying on road bearing registration number C-8453 near check post of Jacobabad Sukkur and recovered contraband items which include foreign origin cigarettes, Gutka and 9-kilogram super quality opium

35 firms apply for transit trade contract

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KARACHI

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT

www.customsbulletin.com s many as 35 companies have showed their interest in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)’s bid for the transit trade vehicles’ contract for 2017.

The FBR’s Directorate General of Transit Trade will award the contract to one potential bidder after careful evaluation in three different phases of selection process.

In the first phase, at least five

companies, which would meet terms and conditions of the department, will be short listed.

The selected companies will be scrutinised in the second phase and cut the list to three. In the third phase, the profile of the company, capacity, manpower, skills, assets as well as the details of past contact will be examined to award the contract on merit.

Currently, TPL Trakker Limited is the official contractor, who tracks the transit trade vehicles for

FBR. The company has already secured the tracking agreement twice during the last two years and is a strong candidate this year as well. Now, another bidder, National Logistic Cell is likely to give hard competition to the TPL for acquiring the tracking contract for the transit vehicles.

The FBR has already instructed the DG Transit Trade to ensure transparency and check bank guarantees of the company before awarding the contract.

ing the month of November 201617. According to details Hyderabad and Sukkur division has collected customs duty Rs.100,078, sales tax Rs 278,300 income tax Rs.3,040, FED Rs 0,525 during the month of November 2016-17 The major tax sources including Bonded Warehouse SWH and KPR Hyderabad (SWH Huffaz Seamless Pipe Industries, Crescent Steel, Omni Polymer Industries, Rema Cooking Oil and the Pakistan State Oil.

Faisalabad RTO collects Rs 2253.129m in Nov he Regional Tax Office (RTO) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs 2253.129 million during the month of November against the assigned target of Rs 2786 million. The target is achieved 12 percent more as compared to the same month of last fiscal year 2015.

Sources told Customs Today that the RTO Faisalabad collected Rs 1151.450 million.

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Govt urged to reduce duties on coal import LAHORE: The cement manufacturers have urged the government to reduce duties on import of coal. All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), in a statement, said that coal is a widely used fuel in the production of cement and its increasing prices during last few months has a significant impact on input cost whereas recent increase in the oil prices has further increased the cost of cement production. The APCMA spokesman urged the government to support the industry by cutting the taxes which will decrease the cement prices as well as increase the demand of cement, resulting in capacity enhancement of the industry and creating more job opportunities.

Thursday December 22, 2016

Business

ECNEC okays seven projects worth Rs143b ISLAMABAD

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inance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the Prime Minister’s OfQice in Islamabad on Wednesday.

ECNEC considered and approved the Prime Minister’s National Health Program (Revised), which will be implemented in 34 districts all over Pakistan at a rationalized cost of Rs. 8,179.092 million. The program is expected to be completed in 36 months. The project aims at improving the health status of the population in the country by

Current account deficit jumps by 91pc KARACHI

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he current account deficit widened 91 per cent year-on-year in the July-November period to $2.601 billion, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Tuesday. The deficit in November skyrocketed 120pc to $839 million compared to October’s. The trend could be alarming, particularly in the wake of increasing imports and falling exports.

The current account is the broadest measure of trade, covering not only the flow of goods and services but also investment flows.

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ensuring access to quality health care especially enhancing coverage and access to secondary and priority treatment of the poor and vulnerable population. The insurance cover would be limited to Rs. 50,000 per family per annum for

secondary care treatment and Rs. 250,000 per family per annum for priority treatment. ECNEC also reviewed and approved “Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Program (REDSIP) (2nd revised PC I) at an estimated cost of

Rs. 15,794.66 million including FEC of Rs. 4,865.97 million. The project envisages construction of three hydropower projects with total capacity of 56.2 MW including 36.6 MW Daral Khawar Hydropower project (HPP), 17 MW Ranolia HPP and 2.6 MW Machai HPP. Under this program, three feasibility studies of Koto HPP (31MW), Jabori HPP(8MW) and Karora HPP(9.8MW) will also be carried out besides capacity building of PEDO. The main objective of the REDSIP program is to develop on sustainable basis, environment friendly and affordable, renewable power potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project will be located in the districts of Swat, kohistan, Mardan, Dir, Shangla, Mansehra and Peshawar.

405,287-tonne ghee, 123,281-tonne oil produced in 4 months D

ISLAMABAD

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

omestic production of vegetable ghee and cooking oil during the Qirst four months of current Qinancial year were recorded at 405,287 tonnes and 123,282 tonnes respectively as compared the production of corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-October, 2016, the production of above mentions commodities witnessed slight decreased of 1.37 percent and 2.66 percent respectively,

according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The domestic production of vegetable ghee was recorded at 410,914 tonnes, where as about 126,651 tonnes of cooking oil produced in order to tackle with the domestic consumptions as well as for exporting. On month on month basis, about 102,658 tonnes of vegetable ghee produced in month of October, 2016 as compared to 105,640 tonnes of same month of last year. Meanwhile, cooking oil production during the period under review was recorded at 30,992 tonnes as compared to the production of

35,881 tonnes of same month of last year. In last four months, country produced about 47,543 tonnes of blended tea of, which was recorded at 43,740 tonnes during same period of last year, showing an increase of 8.69 percent. During the month of October, 2016, about 12,207 tonnes of blended tea produced as compared to the production of 12,271 tonnes of same month last year. During Qirst four months of preceding year, about 1.830 million tonnes of wheat and grained were milled as compared to 1.921 million tonnes of same period of last year.

CNG stations to determine gas prices of own choice ISLAMABAD

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he federal government has given the control of changing and setting gas prices to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station owners after taking five regulatory institutions under government ministries in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). CNG station owners will need no notification from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to change CNG prices, hence, taking profit of their own wish. The decision was taken by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (MPNR) in the light of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). CNG will now be sold in liters instead of kilograms after this decision. MPNR has sent notifications to OGRA, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) stating that OGRA ordinance will be modified to give a legal status to deregulation. It should be noted that CNG has already been deregulated in Punjab before Sindh and KP. The chairman of Supreme Council of All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Ghayas Paracha has said that this step would save CNG business worth 450 billion rupees from destruction and it would flourish again.

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Huawei Academy holds 1st ICT Skills Contest in Pakistan LAHORE

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he 1st round of Huawei Academy ICT Skill Competition in Pakistan came to a successful conclusion at the FAST University Islamabad recently. The exciting competition lasted for eight working days, where more than 2,300 students, from more than 30 local universities, participated in this event. The top 50

winners proceeded to take part in the second-round of the competition, held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, in Lahore on 16th Dec 2016. The top 6 of the competition received awards along with an opportunity to take a free-trip to Huawei’s head ofQice in Shenzhen, China. Once there, they will be competing in the Qinal round of the Huawei Academy ICT Skill Competition, against the winners coming in from many other countries, around the globe. Huawei Pakistan

will sponsor this entire competition.

The contestants came in from many local institutions that teach the relevant courses, covered in this test, along with training in router, switch, network, security, WLAN, storage, and Cloud-Computing technologies.

Huawei Academy is a school-enterprise, cooperation-education program, backed up by the company’s strong R&D competence. Huawei has launched this program to develop the ICT talent cultivation chain, promote

ICT technology and train local ICT technicians. The academy covers the latest ICT technology, interconnects training courses with Huawei’s career certiQication. It enhances students’ practical abilities and employability through communication, training, and hand-on practices aimed at contributing to social development. As a socially-responsible enterprise – ‘Huawei Academy’ is nurtured as a Non-proQit, social and educational development activity in

many countries, where the company operates. The event was personally graced by numerous distinguished guests, including Senior ofQicials from ‘Higher Education Commission’ (HEC)of Pakistan along with senior management executives from Huawei and the Consul General of China in Lahore. Other dignitaries included Education Minister of the Punjab province and Vice Chancellors of ten local universities, whose students participated in the competition.

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KARACHI S R KHAN www.customsbulletin.com

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ederal Finance Ishaq Dar Minister has called on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan and discussed issues being faced by the business community in connection with Qiling of their income tax returns for the year 201617. Dar also inquired about the status of tax returns during the current Qiscal year and performance of the Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS) in Qiling the returns. The chairman briefed the federal minister about the efforts being made by the customs authorities to improve the working of IRIS. He said that the system has been successfully working for the last one and an half months, adding that the taxpayers are taking full advantage of the system. They also discussed extension in the date of Qiling tax returns, but did not take any Qinal decision in this regard.

Meanwhile, The Federal Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the 3rd meeting of the 9th National Finance Commission (NFC) here. The meeting was attended by the Members of the Commission namely M/s Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Finance Minister Punjab, Mr. Said Muzaffar Advocate, Finance Minister KPK, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Member Sindh, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Member KPK, Dr. Kaiser Bengali, Member Balochistan and Dr. Ali Cheema, Member Punjab.

he meeting w nance Secret Chairman, FB tary (IGF), Jo Finance Divis nance Secret ator Mohamm participants meeting held proposal for Fund (NSF) a i.e. Azad Jam and FATA, to highlighted t rity situation taken by the ment. He also though the F ment is prov Special Are their Qinanci increasing ye To further e proposal, Fe Secretary ma on NSF and was recomm and Special consider to a of the gross d spectively. Th resentatives d should be giv liberation an so that they with appropr

Thursday, December 22, 2016

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was also attended by Federal Fi- recommendations, which was accepted. It tary, Member/Federal Expert, was also desired that the Federal GovernBR, Additional Finance Secre- ment may put forth a complete set of prooint Secretary/Secretary NFC, posals i.e. details and modalities, for use of sion and the four Provincial Fi- fund/allocation, particularly related to spetaries. The Chairman, NFC Sen- cial areas.The 3rd meeting of the 9th NFC mad Ishaq Dar welcomed the was held in a cordial and friendly atmosand informed that CCI in its phere. The Provincial Governments and the d on 16-12-2016 referred the Federation agreed to push the process for creation of National Security completing the next NFC Award before the and allocation for Special Areas next budget. For this purpose, the Commismmu &Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan sion agreed to convene next meeting in Jano the NFC for deliberation. He uary, 2017. It was also proposed that, if all the extraordinary secuprovinces agree, the next meeting of the n and measures being Commission may be convened at Lahore. e Federal Governo explained that Federal Governviding funds to eas, however, ial needs are ear on year. elaborate the ederal Finance ade presentation Special Areas. It mended that for NSF en Areas, NFC may has be m e t s y s e and allocate 3% & 4% at the ast on h l t e d h i t a divisible pool reHe s ng for he worki that t he provincial repy g l l n i u f d s d e of ,a desired that they succes antag onths v m d f a l l a l u ven time for dean h king f c ussed a re t a nd consultations, s r e so dis l y a a p y x e tax ta Th y may come up f filing stem. y o s e e t a h riate reply to the t final the d

e any sion in ot tak exten n d i d s, but re g a rd re t u r n n this i n o i s deci

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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

Transparency in financial matters

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ransparency in financial and administrative affairs has always remained a pressing issue in the country since independence.

Unfortunately, the accounts of the country could not remain at satisfactory level despite introduction of reforms and establishment of various new departments to streamline the financial affairs, ensure full audit of the public accounts and keep transparency in the use of money at all levels. It is equally disturbing that the institutions, which were set up to ensure transparency in the financial matters, themselves fell prey to corruption, mismanagement and red tape. As a result, the government money was used and misused by incompetent officials without any tinge of conscience and fear of any accountability. Now the people have become used to corruption as a routine and no one has ever been held responsible for mismanagement or maladministration at any level and in the past or present history of the country. Fiscal transparency plays important role in the development of business, trade and industry and is a crucial factor to maintain balance between savings and spending. The budget making process and allocations for development plans all come in the realm of fiscal transparency which is very much absent in this country. In this age of information, the government is even unaware of the production capacity of the electricity, revenue generation through various channels and total spending in a fiscal year. Everything is worked on the basis of assessment which could not be relied on most of the time. The government is now taking foreign loans, but it has apparently no record of spending and this is great disservices to the nation. The annual budgets are prepared on the basis of proposals and often on wrong assumptions of revenue generation from various sections of the economy. During the execution process, the government suddenly comes to know that funds are not available to launch a particular project. Than it looks toward a donor agency for money. No one knows how long this vicious circle of ignorance and inability will continue. As a matter of fact, the government should maintain clear record of revenue collections and revenue spending.

The office of the auditor general is one of the most influential institutions of the country, but it is difficult to believe how it works in a corrupt environment.

Fragile state of economy I

LAHORE

DR AFTAB AFZAL

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n an already fragile situation of the economy, the growing loans are not only squeezing Qiscal space to attract investment in human development and infrastructure sectors, but also bringing the biggest challenge of debt servicing for the nation in the near future. Instead of developing resources to generate money through trade and industry, the government has found an easy way to Qill the gap by taking loans from international donor agencies. The exports of the country have been continuously declining, but imports are increasing as a result of which the country is fac-

ing huge trade deQicit. The exports have now shrunk to $22 billion against $43 billion imports, leaving a huge deQicit of $21 billion.

The tax to GDP ratio is already low in the country and instead of enhancing the next net, the government is putting all its pressure on the already registered taxpayers.

The tax and non-tax collections of the country stand at Rs 3,900 billion against expenditure of over Rs 4,900 billion. This not only affects cost of production, but also causes extra burden on common man. So far, the remittances sent by expatriate Pakistanis play a vital role in stabilizing the Qiscal situation. However, due to crisis in various host countries, repatriation of Pakistanis has started. This will also lower the volume of re-

mittances in coming years. The external debts remained static at $39billion until 2008, but increased by $16 billion during the Qive years tenure of the Pakistan People’s Party. Another $15 billion are added to the debt burden by the current Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government during the last three years. The government is still running from pillar to post for more loans. At least 60 percent of the total revenues are allocated for debt servicing alone, squeezing Qiscal space for the government to invest in social, industrial and infrastructural sectors. The volume of loans which the country took in 60 years has been doubled just in eight years. Afull stop to foreign loans is still not in sight which

currently stand at $72 billion. The internal debts which currently stand at Rs 17 trillion are another story of pathetic Qinancial mismanagement. The total public debt stood at Rs 6.3 trillion in 2008, but swelled more than double in eight years. How the government will stabilize the economy in this situation is a big question before independent economists. The world agencies are warning against rising debt volume, but the ruling elite still has no hesitation to depict a rosy picture of the economy. The government must looks into developing solid industrial base by attracting local and foreign investment. Trying to stabilize economy on the basis of loans will end in Qiasco at the end of the day.

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Costa Rica toy imports up 12% annually COSTA RICA: In the last six years imports have grown at an annual rate of 12%. Greater sophistication in the consumption of these products, more demands than before in terms of quality and brands, are some of the reasons for increased toy imports in the country. Data from the Promotora del Comercio exterior (Procomer) – promoter of foreign trade – reviewed by Nacion.com shows that the value of imports has gone from US$16 million dollars in 2010 to more than $31 million so far this year. Sirleny Zúñiga, commercial assistant at Juguetón, the toy store owned by Cemaco , explained that the consumer in Costa Rica is very demanding in terms of brand and quality, very educated and aware of the trends. Mariela Pacheco, director of corporate affairs at Walmart, said the the Costa Rican toy market, compared to the region, “is more valued”, where there is more emphasis on novelty with more demanding consumers.

LCCI launches own android application LAHORE

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he Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Friday launched its own Android Mobile Application (APP) and became first chamber of the country which has introduced such a modern service for its members. The LCCI APP can easily be accessed from any smart phone, will strengthen business connections of the LCCI members and they would also get easy access to the concerned information. LCCI President Abdul Basit inaugurated the LCCI APP at a prestigious ceremony here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry while convener of the LCCI Standing Committee on Information Technology Amir Saeed also spoke on the occasion. The LCCI APP is jointly developed by LCCI computer Department and M/s. TAPINSTA team including Saad Sohaib, Khalid Manzoor, Muham-

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mad Anis and Asif Khalil. At the first stage, the facility is available on android phones only while in next three months, it would be available on other systems as well. This mobile application will provide information to the business community regarding events, recent updates, registration process of membership and member’s details.

Abdul Basit said that this initiative has been taken to bring the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at par with the Chambers of Commerce in the developed world. To expedite the processes, an upgraded system has been put in place. He said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry will continue to facilitate its members in the larger interest of the trade, industry and economy. The LCCI President urged the LCCI members to get full advantage of the LCCI APP.

Thursday December 22, 2016

Chambers

ICCI holds Christmas ceremony for Christian community T

ISLAMABAD

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he Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) organised a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ceremony for Christian community. Priest Asif Riaz, Christian Counselor Ch. Rashid Farzand, Pakistan Minority Forum Chairman Ch. Ashraf Farzand, Pastor Saleem and a large number of Christians attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the occasion, ICCI acting President Khalid Malik said that Christian community was playing an important role in the economic development of the country which was laudable. He said government should ensure better protection of the rights of all minorities including Christians. He said government should also provide special incentives to the minority business communities so that they could make more useful contribution to strengthen the economy.

He said government and society should encourage such ceremonies as it would promote social harmony and national unity. He said many businessmen of Christian commu-

nity were members of ICCI which showed that Chamber was working for promoting the interests of members of all communities. He assured that Chamber would play role for resolving the issues of Christian business community. ICCI Vice President Tahir Ayub said that the teachings of Hazrat Isa have been guiding principles for Muslims of every age.

He said Hazrat Isa always stressed on serving the humanity which was also golden principle of Islam. He

said Christian community was playing useful role in every walk of life including economy, politics, law and other Qields which was required to be fully acknowledged. He said ICCI would continue to organize such events so that along with promoting business activities, it could also play role in bringing all communities closer. Speaking at the occasion, Priest Asif Riaz, Christian Counselor Ch. Rashad Farzand, Pakistan Minority Forum Chairman Ch. Ashraf

KCCI’s initiatives to be fully supported: Saleem Nawaz

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KARACHI

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akistan Ambassador to Bosnia, Lt. Gen (Retd.) Saleem Nawaz has assured to fully support and cooperate with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in all its initiatives on promoting trade and investment ties with Bosnia.

Speaking at a meeting during his visit to Karachi Chamber, he said that Pakistan’s Embassy in Bosnia would surely welcome all suggestions given

by Karachi Chamber towards enhancing the existing trade ties between the two countries. Vice Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Senior Vice President KCCI Asif Nisar, Vice Presi-

dent KCCI Muhammad Younus Soomro, Former President KCCI Majyd Aziz and KCCI Managing Committee members were also present on the occasion. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Saleem Nawaz further stressed the need to enhance linkages with the businesspeople of Bosnia which was an essential market in the European Union. “In this regard, Pakistan’s Embassy in Bosnia will try its best to extend full support and cooperation to those businessmen who are looking forward to enhance trade with their counterparts in Bosnia”, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala stated that although Pakistani business and industrial community was keen to do business with their Bosnian counterparts but they were unable to do so mainly because of the political

instability which was the aftermath of civil war. Underscoring the need to look for opportunities of enhancing trade between Pakistan and Bosnia, he advised Pakistan’s Ambassador to facilitate visits of trade delegations and stay focused on improving government-to-government and business-to-business interactions. “Pakistan can offer a lot to Bosnia in terms of investments, in terms of exports and also in terms of commodity supplies. All we need to do is to compliment and supplement each other”, he added. Zubair Motiwala further advised the Ambassador to understand the Bosnian government policies, particularly its foreign investment policy, taxation policy, labor laws and visa regime, which if favorable would surely attract Pakistan’s business and industrial community.

Farzand, Pastor Saleem thanked ICCI for organizing Merry Christmas ceremony for their community and said that such ceremonies gave a new conQidence to Christians to work more hard for the economic development of the country. Zubair Ahmed Malik, former President FPCCI and ICCI, Naeem Siddiqui, Khalid Chaudhry, Ahmed Mughal, Sheraz Ahmed Siddiqui and many other members of ICCI were also present at the occasion.

Azerbaijan exports 19m tonnes of oil products zerbaijan exported 19,098,957 tons of oil products in January-November of this year, according to the State Customs Committee. The official figures suggest that the total value of the exported oil products made $5,896 million.

The country produced over 37,717 million tons of crude oil and 26.8 billion cubic metres of natural gas in the eleven months of the year. The total value of the production in the mining industry was 18.8 billion manats in the eleven months, which is 0.8 per cent less than last year. By late 2016, the volumes of oil extraction in the country will hit 41.307 tons, while gas production volumes will amount to 242.5 mcm.

Energy-rich Azerbaijan produces three grades of crude oil Azeri BTC, Azeri Light, and Urals. —CB Report

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Director Ahamad greets newly-upgraded PCA audit officers Thursday December 22, 2016

National Customs PCA detects Rs 5.8m tax evasion LAHORE

M HAYAT

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irectorate of Customs Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has detected Rs 5,804,408 tax evasion

by Four Brothers Agri Store Pakistan (Ltd) Gulberg, Lahore on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 (I) 2006 and SRO 1007 (1)/ 2005. According to details the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit Lahore observed that certain importers having their principal activity of manufacturer of pesticide and other agro chemicals are involved in the evasion of duties and tax during customs clearance of zinc sulphate 33 percent which are classified under PCT Heading 2833, 2940 by availing irregular exemption of customs duty under S. No. 4 of SRO567 (1)/2006 and exemption of sales tax S NO 5 of table -II of SRO 1007 (I) 2005.

The PCA observed that the said SROs were meant for poultry ingredients only. It was observed that M/s Four Brothers Agri Store Pakistan has imported consignment of the aforesaid impugned goods.

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LHC adjourns hearing of JWD Sugar Mill case ahore High Court (LHC) sought reply from JWD Sugar Mill in Rs 420 million income tax case on 16 December. The mills owned by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf leader Jahingir Tareen. According to the details, Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza of Lahore High Court heard the case filed by the appellant Jahingir Tareen, before the court appellant Jahingir Tareen argued before the court that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sent tax notice to him of amounting 420 million that is illegal. Added more that he paid all taxes and liabilities payable by him besides this, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) send notice of 420 million.—Muhammad Nawaz

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LAHORE: Customs Post Clearance (PCA) Director Ahmad Rauf has extended heartiest congratulations to all the Inland Revenue Audit Officers (IRAO) especially PCA Lahore auditor Attiqur Rehman, Nasir Iqbal, Agha Ahsan Mehmood, Muhammad Jamil and Muhammad Arshad Malik on their up-gradation to BS-18.

The Director Ahmad Rauf said that such elevations are not only a source of joy and happiness but also act as stimulus for better performance.

‘I repose my trust in your capabilities and expect even better performance. Once again I congratulate to all of you,” the director said.

Addl Collector Beelam issues ONO against owner of smuggled fabrics D

FAISALABAD

IQRA SHEHZADI

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irectorate of Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has issued Orderin-Original (ONO) against Shahid Zaman a resident of Faisalabad.

Sources informed Customs Today that Customs authorities received information that a truck is heading towards Faisalabad from Lahore. After receiving the information the customs team set up a check-post near Guttwala Toll Plaza Sheikhupura Road. The customs team intercepted the vehicle and recovered huge quantity of foreign ladies printed fabrics . The team asked the driver, who was identiQied as Shahid Zaman , to provide legal documents regarding possession and transportation of the foreign origin ladies fabric but he remained failed to

show any relevant documents. After his failure, the customs team seized the ladies fabrics and forwarded the case to customs Adjudication for legal proceedings. During proceedings in Customs Adjudication Appraiser Shafqat Rasool and Inspector Ali Zahid

appeared in Adjudication department but no one appeared to defend the case from respondent’s side and not any written reply received from the respondent. Therefore Additional Collector Customs Adjudication Beelamur-Ramzan ordered the seized goods

under clause 14 of section 156(1) and section 157(1) and (2) of the Customs Act 1969. Meanwhile, Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has issued a show cause notice to a suspect who is allegedly involved in smuggling of non-duty paid almonds worth Rs 30,00,000 involving customs duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 18,51,840. Sources told Customs Today that Customs Intelligence and Investigation Field Investigation Unit (FIU) intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration no SEA-558 near Dullaywala MM Road, district Bhakkar. The team asked the driver of the vehicle named Moosa Khan son of Rasool Khan who is a resident of Loralai to show documents regarding legal import of the foreign origin almonds without soft shell 127 bags (9,990 kilograms) but he remained fail to produce any relevant produced the same.

FBR collects Rs1,180b duty, taxes till Dec 15 F

LAHORE

M FAIZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs.1196 billon of revenue in Qirst Qive and half months (till December 15) of current Qinancial year while Rs 1180 billion were collect during same period of last Qiscal year 2015-16. Sources told Customs Today that that FBR has collected Rs.452 billion in the head of income tax, as compare to last year in same period collection was Rs.436 billion. In the head of sales tax, Federal Board of Revenue has collected Rs.526 billion while Rs.551 billion were collected during the same period of FY 201617. FBR has collected Rs.75 billion in head of federal excise duty (FED) as compare to Rs.71billion last year. Sources said that FBR collects Rs.188 billion during the above said period while FBR collected Rs.159 billion collected in the same period last year. According to these facts and Qigures, there is only one percent growth in total

tax revenues of FBR. In terms of percentage there is only 4 % increase in income tax revenue, sales tax revenue Qigures showing –mi-

nus 5 percent growth and increase in federal excise duty revenue is only 5 %. There is only satisfactory growth in Customs duty rev-

enue collections which is almost 19 %. Now it is a big question mark, how FBR will get their revenue targets.

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FBR asks apex, other courts to decide pending cases ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to approach the attorney general of Pakistan for speedy decision of tax cases pending in various courts of the country.

FBR Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan has appointed Customs Intelligence and Investigation Director Khawja Tanveer and Member Legal Hafiz Muhammad Ali to contact with and the attorney general and sort out the pending cases.

Sources told Customs Today that thousands of cases were pending before various courts, covering an amount of Rs 50 billion.

The chairman also urged the all collectors and customs adjudications to decide the pending cases on priority basis. Sources said that 1,500 cases were pending in high courts alone.

Multan Customs recovers 9,590 contraband tablets from 3 passengers MULTAN

IMRAN ALI

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ustoms Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has recovered huge quantity of contraband and prohibited tablets from three passengers at Multan International Airport. Sources told Customs Today that Multan customs received tip off from their informer that smuggling attempt could be made from Multan International Airport and Customs staff deputed at Multan International Airport also enhance vigilant after the clue of smuggling. Multan Customs found 9590 tablets of Psychotropic substance from the luggage of three pas-

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sengers travelling from Multan to Dubai during examination process. Passengers who were carrying prohibited medicines identified as Muhammad Farooq, Ishrat and Mehmooda. They were going to Dubai from Multan via Shaheen Airline flight NL 761. Passengers carrying huge quantity of drugs medicine which is prohibited abroad and medicine names were Xanax, Alprazolam and others.

These tablets contain psychotropic substance in their ingredients and these recovered drugs are illegal and banned in foreign countries during travelling.

Deputy Collector Saad Ata Rabbani and Assistant Collector Zohaib Sandhila were also present at Multan International Aiprort on the directions of Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich to intercept smuggler. All the three passengers were arrested after recovery of illegal drug medicines in huge quantity with the clear aim of their smuggling. These recovered drug medicines are not allowed to sell in Pakistan openly without the prescription of doctors and permission of health department.

Thursday December 22, 2016

National

Peshawar ASO impounds 325 vehicles worth T Rs 490m in 5 months

SDPT handles 1445,830 tons of cargo during Nove

SIALKOT

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU www.customsbulletin.com

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ISLAMABAD

TARIQ DERYA

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) and car cell, Peshawar, impounded 325 non-duty paid and offending vehicles worth Rs 490.7 million during the Qirst Qive months (July-November) of the Qinancial year 2016-17.

Officials said that performance of the Peshawar ASO was outstanding in confiscating smuggled goods and vehicles during the period. They said that the ASO and car cell conducted various raids and made cases against the smugglers, adding that the ASO impounded 214 vehicles worth Rs 328.95 million under Section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969. The vehicles were used for smuggling.

They further informed that the car cell also impounded non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 161.75 million, adding that that both wings of the Peshawar Customs were showing outstanding performance against smuggling.

During October 2016, the ASO also busted various smuggling at-

tempts and conQiscated goods and vehicles worth Rs 238.921 while it also impounded many non-duty paid vehicles and other smuggled goods worth Rs 141.521 million during September 2016. The ofQi-

cials said that vigilance has been enhanced on roads in order to foil smuggling attempts, adding that information-sharing system was being strengthened to act against smugglers in the region.

he Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) handled 1445,830 tons of cargo during the month of November 2016. Official sources told Customs Today that the dry port handled 920,000 tons import and 525,830 tons export cargo during the month of November 2016. The imports items included scrap, leather material, stitching etc whereas footballs, surgical and musical instruments as well as gloves and leather garments were exported during the period of November 2016. According to sources, imports and exports were not up to the mark during the months of September and October whereas the export increased in November 2016. In September the export was recorded at 290,331 tons and during October export was recorded at 310,401 tons. Sources said that this industry is purely a seasonal industry whereas export from Sialkot reached its peak and import also increased this month. Sources said that customs department is extending full support to exporters and due to this industry is achieving fruitful results because surgical and musical instruments as well as kitchen items were exported from Sialkot.

SHC adjourns hearing of petition filed by 49 companies

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KARACHI

M BILAL

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained the Customs Department from issuing Qinal orders on a constitutional petition Qiled by 49 companies, seeking release of bank guarantees, deposited with the nazir of the court at the time of provisional release of the subject consignments.

According to details, Karachi Tubes Mills (Private) Limited, AN Industries (Private) Limited and others, sought issuance of certiQicates to the petitioner for the release of the bank guarantees. A two-member

bench, headed by Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah was hearing the petition.

During the hearing, Kashif Nazeer advocate Qiled power on behalf of the Customs Department and sought time for Qile para-wise comments on the next hearing. Therefore, the court adjourned the hearing for December 21, 2016 and continued the interim order passed earlier. On the last hearing, the court had restrained the respondent and directed them that no Qinal order shall be passed until further orders of this court. Earlier, the counsel for the petitioners stated that the petitioners were leading businessmen and were engaged in manufacturing of welded steel pipes and were paying their liabilities regularly.

He said that they imported raw material, including alloyed prime hot rolled steel sheets in coils. He said that the goods were imported from China on various dates against free trade agreement between Pakistan and China at the zero percent duty.

However, the customs ofQicials cleared the goods at the rate of 5 percent customs duty which was challenged and at the order of the SHC, the petitioners Qiled differential amount through bank guarantees.

Therefore, the goods were released by the way of pay orders of 50 percent duty taxes to custom department and 50 percent with nazir of the court. The petitioners paid 100 percent by way of pay order or the

bank guarantees, however, the appellate authority passed order in favor of the petitioners and when petitioners approached the the customs authorities for the release of securities, the customs authority released only bank guarantees whereas others collectors released all kinds of securities such as pay orders and bank guarantees. Citing chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Chief Collector South, East and West as respondents, the petitioners pleaded that the court may direct the respondents to issue certiQicates to the petitioners for release of pay orders/ bank guarantees, deposited with the nazir at the time of provisional release of the subject consignments.

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Turkey increasing sunseed imports from Ukraine Thursday December 22, 2016

World

AMSTERDAM: The Dutch economy continues to expand and is now above the pre-2008 crash level, the government’s macro-economic think tank CPB said on Tuesday. In its December report, the CPB forecast economic growth in 2017 at 2.1% of GDP, up from its prediction of only 1.7% three months earlier. The CPB ascribed this to increased household spending power, higher investment and a somewhat buoyant housing market. A slower increase in global trade was more than compensated for by strong domestic growth, the report said. The improved state of the budget is due to tax windfalls and the healthy state of the economy next year. More people now have jobs and unemployment will fall to 5.3% in 2017, the CPB said.

The national budget is also expected to be in balance in 2017 for the first time in nine years, the CPB said.

3 Bahamians arrested for human smuggling

WASHINGTON

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hree Bahamian men are in the custody of United States authorities after they were alledgedly caught attempting to smuggle six Haitians to Florida last week. Three of the six Haitians were

KRG generates $636m in oil exports via Turkey urdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq secured revenues worth $636 million for oil exports through the Ceyhan crude oil pipeline, which is a 970 km (600 miles) long pipeline and Iraq’s largest crude oil export line. Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) received a total amount of $636,364,810 from its crude oil export in October through the Kurdistan pipeline network to the port of Ceyhan in Turkey, in the Mediterranean region. According to KRG Natural Resources Ministry, 16,766,563 barrels of oil were exported by the Erbil administration in October through the port of Ceyhan. While the total oil production in the KRG was 19,036,203 barrels in October, the average daily oil production reached 614,071,000 barrels. The KRG exported its crude oil through Ceyhan with an average of price of $39.32 per barrel.—CB Report

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also taken with the Bahamians, while the other three were returned to the Bahamas by the US Coast Guard and handed over to Bahamas immigration authorities in Grand Bahama on Saturday, December 3.

Local immigration ofQicer Napthali Cooper reported that the Bahamians and Haitians, along with the vessel, were retained for further investigations in connection with charges of illegal human smuggling

in the United States. According to Mr Cooper, the USCG intercepted a go-fast boat, with nine males, about Qive miles off Florida.

He said reports are that the vessel left Cat Cay sometime on Thursday, and was spotted near Florida.

The Haitians told Bahamian authorities that they were Qive minutes away from Florida when the vessel ran out of fuel. They also claimed to have each paid the three Bahamian operators $3,000 for the trip to Florida. Two of the Haitians admitted to arriving illegally in the Bahamas by boat from Haiti a year ago and remained in the country without seeking legal status. The third, who is in his teens, claimed to have entered the country at age Qive with his parents, and was currently enrolled at a government high school in New Providence. The men were processed at the Department of Immigration in Freeport, and were Qlown early this week to New Providence, where they are being detained at the Detention Centre.

Philippines foreign reserves drop to $82.73 billion in Nov

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he country’s gross international reserves (GIR) dropped last November due to foreign exchange losses and the lower global market price of gold, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). BSP preliminary data released on Wednesday, December 7, showed that the country’s reserves settled at $82.73 billion as of end-November, a drop of $2.38 billion compared to the end-October 2016 GIR of $85.11 billion. November’s Qigure is also the lowest seen this

year since February, and continues a downward trend since reaching $85.79 billion in August. But the BSP noted that November’s level is $2.06 billion higher compared to the endDecember 2015 level of $80.67 billion.

“The decline from October to November was due mainly to outQlows arising from the foreign exchange operations of the BSP, revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market.—CB Report

Australia arrests Chinese, seizes drug smuggling boat SYDNEY

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en Chinese nationals were arrested in a suspected drug smuggling operation on a large commercial boat seized off Australia’s southern coast, authorities said Friday.

The 50-meter vessel was spotted by an Australian Border Force aerial patrol and tracked as it moved down Australia’s west coast, across the Great Australian Bight and towards the coastline of Tasmania, an island state south of the mainland. Military personnel from a navy ship boarded the boat on Dec. 12 and brought it to Tasmania’s capital Hobart “on the basis of that vessel’s suspected involvement in illicit drug smuggling,” Australian Border Force Regional Commander James Watson told reporters. “The behavior of this vessel in its track and … loitering more than

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200 nautical miles off the southern coast of Australia was really quite unusual, and that’s what caused us to want to get on board and have a look at this vessel.” Watson said the alleged type and amount of drugs on board were still being determined, but added there was a “signiQicant quality” of illegal substances and the “crew members are believed to be Chinese nationals.” “At this point, all I can say is that it’s signiQicant. There’s a lot of resourcing which has gone into this because of the size of the vessel which is involved … it’s going to take us a bit of time to go through that vessel in some detail.” Meanwhile, Australian Federal Police (AFP) has announced that two Singapore Nationals have appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday on proceeds of crime charges after they were found to be jointly carrying $520,450 at Adelaide Airport. The press release said that an AFP Cash and Drug Detector (CADD) dog approached one of the men, 34, in the check-in area on Sunday (4 December).

Japan rice exports soar to record year apan’s rice exports through October have already surpassed its previous annual record, helped by producers’ marketing efforts and an Asian investment by a major distributor. Export volume excluding rice for humanitarian aid grew 33% on the year to 7,673 tons in January-October. Even without the two last months of the year, that already exceeds 2015’s record 7,640 tons. In November, Yumepirika brand rice from Hokkaido debuted in high-end supermarkets in Shanghai, a result of a sales campaign led by the Japanese locality’s governor, Harumi Takahashi. The rice dis-

tributor involved in the deal, Kitoku Shinryo, aims to boost exports from the current 1,000 or so tons per year to 3,000 tons around 2020.

Also promoting rice production in Southeast Asia, Kitoku Shinryo recently invested in a Vietnamese food-related company. It hopes to expand its planting acreage in hopes of setting up a foothold in the country for rice milling and sales. Consumers found Japanese rice tasty after milling was moved closer to local markets, said Dennis Wu of Aji-No-Chinmi, a Hong Kong trading house specializing in Japanese food.—CB Report

Iran bypassing Afghanistan to reach CARS

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TEHRAN

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

UST like India and Pakistan, Iran is competing for the Afghan market – its share in Afghan imports and reconstruction opportunities and exports to Central Asia. Of course, Iran wants to bypass Afghanistan to reach out to CARS because of violence and

turmoil in Afghanistan. Iran sought India’s help in developing the strategically located Chabahar port along with the one with Afghanistan on road and rail network. India’s objective is also to counter China and Pakistan’s alliance in South West Asia also; therefore India is to invest $500 million on development of the Chabahar port. However, India conveys an impression that Afghanistan would beneQit from

Chabahar port, whereas for Afghanistan imports would be a lot more expensive due to element of freight. Distance from Mumbai to Chabahar is 1840 kilometer, and from Chabahar to Kabul is 1851kilometer.

On the other hand, distance from Gwadar to Kabul is 450 kilometer.

There is a perception that Iran and India can beneQit if unrest and violence in Afghanistan continue. As interests

of both the countries converge in this regard, they do not wish to see peace in Afghanistan. Bringing the northerners into the mainstream, arming and equipping them are chains in the same link. Fanning the Qlames of violence is and has always been Iran’s policy. Iran built Chabahar Port for the same purpose and it was inaugurated at a time when Pakistan’s Gwadar Port was about to be launched.

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Customs Court extends remand of lady gold smuggler KARACHI: Custom Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has extended the physical remand of a lady accused, Durdana Seemi Khan, for another three days. She was arrested while attempting to smuggle 50 tola gold and 49 mobile phones from Dubai to Karachi.

During the hearing, Investigation Officer Masood A Khan produced the suspect before the court and informed that the customs authorities recovered gold and mobile phones worth Rs 4 million from her on November 30, 2016. The woman was arrested and a case was registered against her under Section 2 (s) of Customs Act, 1969 punishable under/clauses (8) (9) of the Section 156 (i) ibid.

Custom Court grants bail to suspect in Rs 6.11m tax evasion case

Thursday December 22, 2016

National

Six mega projects launched at Port Qasim during 5 years

ASO Islamabad seizes smuggled goods, vehicles worth Rs60.27m ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

M BILAL

TARIQ DERYA

www.customsbulletin.com

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ustoms Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has granted bail to a suspect, Faraz, proprietor of Chester Bernard and Co. The suspect was arrested for sales tax evasion of Rs 6.11 million. During the investigations, counsel for the accused filed a bail application and submitted that the accused paid the money to the Customs Department, therefore, the court may approve his bail. After the arguments, the court granted him bail. Earlier, the investigation officer told the court that the accused was a registered person, but was filing nil monthly sales tax returns in order to evade sales tax liability which directly comes under the ambit of tax fraud as per section 2 (37) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990. In this way the the accused along with others persons caused losses to the national exchequer to the tune of Rs 6. 11 million.

ustoms Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has collected Rs60.27million revenue in November Financial year (FY2016-17) through confiscated various items. ASO Deputy Collector Shahid Jan told Customs Today that during the month of November the performance of preventive department was acceptable. During above said period the ASO seized various goods RsRs993,000. As per the details he said that during said period ASO seized smuggled crockery worth Rs 71800, electronic items worth Rs1.86 million, foreign origin cigarettes Rs945,000, tires and tubes Rs227000, Food grains Rs1.245, foreign origin cloth amounting Rs12.083 million. He added that during month of November FY 2016-17 ASO impounded 13 non-duty paid vehicles under the value of Rs26.037 million and impounded 16 offending vehicles worth Rs16.8 million. He said that ASO under supervision of Collector Dr.Arslan working with sophisticated techniques as for as using modern vehicles and other modern facilities like laptops and latest vehicles etc. He said that during the first quarter of financial year 2016-17 the ASO perform efficiently and made heavy crackdown against smugglers.

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FIA arrests three suspects involved in hundi business he Federal Investigation Agency has arrested three accused persons for running illegal business of hundi and hawala in Lahore. According to spokesperson of FIA, a raid was conducted by Sub Inspector Aftab Watto along with his team at Waheed Photo Copy Japan Centre, Mall Road Lahore and three persons namely as Waheed Aziz, Umar Farooq and Kashif Saleem were found involved in illegal business of hundi and hawala. Different types of foreign currencies along with cell phones and receipts, registers have been recovered. Resultantly, FIR No. 130/16 P.S FIA /CCC Lahore against Waheed Aziz, Umar Farooq and Kashif Saleem has been registered, while Umar Farooq and Kashif Saleem have been arrested and shifted to unknown place for further interrogation.—M Imran Mehar

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ISLAMABAD

M ARSHAD

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he Ministry of Ports and Shipping launched six mega projects at Port Qasim at a cost of Rs 2,378.9 million during the last Qive years. The major projects included LNG Fast Track project by Engro, PIBT-Coal and Clinker / Cement Terminal on BOT basis, PQEP 1,320 MW Coal Fired Power Plant with self-use jetty, establishment of second LNG Terminal by Pakistan

Gas Port Limited, Coal Terminal at Marginal Wharf 3 & 4 as well as Conveyor Belt from PIBT to Railway Network. According to Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Bazenjo, two projects including LNG Fast Track project and Coal Terminal at Marginal Wharf 3 and 4 are being executed on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis. Therefore, the cost of the projects has to be borne by the developers. Remaining projects are being constructed under Public Service Development Program and funds have been allocated.

The LNG Fast Track project was

commissioned on March 29, 2015 and PQA has handled 50 LNG Vessels so far. PIBT – Coal and Clinker / Cement Terminal project is under Qinal stage of installation of machinery, equipment etc. The PQEP 1320 MW Coal Fired Power Plant with self-use jetty project is under construction and will be completed

by March, 2017.

As per decision of ECNEC, the conveyor belt from PIBT to Railway Network project is to be completed by March 2017. Currently, the bids submitted by the firms are being evaluated.

Customs to launch op against Iranian oil sellers

O SIALKOT

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU www.customsbulletin.com

n special instructions of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Model Customs Collectorate (MCC), Sialkot and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Gujranwala have decided to start a joint campaign against sellers of smuggled diesel and petrol.

Sources told Customs Today that the FBR received information selling of Iranian diesel and petrol is on peak

in Gujranwala Region. The FBR instructed the customs intelligence to take stern action against sellers who involved in selling of smuggled oil.

Both departments will arrange meetings to discuss ways and means to eradicate the selling of illegal Iranian fuel. Deputy Collector Ahmed Reza Khan and Deputy Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department Gujranwala Region Ali Zeb Khan will keep track of the operation.

Sources told the team heads will must Qile daily report to Collector and Director of Punjab. Sources said that

Collector and Director General will also intimate to concerned authorities of FBR about operation. Sources said that the customs team will not spare any seller who involve in selling of said diesel and petrol whereas team also not accept any political or other pressure to release sellers. Sources told that the customs ofQicials will conQiscate all diesel and petrol and earning amount at the spot. The operation will start before December 15, 2016 after meeting of both departments.

Sources told that the operation will be secret but the teams will authorize

to check all oil tankers and all oil selling shops where sell diesel and patrol.Meanwhile, Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) of Customs Collectorate Sailkot has recovered huge quantity of smuggled Iranian dry dates worth Rs.100.000 from a van during vehicles checking on Sambrial Road. Sources told Customs Today that Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir and Superintendent Sardar Manzoor constituted a team under the supervision of Inspector Aamir who established different check posts to curb smuggling attempts.

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FIA arrests suspect involved in money laundering from Pattoki Thursday December 22, 2016

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested Tariq Mehmood, who is allegedly involved in hundi and hawala business and money laundering. According to FIA spokesperson, a raid was conducted

by FIA team comprising Inspector Nasir Awan, Inspector Abdul Qayyum, Inspector Shafqat, Inspector Ashfaq and Inspector Marouf at Muqaddar Prize Bonds, Main Bazar Pattoki where Mehmood was found involved in illegal business of currency exchange without permission of the State Bank of Pakistan. The FIA team recovered Pakistani currency amounting to Rs 169,800, 2,773 Saudi riyal , 10,000 Thai Bhat, $200, prize bonds and other items.

Mehmood is a resident of mohallah Bhedian, Pattoki.

Customs Tribunal orders to release consignment of pine nuts LAHORE

MUHAMMAD NAWAZ www.customsbulletin.com

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has ordered the customs to release consignment of pint nuts and refund of recovered duty/taxes along with Qine in a case Qiled by Aamin Khan against collector of Customs Adjudication and Faisalabad Customs Intelligence.

In the Qinal remarks, member judicial bench-II Omer Arshed Hakeem said that the appeal stands accepted in aforementioned terms, resultantly, respondent department has directed to refund the recover duties and taxes as well as the redemption Qine to the lawful owners of impugned pine nuts.

Earlier, in pursuant of information, the staff of Intelligence and In-

Punjab Revenue Authority issues sales tax notice to PHA he Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued sales tax notice to Parks and Horticultural Authority (PHA) Lahore to pay their due amount of sales tax. Sources told Customs Today that the Punjab Revenue Authority has detected Rs 40 million that was being allegedly evaded by Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore. On the directions of PRA Chairman Dr Raheel Sadiqui, Commissioner Ziaur Rehman has issued notice to the PHA to pay the due amount within 30 days. Sources said that Parks and Horticulture Authority is bound to pay sales tax to the PRA on income of sign boards and advertising hoardings. The PHA has earned more than Rs 2.3 billion but did not pay tax to the PRA. Now the PRA has issued notice to PHA to pay their tax as soon as possible.—M Imran Mehar

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vestigation- FBR Regional ofQice Multan was intercepted truck loaded with 162 bags of foreign origin unprocessed Chilghoza (Pine nuts). On demand, drive failed to produce any evidence regarding lawful imports of pine nuts. The goods were seized under the relevant law. A show case notice was issued to the appellant and after the initial proceeding, the ofQicer passed an order-in-original and imposed penalty and ordered to pay leviable duty and taxes along with redemption Qine of Rs 100, 000.

The appellant aggrieved from the order-in-original and Qiled case before the customs appellate tribunal on the grounds that the order-inoriginal and seized report both are illegal, unlawful and beyond their jurisdiction. The pine nuts not foreign origin, grown in Pakistan, taxes and duties already paid which is imposed on perishable goods.

Customs Intelligence unearths tax fraud at Islamabad AFU

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Customs Intelligence here on Friday unearthed an alleged fraud of millions

of rupees whereby a company had got cleared banned electronic gadgets in connivance with the customs officials of Air Freight Unit (AFU) through mis-declaration.

Upon specific information that a consignment of access gateways equipment unlawfully was cleared by the officials of customs posted

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at Air Freight Unit (AFU), Islamabad airport, the Customs Intelligence officials seized the equipment and arrested one person identified as Nadeem Afzal, sources said. The access gateway equipment was imported by M/s Chase Trading & Technology Co, Islamabad but had declared it as switches. Under the law, the cleared equipment is not importable unless the “type approval” is obtained prior from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) by the importer. The company had attempted to circumvent the import restrictions by way of mis-declaring the consignment as switches and in connivance with the officials concerned was able to get the goods cleared. Moreover, the actual customs value of the imported goods (access gateways equipment) is Rs 15.80 million whereas the customs staff had cleared the same as switches at the nominal value of Rs 66,250.

Italian businessmen keen to explore Customs Court adjourns hearing of 17 cases he Customs Court on Friday ad- cases of narcotics, tax evasion, smugimport, export potential in Pakistan journed the hearing of 17 cases gling and customs matters. Cases

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ith improving law and order situation in Pakistan, there seemed good potential for import, export and investment between Italy and Pakistan, and Italy would provide special package of incentives to investment companies and business counterparts in Pakistan. As many as 37 Italian businessmen headed by Italian Deputy Minister Ivan Scalfarotto are currently on the visit to Pakistan for exploring the investment avenues besides joint ven-

tures in various sectors. Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) organized a round-table discussion with the visiting Italian delegation comprising Italian furniture producers on current trends in Pakistan and Italian furniture sector here. Mian Kashif Ashfaq, Chief Executive PFC, briefed members of the delegation and media about the potential of investment in furniture sector in Pakistan. Business representatives from both sides agreed to regularize exchange of visits.—M Hayat

related to customs matters.

During the hearing of the cases, the counsels for the accused requested the court to postpone the hearing of their respective cases for preparation of arguments on which the court adjourned the hearings for different dates. According to the cause list, three out of 17 cases were Qixed for formal hearing of the accused namely Sajjad and others, Abdullah and Tariq Fatmi and others while pre-arrest bail pleas were also scheduled for Friday but the court adjourned the hearings. The court also adjourned

from Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala and Multan were also scheduled for hearing on Friday. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-smuggling has rejected the bail plea of a suspect, Muhammad Sarwar, who was arrested at Sialkot International Airport. Sources told Customs Today that the accused, who was travelling from South Africa to Sialkot, was checked by the customs ofQicials at Sialkot airport. The Customs team found 30 costly mobile phones from his baggage.—M Imran Mehar

Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourns hearing of 10 cases

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LAHORE

MUHAMMAD NAWAZ www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Appellate Tribunal bench-II comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Technical Member Imran Tariq heard 10 cases and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing. The cases included Customs Lahore ver-

sus One Ten International, Customs Faisalabad versus Kamal Textile, Customs Faisalabad versus Sweety Textile, Customs Lahore versus Advance International. On Thursday, the tribunal heard cases of Customs Lahore versus Maxi Inch, M/s Crescent Textile versus Customs Faisalabad, Muhammad Umer versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan. The tribunal also heard

cases of M/s Crescent Textile versus Customs Faisalabad, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan versus Abdul Ghani, Hussain Trading versus Customs Faisalabad and Beco Iron and Steel versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan. In all the cases, the representatives of the appellants and respondents appeared before the court and argued in favour of their

respective parties. After hearing the arguments from both sides, the Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned all the cases until the next hearing.

The Customs Appellate Tribunal also reserved verdict of many cases after conclusion of arguments. It is also necessary to mention here that Customs Appellate Tribunal has expedited its efforts to conclude hearing of pending cases on priority basis.

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Victim of fatal accident at Savannah Ports identified SAVANNAH: The Georgia Ports Authority Police is investigating after a private truck operator was killed in an accident on Tuesday morning.

According to GPA Police, the accident happened around 9 a.m. on the Mason rail yard at the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal.

The Chatham County Coroner’s office has identified the victim as 61-year-old David L. Beaver of Savannah.

Preliminary reports indicate Beaver had exited his vehicle when he was struck by a second vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The accident is remains under investigation.

Miami terminals seek alliance to negotiate with container lines S regulators are reviewing a proposed agreement between two marine terminal operators at the Port of Miami that would allow the terminals to jointly negotiate terms and conditions with container lines a first for the United States. Although the port of Seattle and Tacoma came together operationally as the Northwest Seaport Alliance in 2015, this is the first time two marine terminals have sought the Federal Maritime Commission’s blessing to create their own alliance. Miami’s South Florida Container Terminal and Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company want to jointly negotiate, set, and approve terminal rates, charges, rules, and regulations, and rates of return between the

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terminals. The terminals’ request parallels the vessel-sharing agreements container lines have formed to pool their cargo in larger ships in order to mitigate overcapacity and broaden their networks. Through the alliances, the container lines still compete with fellow members, and are forbidden from jointly marketing, selling, or contracting with third-parties, such as tug operators and stevedores. According to FMC Commissioner William Doyle, agreements such as that in Miami are a direct response to the Ocean Alliance, a VSA between China Cosco Lines, Evergreen Line, CMA CGM, and Orient Overseas Container Line set to take sail in April. “Since the Ocean Alliance is allowed to jointly negotiate as an alliance with marine terminals who agree to do so, some marine terminal operators and port authorities may want to explore options for entering into their own alliances where they could jointly negotiate terms and conditions with the ocean carriers.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Nassau port operator mulls $65 million Haiti bid WASHINGTON

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

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he Nassau Container Port’s (NCP) operator is evaluating whether to bid on a $65 million port redevelopment project in Haiti, as it targets “material Qinancial beneQits” from expanding into the Caribbean. Michael Maura, Arawak Port Development Company’s (APD) chief executive, told Tribune Business yesterday that the BISX-listed port operator would seek to joint venture with “a large global partner” if it proceeded with a Cap Haitien bid. “The US State Department’s USAID (US Agency for International Development) has committed to a $65 million redevelopment of Cap Haitien Port,” he explained in an emailed reply to Tribune Business’s questions. “Haiti’s National Port Authority (APN), with the assistance of the World Bank’s investment division, IFC, have undertaken a Terminal Operation RFQ/RFP for Cap Haitien port. “APD is undertaking a business analysis of the Cap Haitien

terminal operation to determine if the project makes sense to us. If APD determines the project has potential, we would partner with a large global port operator in an effort to minimise risk.” Mr Maura was speaking after APD’s 2016 annual report conQirmed that it “has and will continue to pursue new business opportunities within and outside the Bahamas”. He explained that while becoming involved with Family Island port operations would add little to APD’s ‘bot-

tom line’ and shareholder returns, the company had a “responsibility” to support the Bahamian maritime industry’s expansion. The greater Qinancial rewards, Mr Maura added, would stem from APD’s expansion into the Caribbean, where there were numerous ports with similar cargo throughput volumes to its Arawak Cay operation. And the extra profitability would help to diversify APD away from near total reliance on its existing port.

Thursday December 22, 2016

Ports de Monaco expands to Ventimiglia ccording to local newspaper NiceMatin, negotiations have been underway for several months, up until an agreement was signed on Tuesday, 6th December. The agreement was reached between the Cozzi Parodi Group and the Société Monégasque Internationale Portuaire (SMIP), a subsidiary of the Société d’Exploitation des Ports De Monaco, for the acquisition of all shares in Cala del Forte, holder of the concession of Marina Ventimiglia. With this acquisition, the Principality intends to decongest its two ports that are regularly full. Despite the substantial development and expansion of Port Hercule less than 15 years ago, Monaco’s Port Hercule and Fontvieille Marina are often considered to be saturated.

The objective is for Monegasque teams to resume work started on the Cala del Forte Marina site that was never finished in January 2017, with the aim to complete works in the summer of 2018. The site was originally a jetty in the 1960s, positioned at the western end of the Passegiata Marconi in Ventimiglia, but it was recognised as an investment opportunity and in 2008.—CB Report

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Rotterdam raises the bar for ports going green T

WASHINGTON

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he port of Rotterdam said it will make risk-bearing Qinancial investments in selected companies that help to reduce its carbon footprint as part of a major strategy to transition the port to a carbon neutral environment and renewable energy hub. The head of the port said there is a need to address the requirements of the Paris Climate Accord “quickly and energetically” and that it plans to become an international leader in the development and large-scale application of technologies to reduce carbon emissions to virtually zero.

“The port of Rotterdam authority intends to play a pioneering role and make the port an inspiring example for the global energy transition,” said Allard Castelein, CEO of the port of Rotterdam authority. The low-ly-

ing Netherlands has a target timeline of 30 years to make its economy and society carbon neutral.

Home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical complexes, the Port of Rotterdam is currently responsible for 18 percent of the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions.

The city of Rotterdam emits nearly 30 tonnes (33 tons) of carbon per person, about one-third higher than Shanghai and more than six times the global average.

Meeting the requirements of the Paris Climate Accord would require a 90 percent reduction in emissions by 2050. “The port area has many companies that use fossil resources to make fuels and countless chemical products. These companies emit a lot of CO2, but also have a lot of knowledge about energy, energyintensive production processes, and CO2 reduction,” the port authority said in a statement. The

port is actively looking for companies that want to set up operations that will contribute to a reduction in overall carbon emissions. “The largest investments will generally have to be made by the companies themselves, but the port authority will offer support with attractive accommodation conditions, connecting infrastructure, support with permit applications, and finding financing.” “When it comes to crucial investments to realize the energy transition, the port authority is also prepared to make its own risk-bearing investments or to participate in companies.” He had “absolutely no idea” what the financial impact would be at this stage. It depended partly on how long State Highway 1 between Ward and Christchurch would be closed.

There was no reason why Marlborough’s log trade would be affected, he said. Nearly 660,000 tonnes of

logs were exported through the port in the 2015/2016 financial year. According to the company’s annual report the port’s revenues lifted by 5.5 per cent to $25.85 million on the back of strong log exports. Thirty-five cruise ships visited the port that year. A couple of cruise ships were cancelled this season due to weather, but that was nothing to do with the earthquake, McNabb said. Whether ferry travellers would be as willing to drive the long way up to Christchurch to take the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries to the North Island remained to be seen, he said. “Are passengers still going to come? We don’t know,” McNabb told the committee. An Interislander media spokesperson said the company had a larger number of cancellations than usual following the earthquake, but bookings were tracking at 5 per cent above last year.

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Faisalabad ASO recovers non-duty paid Nokia mobiles FAISALABAD: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized huge quantity of foreign origin Nokia mobiles worth Rs 82,0000 involving customs duty and taxes Rs 366553 during an action. These Nokia mobiles were brought into the country without paying customs duty through unauthorized route. Sources told Customs Today that following information received through Additional Collector Saeed Asad that huge quantity of non duty paid Nokia mobiles of different brands were being transported from Lahore to Faisalabad through Kohistan bus bearing registration no. FDS 111.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Sarfraz okays extension for submission of gold seizure report to Adjudication MULTAN IMRAN ALI

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ollector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich has approved 30 days extension for submission of gold smuggling seizure report to the Customs Adjudication for its trial. The Customs Collectorate Multan was bound to submit the seizure report of the said case in 60 days after completion of interrogations and challan of the case but they have taken one month extension from Collector Customs Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich. Sources told that due to new developments with every passing day are the main reason behind this delay for submission of seizure report in Customs Adjudication for hearing. Sources said that Customs Investigation and Prosecution teams nominated two main persons whose names are Mazhar Balouch and Muhmmad Riaz in gold smuggling case. The Customs Collectorate has also taken arrest warrant of both accused smugglers in the gold and currency smuggling and Customs teams have raided various places for the arrest of both accused .

One smuggler Mazhar Balouch

have taken protective bail few days ago from court to prevent his arrest in gold smuggling charges and he has also directed to join interrogation of Customs teams. He will join investi-

gation very soon in the gold smuggling case. It is also pertinent to mention here that Customs Collectorate Multan staff has foiled an attempt to smuggle 14 kilogram of gold and for-

eign currency of 89000 Saudi riyals and United Arab Emirates dirham from Multan International Airport.

Multan Customs staff has also arrested two females passengers

Haleema Riaz and Sumaira Asif during their action after recovering 14 kilogram gold in shape of bangles and bracelet wear by both females at the time of travelling to Dubai.

Dy Collector Hanif assigns addl duties to 8 superintendents SIALKOT

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU www.customsbulletin.com

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he Deputy Collector of Customs Collectorate Muhammad Hanif has assigned additional duties to eight superintendents with immediate effect. According to details, Superintendent Naeem has been assigned additional charge of export and attachment ofQicer of recovery while Superintendent

Syed Jarar is assigned duty in State Warehouse and auction.

Superintendent Sardar Manzoor has been assigned task at AntiSmuggling Organization, recovery and Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) matters.

Superintendent Muhammad Jaan has been assigned charge of statistical Incharge Audit, DRTE, DRR. Superintendent Suhail Butt has been assigned task of Anti Smuggling Organization and recovery, Superintendent Muhammad Naseem is assigned duty in appraising and export department and Sialkot International Airport

Cargo matters. Superintendent Muhammad Naseem, is assigned duty with immediately effect at Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) whereas Superintendent Muhammad Afzal Raza will look after the all matters of administration and management while protocol matters of collectorate. All superintendents has assumed their charges and started work on their new assignments. Deputy Collector Muhammad Hanif hoped that above said superintendents will work honestly, devotedly after assuming the charge of their new assignments. However the all super-

intendents vowed that they will work to achieve target of the Qiscal year 2016-17. They said that they will must take action to curb smuggling and to stop money laundering whereas they will must adopt speedy process of recovery of department dues from defaulters of department. They said that they will make good name of MCC Sialkot in the eyes of Federal Board of Revenue and Federal Government. They said that they will not spare any person rather they will perform duty for the betterment of department and strengthen of the national economy. Meanwhile, Cus-

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toms Preventive staff of Model Customs Collectorate, Sialkot posted at Sialkot International Airport recovered 500 grams heroin from a passenger who was going to Jeddah. Customs ofQicial told Customs Today that a resident of Multan city namely Muhammad Zubair son of Muhammad Iqbal was going to Jeddah from the said airport on Wednesday evening by a Qlight of private airline. During the checking process the passenger was entering in the compound of airport where the Customs Preventive staff intercepted him and searched his body and luggage.