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PAKISTAN’S FIRST INDEPTH NEWSPAPER ON CUSTOMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 271

Karachi, Wed December 23, 2015

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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he Model Customs Collectorate Preventive has seized gold and foreign currency worth Rs 37 million, besides registering three FIRs during the Rirst Rive months (July-November) of the Rinancial year 2015-16.

According to the details, the Customs Preventive lodged three FIRs after arresting three suspects in the cases. It seized foreign

Price Rs. 14.00

currency worth Rs 5 million during the month of October and arrested one accused person.

Similarly, the customs department seized Rs 5 million and arrested one accused person during the month of November.

Meanwhile, the authorities also seized gold bullion worth Rs 27 million and arrested one person during the same month. The Customs Investigation and Prosecution has registered FIRs and conducting investigation in the cases.

Meanwhile, The Customs Preventive has seized 90 smart phones from a passenger who had arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport, sources told Customs Today on Monday.

FBR collects Rs 131 billion during 15 days of December

Collector Peshawar Qurban Ali Khan to review promotions from BS-1 to 15

Dastgir sees positive results of WTO decisions for Pakistani farmers

Hyderabad ASO seizes smuggled Iranian diesel

Binghamton Chamber president to retire in April 2016

Under the supervision of newly appointed Chairman Nisar the FBR | SEE PAGE 02 |

FBR has constituted DSPC under the chairmanship of Collector of the MCC | SEE PAGE 03 |

Dastgir Khan said that Pak has obtained positive results for its farmers at WTO | SEE PAGE 04 |

Hyderabad ASO)seized smuggled 40,000 liters of Iranian diesel worth Rs 14 m | SEE PAGE 12 |

President and CEO of the Greater BCC Lou Santoni announced he will retire in 2016. | SEE PAGE 09 |

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Gwadar Customs impounds non-customs paid vehicles Wednesday, December 23, 2015

National

KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigations Gwadar has seized a huge quantity of smuggled cloths and non-duty paid vehicles during two operations.

Sources told Customs Today that after receiving information, Customs authorities constituted a raiding party which started checking process at Gwadar Road Quetta.

During checking of vehicles, customs team seized three non-duty paid vehicles. The same team intercepted a truck and recovered foreign origin cloth. The market value of seized cloth is Rs 3.5 millions.

FBR collects Rs 131 billion during 15 days of December

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

M FAIZAN

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he Model Customs Collectorate has earned Rs 22.4 million through the auction of impounded vehicles and foreign origin cloth. The process of auction was conducted by Assistant Collector Headquarters Tahir Iqbal Khattak and Investigation and Prosecution Superintendent Zargam Dil in a transparent way, while a large numbers of people attended the open bid where the vehicles attracted more than the expected value due to the competition. However, the vehicles that could not attract suitable price were not offered for auction. Out of two bullet proof vehicles, one Mercedes Benz Model 1991 was auctioned at Rs 1,350,000, while its bid was started at Rs 1,200,000. In the bid of bullet proof vehicles, only those have NOC from interior ministry participated in the bid.

The vehicles including Toyota Land Cruiser, Krona, Nissan Double Cabin, Toyota Double Cabin and differen models of mercedezs were auctions, while the auction of Isuzu, Yamaha heavy bike, Mercedes Ambulance, and others was suspended due to low bid.

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nder the supervision of newly appointed Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has shown exceptional performance by collecting Rs 131 billion net taxes during the Rirst 15 days of December, 2015. The FBR showed 34.3 percent growth over the same period of last year, 2014 when it had collected Rs 98 billion net taxes.

During December 2015, it has collected Rs 133 billion as taxes and issued Rs 2 billion in wake of refund and rebate. The FBR is required 30 percent growth in tax collection during running Riscal year to meet the target. Keeping in view the performance of FBR, the International monetary fund (IMF) expressed hope regarding the broadening of tax net and decided to release the next instalment before December 2015.

The ofRicials told Customs Today that FBR will achieve its set target for the month in next two days, which shows well performance of newly appointed FBR team. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar have also appreciated the performance of FBR’s team.

Meanwhile, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan has said that turnover tax rate of 12 sectors has

Islamabad Customs earns Rs 22m through auction

been brought to two percent from eight percent under Income Tax (Second Amendment) Bill 2015.

“No sector except these 12 sectors staged protest against this reduction in tax rate despite the fact that exemption had been announced after full-Rledged consultations with representatives of these sectors,” Nisar Muhammad Khan observed while brieRing the Senate Finance Committee on Income Tax (Second Amendment) Bill 2015

here. He said that exemption in tax to other sectors could also be deliberated in the Finance Bill for Riscal year 2016-17, disclosing that budgetary preparations for the next Rinancial year had been started and hopefully budget would be prepared in May 2016. The committee chairman questioned the reasons for Rixing rate of withholding tax on bank transactions at two percent and proposed to lower it to one percent.

In this regard, Finance Secretary

Dr Waqar Masood observed that ordinance was lying pending with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue and would be passed after getting due recommendations from the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and the Senate too.

The Senate Standing Committee decided to discuss Income Tax (Second Amendment) Bill 2015 in an informal meeting on Tuesday (today) at FBR Headquarters here.

Dar, Nisar defend Income Tax Bill 2015 in Senate Committee

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ISLAMABAD

M ARSHAD

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arty is not over yet for Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Nisar Muhammad Khan as they will again defend the defended government’s decision of levying 0.3% Withholding Tax on bank transactions of Rs 50,000 made by non Rilers in the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue

today (Monday).

WHT is being collected under Money Bill, Income Tax Second Amendment Bill 2015 (Ordinance No XV of 2015) promulgated On October 31, government this year. As per this ordinance tax exemption as per income tax ordinance 2001 available to Pakistan Real-time Interbank Settlement Mechanism (PRSM) was been withdrawn.

As per clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 153; provided that the recipient of the payments has made ad-

vance payment of tax equal to two percent of the total turnover of the corresponding period of the immediately preceding tax year. Moreover, the second schedule said that tax payable on the income from companies engaged in freight forwarding, air cargo, courier, manpower, outsourcing, hotel, security guard, software development, tracking, advertising (other than by print or electronic media), share registrar, engineering or car rental services would not be less than 2% of the gross amount of turnover from all

sources and that the company furnishes in writing an irrecoverable undertaking by 15th of November 2015 to present its accounts to the commissioner within 30 days of Rilling of return for audit of its income tax affairs for tax year 2016. On the 15th of this month the said Income Tax Second Amendment Bill 2015 was laid in the Senate and House referred it towards the Standing Committee for further deliberation and passage. As per rules and regulations, every bill laid before the either house is referred to the con-

cerned standing committee for further discussion and approval and if committee does not approve any bill then the government reserves right to get it passed on majority basis from the Senate or National Assembly. Although, both Ishaq Dar and Nisar Muhammad Khan aptly defended government’s decision of levying 0.3% Withholding Tax on bank transactions of Rs 50,000 made by non Rilers before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance on 26th of the last month.

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Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourns hearing of 11 cases ISLAMABAD: The Customs Appellate Tribunal Special Division Bench has adjourned the hearing of 11 cases until second week of January, 2016.

Customs Appellate Tribunal Special Division Bench comprising of Chairman Ghulam Murtaza Bhatti and Member Technical Muhammad Nasir Khan held the hearing of around a dozen cases on Monday.

Hearings of cases filed by M/S Kohinoor Traders, M/S Waseem Traders, Traders, M/S Parts and Parts, Aman Elahi and Co., and Siddique Kotwal, were adjourned until January 12.

Customs Appraisement-West directs agents to renew licences

Wednesday December 23, 2015

National

Peshawar Collector Qurban to review promotions from BS-1 to BS-15

KARACHI

ABDUL REHMAN

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he Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement-West has directed customs agents to submit applications for the renewal of licences, which are going to expire on December 31, 2015. The customs said that application should be accompanied with complete documents otherwise incomplete application will be dismissed. According to the information, in terms of rule 96(1)of chapter VIII of Customs Rules 2001 read with SRO 498(1)2009 dated June 13, 2009,all the customs agents whose licences are due to expire on December 31 are required to apply for renewal before the expire date of licences.

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FBR promotes Naeemullah as assistant collector LAHORE

M HAYAt

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has promoted Superintendent Naeemullah Khan as Assistant Collector of Customs. According to details, Naeemullah Khan was promoted from BS- 16 to BS 17 as Assistant Collector of Customs at Allama Iqbal Airport Lahore Cargo Section.

Earlier, he was working a superintendent bank guarantee section of the airport. The newly promoted assistant collector told Customs Today that he would work for the betterment of the department even with more devotion and diligence. Meanwhile, FBR has also promoted Superintendent Ijaz Shaheen and Salim Tahir as Assistant Collectors in Lahore. The customs officers and employees have greeted the newly promoted ACs and hoped that they will work in best national interest.

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KARACHI

AFTAB CHANNA

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has constituted Departmental Selection Promotion Committees (DSPC) under the chairmanship of Collector of the Model Customs Collectorate MCC Peshawar Qurban Ali Khan to review and award promotions to the ofRicials from BS-1 to BS-15 grades.

According to a notiRication, the committees, that would evaluate the promotions for the posts in BS-11 to 5, would be headed by Collector Peshawar Qurban Ali Khan BS-20, while Aftab Haider Shah, Additional Collector BS-19 MCC Peshawar and Syed Fazle Samad, Additional Collector BS-19 Peshawar will be the committee members. While, the other committee headed by Collector Peshawar Qurban Ali Khan with Additional Director, Intelligence andd Investigation Peshawar (BS19) Ziaullah Shams and Deputy Collector Peshawar (BS-18) Zakir Muhammad would go with the promotions from grade BS-1 to 10.

Meanwhile, he Pakistan Customs has decided in principles to make Azakhel Dry Port operational by January 15, 2016 while the prevailing dry port of Peshawar Cantonment will also remain intact.

The decision was taken during a visit of Collector Customs, Peshawar, Qurban Ali Khan along with Additional Collectors, Aftab Haider, Syed Fazal

Samad, Adeem Khan and Deputy Collector, Dry Port, Zakir Khan. On this occasion, DCO Pakistan Railways, Omar Riaz, chairman, Frontier Customs Agents Group KP, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi and other members of the group were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the Collector Customs, Qurban Ali Khan said that they are very much serious about Azakhel Dry Port and his visit is ample proof of it.

He termed Azakhel Dry Port better than the prevailing Dry Port in Peshawar Cantonment and will be op-

Collector Peshawar Qurban Ali Khan BS-20, while Aftab Haider Shah, Additional Collector BS-19 MCC Peshawar and Syed Fazle Samad, Additional Collector BS-19 Peshawar will be the committee members.

Excise seizes documents of 180 defaulters vehicles LAHORE

M IMRAN MEHAR

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he Excise and Taxation Motor Branch has formed special teams to recover token tax from defaulters.

As per details, these teams were formed on special directions of Director General Excise Akram Ashraf

Gondal and are working under the supervision of different inspectors.

These teams checked documents of hundreds of vehicles and seized documents of 180 vehicles. The Excise

and Taxation Department has started crackdown against token tax defaulters and unregistered vehicles in different areas of the city and also impounded many vehicles. Check points were established in Model Town, Thokar Niaz Baig, Ghazi Road and Multan Road. Crackdown was in the last week of November. Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab Akram Ashraf Gondal has directed Rield staff to keep an eye on defaulters and guide them about new token tax system and stickers for their vehicles.

erationalize soon. He said that before the operationalization of Azakhel Dry Port they will review all those aspects and requirements. However, DCO Pakistan Railways Omar Riaz said that the place site is presently with World Food Programme (WFP) and will be handed over to Pakistan Railways by the end of the current calendar year. Omar Riaz said that Pakistan Railways is also keen in the operationalizing of the dry port, but the site also has some infrastructure related problems.

FIA arrests sixteen human smugglers he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has seized fake stamps, passport and other documents regarding human smuggling, besides arresting sixteen suspects at different airports. According to the details, the FIA has started crackdown against human smugglers in different cities of Punjab those were sending people abroad.

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More than 20% work on CM rural roads programme completed Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Business

MULTAN: More than 20 per cent development work on the second phase of Punjab Chief Minister’s rural roads programme has been completed as 14 rural roads of Multan division were selected under the programme. Highway Department Superintendent Engineer Khawar Bhutta told APP on Monday that the rehabilitation work on 14 rural roads of Multan division was in progress with a brisk pace, adding that about Rs1800 million would be spent on these roads. He said that funds were available for the project and the work would be completed by April-2016.

KSE observes rollercoaster day, ends negative KARACHI

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he Karachi Stock Exchange Tuesday witnessed a rollercoaster day and closed in negative zone as 100-index shed 17.88 points to drop to 32641.09 level. The market recorded the highest trading level of 32835.49 points and lowest level of 32616.94 points, with the volume of 53,827,930 shares, having Rs4.8 billion value.

National Savings collected Rs 129 billion until Dec 14

As many as 313 companies were active; of which 130 advanced, 163 declined and 20 remained un-

Dastgir sees positive results of WTO decisions for Pakistani farmers

ISLAMABAD

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he Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) collected Rs129 billions till December 14, during the current fiscal year 2015-16 as against the proportionate target of Rs138 billion. An official of the CDNS told APP here Monday, the estimated target of the national savings for the year 2015-16 has been set for Rs302 billion.

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changed.

Commercial banks remained the highest traded sector with total vol-

ume of 12,887,500 shares, while fertilizer remained second traded sector with a total volume of 9,005,700 shares.

The three top traded companies were TRG Pak Ltd with a volume of 4,883,000 and price per share of 33.90 (-0.09), Pak Elektron with a volume 3,682,000 of price per share of 66.82 (-0.04), and Fauji Fert. XD with a volume 3,432,400 of price per share of 111.50 (-0.96). The top three gainers were Nestle Pak with price per share 7350 (100), Murree Brewery with price per share of 998.95 (28.95) and Highnoon (Lab) with price per share of 553 (23.01).

ISLAMABAD

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ederal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan Monday said that Pakistan has obtained positive results for its farmers at WTO Ministerial Meeting in Nairobi Kenya through vigilant presence, vigorous participation and clear articulation.

In a statement received here, the minister said that Pakistan’s agriculture exports will have a level playing Rield as World Trade Organisation (WTO)

has eliminated immediately agriculture export subsidies by developed countries and put more restrictions on our developing-country competitors. Nairobi decisions have levelled the playing Rield for Pakistan’s agriculture exports and have improved prospects of prosperity for our farmers, he added. In cooperation with numerous allies, Pakistan also successfully resisted a move by some large developing countries, which could have led permanently to Pakistan’s agriculture trade injury through the said countries’ subsidized export of public stocks amassed

in name of food security, he added.

The Ministerial is WTO’s highest decision-making body and meets every two years. This was its tenth meeting and the Rirst to be held on African soil.

Export subsidies of developed countries like Australia, Canada, EU, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and USA shall be eliminated immediately. Developing countries’ entitlement to give export subsidies including Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Cyprus, Indonesia, Mexico, Panama, South Africa and Turkey, shall be eliminated by 2018.

Dr Ishrat warns against boost of untaxed economy in country KARACHI

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enowned economist Dr Ishrat Husain has said that the untaxed economy is flourishing in the country, which ultimately is making private sector wealthier the government. The Institute of Business Administration Director and former governor of State Bank of Pakistan said that if the government focused on the proper implementation of its plans and policies the country’s economic progress could be achieved. The proper execution of plans is 80 per cent in the hands of people while 20 per cent is associated with the government, he said.

“Only one million people are paying taxes in this country. Billions of rupees are being drained in the gas sector due to the mismanagement,” he said while delivering a lecture at Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), organised by Alumni Club ICCBS. Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, former federal minister of science & technology and former chairman Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr Zafar Saeed Saifi, former vice chancellor UoK, and other distinguished teachers and students of the university were also present on the occasion.

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50,000 graduates to be trained under PM’s youth programme ISLAMABAD

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rime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairperson Leila Khan has said that about 50,000 graduates would be offered paid internship under the PM’s Youth Training Scheme, which is set to be launched soon.

In an exclusive talk with the state-owned news agency on Mon-

day, Leila pointed out that an educated youth, having 16 years of education from Higher Education Commission (HEC) approved institutions, would be placed in public as well as private sector organisations and be paid Rs12,000 per month stipend for one year.

She said it is for the first time that private sector has been involved in internship scheme with sole objective not only to facilitate the youth but also ensure more em-

ployment opportunities for them after their adequate training and capacity building through internship programme. Leila Khan, also a member of National Assembly and Central Chief Organiser of PML-N, Women Youth Wing, said the geographical spread of the scheme was all over Pakistan and selection would be made as per their domicile but can be placed in organisations outside of their domicile region based on demand profile and

matching of applicant profile. The age limit for applicant is 25 years, she added. She said all leading private sector firms/bodies and development sector organisations, federal, provincial and local government offices including educational institutions will be offered services of the internees. Giving province-wise break-up of interns, she said 25,000 interns would be selected from Punjab, 1,000 from Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK),

3,000 from Balochistan, 2,000 from Gilgit-Baltistan/Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), 3,750 from Islamabad/Federal Region, 5,750 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and 9,500 youth would be provided internship opportunity from Sindh (urban/rural). Replying to a question, she said to make the process more transparent and merit-based, receiving of all applications and selection of candidate would be made online.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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ISLAMABAD M ARSHAD www.customsbulletin.com

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aiser Ahmed Sheikh, the chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, has said that the government has put the economy on the right track and is focusing on attracting direct foreign investment in the country.

In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, he said that the government is trying to improve law and order in the country. He said that with the improvement of law and order, more and more foreign companies would invest in the country, which would also create job opportunities for the dynamic and well educated youth of Pakistan. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh contested general elections for National Assembly seat in 1993, 1997, 2002 and 2008; and was elected as an independent member of National Assembly in 1997, when only one party PML-N could secure National Assembly seats from Punjab. Except independent member, no other political party could get a single National Assembly seat from Punjab. On November 20, he was unanimously elected as chairman of the independent group of eleven members in the National Assembly.

He said that Pakistan has been waging war on terror over last one decade which had shattered its economy and law and order situation and budget deRicit left by previous regime were responsible for hike in prices, therefore the incumbent government devised economic policies keeping the prevailing situation deep in mind. In this regard, during Rirst two years, government remained focussed on revival of economy to put the national economy on the track. However, in the third year of its tenure, government has now started taking valour measures to take due beneRit out of the economic outcomes and gains of the previous two years hard work. In this regard, Shaikh said that Finance Minister and his team carried out extensive exercise to take all the concerned stakeholders onboard on these measures. Repayment of millions of foreign debt, performance of state owned entities (SOEs), improved law and order situation, transformation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and few other state institutions from loss making to proRit earning ones as well as acknowledgment of Rinancial progress of the government by international monetary institutions are proofs strenuous efforts carried out by economic managers’ team the government.

After putting the national economy on right track, he said that government was focussing on attracting more and more foreign direct investment in the country.

Therefore, Finance, Commerce, Board of Investment and other concerned ministries and departments are carrying out coercive efforts by arranging road shows, exhibitions and other events of this nature. Moreover, we are trying to enhance regional connectivity with Afghanistan, China and even beyond the Central Asian Republics up to Russia to accelerate the regional trade activities.

Once our Gwadar Port is made operational as well as projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are completed, he said that Pakistan would become regional hub for entire South Asia, Central Asia and Eastern European countries. This will create millions of job opportunities for Pakistanis and then Pakistan will become the real Asian Tiger. To question about national tax reforms and performance of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Shaikh said that FBR team was making untiring efforts to achieve the very unrealistic and optimistic revenue collection targets, therefore, there should be hats-off tribute to FBR team. Tax collection agency proposed unrealistic revenue targets in current budget in the wake that if these targets would have to be revised even then the revenue collection should be higher than the previous ones. To another question about FBR’s measures regarding broadening of tax base, Shaikh said that unfortunately, Pakistan the lowest tax to GDP ratio country in the region; therefore, every one should pay due amount of tax and cooperate in FBR’s bids on bringing more and more people in tax net through measures regarding different tax and duty ratio on imports and even bank transactions.

d onteste c h k i e h hmed S ional Qaiser A ections for Nat , el 97 general eat in 1993, 19 d cte ly s Assemb 08; and was ele f er o d 20 2002 an pendent memb , 97 de as an in Assembly in 19 l N Nationa one party PMLly bly when on National Assem cure could se s from Punjab. seat

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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

Need to simplify tax laws

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World Bank report has pointed out very serious issue regarding tax liabilities and tax administration in the country. It says that frequent revision of tax regulations and unpredictable tax rules have not only worsened business climate but also deterred the potential investment in Pakistan. The core issues highlighted in the report include complex regulations which it says are difficult to administer and comply with while the vague language of tax laws makes it difficult for small business enterprises to apprehend their tax liabilities. The multiple interpretations of the laws provide a room for both firms and tax authorities to exploit the situation in their favours. The report also says that frequent changes in tax laws mean the taxpayers have to continuously follow tax notifications published in the official gazette to keep themselves abreast of their tax obligations. The report says that the governments in Pakistan and Bangladesh are among the South Asian nations which frequently make changes in their tax regulations. According to the report, administrative burden of tax compliance is very difficult in Pakistan where firms have to make 47 payments and spend 594 hours or 74 man days per year to deal with tax regulations as compared to 12 payments and 175 hours in high income countries. At least 87 percent time in Pakistan is consumed on dealing with taxes or 514 hours per year is spent to comply with value added tax. The report says that 29 percent firms in Pakistan offer gifts to tax officials while corruption not only harmsbusinesses, but also shatters the confidence of the business community in government institutions. As a result, a large portion of population is afraid of coming under the tax net. The report also highlights the issue of corporate income tax in South Asia, saying it has the higher rate than in other developing regions. The average corporate income tax rate in Pakistan and other South Asian nations such as Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka is 32 percent as compared to the global average of 24 percent. The rates of corporate income tax have been reduced in all regions during the past decade. As a matter of fact, not all the official machinery is corrupt, but presence of black sheep is also admitted on the official level.

Best countries for doing business P

LAHORE

DR AFTAB AFZAL

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akistan has secured a rank as low as 103 out of 144 nations, behind India, Kazakhstan and even Ghana on Forbes’ annual list of the best countries for business in 2015. Denmark has topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best Countries of Business in 2015. Pakistan is lagging behind in business matters and political leadership is incapable of doing any good to improve the situation as they have to heavily rely on the bureaucratic set up which has its own accesses and limitations. The country has always scored poorly on metrics such as Rinance and trade and has

failed to arrest corruption in ofRicial cadre. Earlier, the World Bank had pointed out ambiguous laws and structural anomalies as the stumbling blocks in the way of business, trade and foreign investment in Pakistan. In the list, the United States the Rinancial capital of the world and the largest economy lost four points to reach 22, but performed poorly on monetary freedom and red tape. India ranked 97th on the list despite developing into an openmarket economy as traces of its past policies still haunts its economy. Pakistan is the emerging economy with rising middle class having per capita income of more than $12,000, but every businessman in the country has to struggle for survival on several fronts, in-

cluding ofRicial rigmarole, energy crisis and factors which tend to increase cost of production. Despite all odds, the long-term growth is positive as 42 percent of the population consists of young generation and World Bank has projected this Rinancial year’s growth at 4.5 percent. The government is struggling to ensure its presence in the global economy while efforts are on to achieve regional integration. The business community in Pakistan is under pressure, especially from the government agencies, and is looking investment opportunities in other countries, including Bangladesh where anti-Pakistan sentiments still run high. Sri Lanka and UAE are also attractive destinations for capital Rlight, but

the government is still entangled in withholding tax issue with traders. The government agencies are hell-bent to kill the hen which gives golden egg once for allwithout realizing its aftermath.

The ultimate power and key lies in the hands of the government to resolve the matters.

There is urgent need to break the monotony not only in the ofRicial behavior, but also on the businessmen’s ends. In the age of science and technology, the business community must look for options to earn through the industry which needs minimum energy requirement and calls minimum interference of the tax ofRicials. Pakistan is English speaking country with highly qualiRied software engineers and developers.

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Red Hat revenue rises 17.6% to $391m in Q3 CALIFORNIA: Open-source software solutions provider Red Hat (RHT) reported its 3Q15 results on December 17, 2015. The market reaction was positive on the results announcement. Red Hat rose by 5.3% in after-hours trading. Negative currency effects from the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia and Pacific) regions knocked Red Hat’s revenues. RHT’s total revenues generated in 3Q15 stood at $523.6 million.

Its Americas segment generated $342.4 million, and its EMEA and APAC segments generated $114.9 million and $66.3 million, respectively.

Revenue growth from the EMEA region showed a rise of 8.7% on a YoY (year-over-year) basis, compared to a rise of 24.8% on a constant currency basis. Likewise, the APAC region showed a rise in revenue of 11.2% on a YoY basis compared to 23.0% on a constant currency basis.

Korea wants to enhance trade relations with Pakistan: envoy orean embassy in Pakistan and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry have agreed to give intra-trade a new boost through joint ventures between the private sectors of the two countries.

It was agreed at a meeting between Korean ambassador to Pakistan Dr Song Jong-Hwan, the LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad and Vice President Nasir Saeed here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and In-

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dustry. The Korean ambassador said that trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Korea should be enhanced as both countries are potential markets and have the abilities and resources to fulfill each other’s needs. “Pakistan is a very potential market,” the ambassador said, adding that doing business in country like Pakistan is always very profitable, he told Customs Today on the sidelines of the meeting.

He said that although Korea is 15th largest trading partner of Pakistan at present, however, during the last two years this trade partnership after touching the two-way trade volume at 1.6 billion dollar in 2012 has decreased by 27 percent to 1.17 billion dollars in 2014.

He said that absence of free trade agreement (FTA) between Korea and Pakistan, non-availability of trade related proper information, lack of understanding about most promising areas of cooperation are main possible reasons of this decline.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that Korea is an important trading partner of Pakistan. South Korea is the second biggest export destination of Pakistan in East Asia after China. —CB Report

Wednesday December 23, 2015

Chambers

My Karachi Oasis of Harmony exhibition to start from March 25 C

KARACHI

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

hairman Businessmen Group (BMG) and former president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Siraj Kassam Teli has announced that preparations were in full swing for staging 13th My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition 2016 in a vivid and lively manner, which will start on 25th March 2016 and will conclude on 27th March 2016 at Karachi Expo Center.

Addressing a press conference at KCCI Auditorium, BMG Chairman informed that the vision behind staging this mega is to project and promote the soft and positive image of Karachi. “With improved law and order situation of Karachi city, we are expecting immense participation which could go up to around 700,000 to 800,000 visitors”, he added. Besides Siraj Kassam Teli, the press conference was also attended by president KCCI Younus Muhammad Bashir, senior vice president KCCI Zia Ahmed Khan, vice president KCCI Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Chairman Special Committee

for My Karachi Exhibition Muhammad Idrees, deputy chairman special committee for My Karachi Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Former Presidents Haroon Agar, AQ Khalil, Abdullah Zaki and Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra along with KCCI managing committee members were also present on the occasion.

Siraj Kassam Teli pointed out that Karachi Chamber has been constantly staging My Karachi Exhibition since last 13 years which was initiated in 2004 when Karachi city was suffering from terrorist activities and the law and order situation of Karachi was not so good. Moreover, the foreign media was wrongly portraying any law

and order incident occurring in any particular area in such a manner that it gave a negative impression about the entire city. “To rectify this issue, we decided to initiate My Karachi Exhibition and ensured that the business and industrial community, all diplomats, foreign companies and the Karachiites densely participate in this event”. He further said that the exhibition started from three halls in 2004 and has now expanded to all six halls of the Expo Center. “Every year, My Karachi keeps growing thanks to the untiring efforts being made by OfRice Bearers from time to time who try their best to perform better as compared to previous ofRice bearers”, he

Binghamton Chamber chief to retire in April

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resident and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Lou Santoni announced he will retire in April 2016.

Santoni shared his decision Wednesday with the chamber’s board of directors, staff and members. “This decision was neither easy nor quick,” Santoni said in a news release. “But I’ve come to a point in my life where I’d like the Rlexibility to spend more time with my wife and family. While I love the role I’ve played and the many wonderful people with whom I’ve worked, I’m looking forward to this new chapter of my life.”

Santoni began his career with the Chamber of Commerce in 1974. He’s taken on many different roles through his 42 years spent there.

Santoni served as interim president on three different occasions before he was named the permanent president and CEO in 2008.

Santoni told Action News he said he thinks now is the right time to leave because the Chamber of Commerce is in such a great place.

“Our programs are healthy, our events are well attended their sold out, our Rinances are in excellent condition, our membership is good, we’re in a lot better position than most chambers across the country,” Santoni said. “When I leave here I want to make sure everything is in order.” He is a current member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, which was recently awarded $500 million for the area under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative. “Lou Santoni has been an asset to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and to the

entire community for many years.

However, it was not until he became president and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber that the very real beneRits of his talents were realized,” said Terry R. Wood, chairman of the Board of Directors. A search committee will be created to select Santoni’s successor. Meanwhile, After struggling Rinancially for the past few months, the Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce will cease operations at the end of the year and encourage its members to be part of a revamped Bartlett Chamber of Commerce. “We had a good amount of members, but it Rinancially made sense to join with Bartlett,” said Hanover Park Chamber of Commerce Board Member Balwinder Chhokar. All Hanover Park Chamber members have been invited to join the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, according to a letter sent to chamber members Dec. 14.

added. Highlighting the title and theme of My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, Siraj Teli stated that it was the Karachi Chamber and the Businessmen Group who introduced the title of ‘My Karachi’ in 2004 which has been adopted by many others with the passage of time while its theme i.e. the ‘Oasis of Harmony’ depicts the diverse, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic population who speak different languages. The theme also represents the entire business and industrial community of Karachi, starting from a small shopkeeper to a leading industrialists. Terming the exhibition as an icon of Karachi Chamber, Siraj Teli said that in between 300 to 400 stalls will be established in next year’s exhibition in which foreign delegates from 8 to 10 countries are expected to participate. “It has become a self-sustainable exhibition and has never been a burden on KCCI. In fact, this exhibition has generated revenue which is directly submitted to chamber’s kitty”, BMG Chairman said, adding that 13th My Karachi exhibition will also be featuring a dedicated designers’ fabric lawn pavilion, kids play area, birds & pet show and other recreational facilities.

Suburban Chamber elects 2016 Board of Directors he Suburban Chamber of Commerce elected its 2016 Board of Directors and Officers at its annual holiday party on Wednesday evening at CWI.design in New Providence. Outgoing Chair Kassandra Romas thanked the 2015 Directors and Officers for their service and the Chamber membership for their support.

She discussed a series of accomplishments in 2015 including, among others, holding a service auction that raised funds for the Chamber and the Summit Elks and rewriting the Chamber bylaws. She also introduced incoming Chair Michael Shapiro.

Shapiro, Founder and CEO of TAPinto.net, said he is looking forward to working with the 2016 Board and Officers and thanked Romas for her service.—CB Report

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Bangladesh police nab two with 180,000 yaba tablets Wednesday December 23, 2015

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CHITTAGONG: Police detained two people when they were smuggling 1.80 lakh yaba tablets in a car in Ananya residential area of Chittagong city last night. Following information, police halted the car around 11:00pm and found the pills inside two cartons, said Mohammad Mohsin, officer-in-charge of Bayezid Police Station. During primary interrogation, detainees Ehsan Mohammad Arafat, 32, and Sirajuddin, 36, told police that they were taking the tablets to Hathazari from Anowara, Mohsin added. Meanwhile, Customs officials yesterday confiscated two export containers of garment products after being tipped off about forged bank documents on them. SN Design, with the registered address of 38 Senpara, Parbata in Dhaka, was the exporter.

Singapore’s ICA seizes heroin, cannabis worth S$65,000

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total of 470g of heroin and 980g of cannabis were found on a female motorcyclist at Woodlands Checkpoint, the Immigration and Checkpoints Au-

UK: 1,500 illicit cigarettes seized in Grimsby ome 1,500 illicit cigarettes have been found in premises in Grimsby following a number of raids this morning. Trading Standards searched three premises, while officers from HMRC also carried out raids on four different addresses simultaneously on Freeman Street at 9.50am this morning.

The 1,500 cigarettes and rolling paper were recovered from the second premises Trading Standards searched. That overall number is expected to rise after the results of the other searches are unveiled. No one was arrested in connection with the raid on the second address. Neil Clark, trading Standards manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a Trading Standards-led operation with support from Humberside Police, HM Revenue and Customs and officers from Home Office Immigration Enforcement.—CB Report

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thority (ICA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said in a joint news release here the other day.

They said the 23-year-old Malaysian had travelled alone on a Malaysia-registered motorcycle on Saturday afternoon. An ICA ofRicer found the haul of drugs – estimated to be worth approximately S$65,000 – inside her backpack, when she was directed for routine checks at the

checkpoint, the news release said.

The motorcyclist has been referred to CNB for further investigations, together with the seized exhibits.

Meanwhile, An illegal shipment of elephant tusks and pangolin scales – worth an estimated S$1.3 million – was seized by Singapore authorities last week.

The air shipment from Lagos, Nigeria was bound for Vientiane, Laos via Singapore when it was intercepted at the Changi Airfreight Centre last Saturday (Dec 12), the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and Singapore Customs said in a press release on Thursday. The 0.8-tonne shipment contained 255 pieces of raw elephant tusks weighing about 505kg and pangolin scales weighing about 324kg. The shipment was labelled as “complete wigs of synthetic textile materials”, the release said. This is the Rifth largest seizure of illegal ivory by Singapore authorities since 2002, AVA and Singapore Customs said.

Australia: Police seize young crocodile, 2 arrested

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ictorian police today made an unexpected discovery during a raid – seizing a baby crocodile from the scene.

Authorities entered the home on Blackburn Street in Stratford around 9.15am as part of an ongoing investigation into thefts and burglaries in the local area.

They were also investigating reports of drug trafRicking.

Upon searching the home police uncovered a young crocodile being

kept on the premises.

A 24-year-old man and a 21year-old woman were arrested at the residence and are assisting police with their enquiries.

Authorities also seized a quantity of substance believed to be methamphetamine, power tools, including a chainsaw, an allegedly stolen car and cattle drenching equipment. The crocodile was handed over into the care of Parks Victoria.—CB Report

US border agents foil 2 smuggling attempts OCOTILLO

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l Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a man and woman suspected of drug smuggling in two separate incidents this past weekend.

The Rirst incident occurred on Friday at approximately 6 p.m., when a Remote Video Surveillance operator observed a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe driving off-road in a northbound direction from the International Border Fence.

Agents assigned to the All-Terrain Vehicle unit responded to the area and arrested a 29-year-old man that Rled from the Tahoe, which was stuck in the sand south of Highway 98. Agents searched the Tahoe and discovered 23 bundles of marijuana in the rear area of the vehicle. The marijuana had a combined weight of 988 pounds with an estimated street value of

$592,800. The second incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m., on Saturday, when a 34-year-old woman approached the Highway 86 checkpoint driving a Honda Accord. The woman’s nervous behavior prompted agents to refer her to secondary inspection for further investigation. At secondary inspection, a canine detection team alerted to the trunk of the Accord. Agents conducted a thorough inspection of the trunk and found eight bundles of methamphetamine stuffed inside of a speaker box. The methamphetamine had a combined weight of 17.96 pounds with an estimated street value of $179,600.

“These signiRicant seizures help to make our communities a safer place this holiday season,” said Roy D. Villareal Acting Chief Border Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector. The man and woman, both Mexican citizens, the vehicles, and narcotics were turned over to the Imperial County Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration respectively for further investigation.

French fishermen jailed for human smuggling

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gang of French Rishermen have been jailed for Rive years for smuggling 130 Albanians into the UK via beaches near Plymouth.

A trial in Rennes, in Brittany, heard how the Rishermen from Paimpol, preyed on ‘human misery’ and ‘desperation’.

French prosecutor Anne Fourmel said Britain was seen as the ‘Eldorado’ for hundreds of desperate illegal immigrants and these Rishermen were attracted by ‘easy missions and easy money’. Mrs Fournel said: “This was the trial of the exploitation of

human misery as desperate people are prepared to pay colossal sums of money to leave their country to Rind their Eldorado in Great Britain.”

The procureure de la République (French procurator) asked that all Rishermen involved in the clandestine human smuggling operations each pay a £360 Rine per illegal immigrant ferried across the Channel.

Mrs Fournel asked that Albanian national Edmond Rapi, the mastermind behind the human trafRicking ring, serve seven years in prison and pay a £110,000 Rine.—CB Report

HK arrests 82 students for selling counterfeits items online

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ore Hong Kong teenagers are selling fake products through social media for easy pocket money, customs ofRicers warned, with the number of arrests in the Rirst 11 month of this year double that for the whole of 2014.

OfRicers arrested 54 secondary school pupils and 28 university students for allegedly selling counterfeits items online. This compared to only 41 such cases in 2014, said Louise Ho, head of the intellectual property investigation bureau of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. The 82 cases account for nearly 40 per cent of all the counterfeit arrests made by customs this

year, Ho said. She attributed the sharp increase to the lack of awareness among young people of their legal responsibilities. Many young people bought counterfeit products from mainland online retail platforms and resold them through social media.

They wrongly believed that they would avoid liability as long as they had informed the buyers they were fakes, Ho said. “They could even be

accused of deception if they marked the products as ‘high-quality’ fakes,” she said. More than half of the arrested students were aged 18 or below. The youngest was a 13-year-old girl studying in Form Two, who was picked up in March delivering counterfeit soccer shorts. Customs ofRicers seized 62 fake items in her Rlat and the juvenile court later imposed a care and protection order on her.

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Shipments of beef to UK down 18% in Oct 2015 LONDON: Shipments of beef to the UK were back 18% in October 2015 compared to the same month in 2014, according to AHDB. The organisation for the English beef and sheep industry said that this was due to lower Irish production. AHDB said that exports from Ireland were down 18% year-on-year at 13,700t. It attributes this fall as a result of lower imports of boneless fresh chilled product. Overall imports of beef into the UK in October were back 13% on last year at 21,000t, according to AHDB. There was another surge in imports from Poland to the UK, up almost a quarter year-on-year to 1,300t, however AHDB states that despite this increase, imports from Poland still constitute only a very small proportion of UK import requirement.

Global smartphone shipments rise 7.7% YOY in Q3 ccording to Digitimes Research, smartphone shipments for the third quarter of 2015 rose 7.7% year-over-year during the period. That means 331.9 smartphone units were shipped from July through September. Sequentially, the gain amounted to 10.5% from the second quarter.

For the current quarter, the research arm of Digitimes expects shipments to reach 396.8 million phones. That would be a 20% gain sequentially, and a 10.1% gain year-over-year. If that forecast is correct, for all of 2015 smartphone shipments would hit 1.326 billion units.

For the third quarter, it was Samsung and Apple still numbers one and two, respectively. Sammy was responsible for 25.6% of smartphones shipped world-wide during the three months, while Apple was next with 14.5%. Huawei captured

Ports & Shipping

$1.2b funding bill approved for ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach

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third with its 7.4% slice of the smartphone pie. Lenovo (4.8%) and LG (4.5%) had a close battle for fourth and fifth place.

Xiaomi’s 3.8% share of the Q3 global smartphone market placed it sixth, followed by BBK (3.5%), TCL (3.3%), Oppo (3.2%), ZTE (2.5%) and Sony (2%). Microsoft’s 1.7% share placed it 12th. The rest of the top 15 included Meizu (1.7%) Coolpad (1.5%) and Asus (1.4%).

When you talk about Samsung, your thoughts usually go right to its latest flagship phone. Currently, that would be the Samsung Galaxy S6, images of which you will find below. —CB Report

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funding bill approved Friday by Congress includes $1.2 billion to pay for dredging and other maintenance work at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, a local congresswoman said.

Rep. Janice Hahn, D-San Pedro, called the funding “a major victory for our ports, allowing them to invest in dredging, maintenance and other improvements that will enable them to operate more effi-

ciently and remain globally competitive.”

She added that “with this spending level made into law, we are one step closer to ensuring all the money collected at our ports is spent at our ports.”

The money comes out of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which ports from around the country pay into. Hahn and other local representatives in 2014 complained that larger ports paid the most into the trust fund, but did not get a comparable amount back.

They ultimately got a law passed that would allow Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as other similarly bigger ports, to obtain a larger

share of the funds. The funding approved Friday is $299 million more than recommended by President Barack Obama, according to Hahn.

Also approved in the funding bill was Hahn’s request to the Department of Homeland Security to study cybersecurity holes at the nation’s 10 “most at- risk” ports, which may include Los Angeles, Oakland, New York and Houston.

A similar request stalled in April, after it was approved by just the House. The request approved Friday would give Homeland Security Department officials 180 days to report back to Congress on port cybersecurity issues, according to Hahn aides.

Wednesday December 23, 2015

Taiwan projector shipments increase 7.7% in Q3 here were 25,572 projectors shipped in the Taiwan market during the third quarter of 2015, increasing 7.7% on quarter and 20.3% on year, according to IDC Taiwan. Shipment growth was mainly attributable to many large procurement projects in the education-use market segment, IDC said. The mainstream brightness specification was 3,000-3,999 lumens, accounting for 49% of total shipments, and 5,000-5,999 lumens for 15%. XGA was the mainstream resolution specification with a market share of 70%. Seiko Epson was the largest vendor with a market share of 33% in terms of shipment volume, followed by NEC, Optima, BenQ and Vivitek.

The five largest vendors had a combined market share of 75%. Meanwhile, Shipments of handsets in the Taiwan market totaled 2.26 million units in the third quarter of 2015, down 17% sequentially and 12% on year, the Chinese-language Liberty Times quoted IDC data as indicating. Of total shipments in the third quarter, smartphones totaled 2.13 million units, decreasing 18% on quarter and 13% on year. This is the first time smartphone sales recorded an annual decline in the local market, IDC said. IDC attributed the decreased smartphone shipments in the third quarter to weaker than expected sales by Apple, Asustek Computer and HTC, particularly the iPhone 6-series which were down by 300,000 units as compared to a quarter earlier.—CB Report

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India tablet shipments grow 31.8% in Sept

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ablet shipments in India grew 31.8 per cent y-o-y to nearly 1.36 million units in the September quarter, research Rirm CyberMedia Research said today. Total shipments stood at 1.03 million units in the third quarter of 2014, while the same stood at 1.07 million in the April-June period.

“Nearly 1.36 million tablet PCs were sold (shipped) in the quarter

by as many as 38 domestic and international vendors. However, only 12 vendors shipped in signiRicant volumes of more than 20,000 units each during the period,” CMR said in a statement. It attributed the growth to the aggressive approach by Pantel Technologies (16.4 per cent share), which was earlier exclusively packaged with state-run telecom operator BSNL’s mobile services.

“The vendor has now broadened focus to target both the government and retail sectors. Further, on account of the festive season in India,

a number of vendors pre-stocked shipments for sale during the month of October,” it added.

Other players that saw a good growth in this quarter versus the previous quarter were Samsung (14.9 per cent share), Micromax (14 per cent), Datawind (13.2 per cent), iBall (11.8 per cent), CMR said. “We have been repeatedly saying that tablets need an enterprise/government orientation and this is what players like Pantel have been able to successfully adopt. With not much sales happening at the consumer side and the en-

terprises also not so bully about this product, the procurement in the government domain have helped this product to re-surface,” CMR lead analyst telecoms practice Faisal Kawoosa said. However, as government goes by the cost effective purchasing system, one will see low-priced brands like Pantel, Datawind, etc having an edge compared to other vendors like Micromax, Samsung and Xiaomi, he added. “It is worth noting that in the sub Rs 10,000 segment, Rs 5,000-10,000 price bracket is growing signiRicantly.

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Multan Customs arrests passenger with 800g amphetamine MULTAN: The staff of Pakistan Customs in a prompt action recovered a chemical used in making recreational drugs from a Dubai bound passenger with the help of Airport Security Forces (ASF) at Multan International Airport.

As per details, the customs staff recovered 800 grams drugs namely as amphetamine with the coordination of ASF during the physical checking of a passenger who was going to Dubai by the flight of a private airline.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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Hyderabad Anti-Smuggling Organisation seizes smuggled Iranian diesel HYDERABAD ASLAM ANJUM QURESHI www.customsbulletin.com

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ustoms Hyderabad Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized smuggled 40,000 liters of Iranian diesel worth Rs 14 million during a operation in Hyderabad Sources told Customs Today that the anti smuggling organization Collector Hyderabad Dr. Ahmed Mujtaba Memon received credible information regarding smuggling of Iranian origin diesel.

Soon after receiving the tip of he formed a ASO team under the supervision of Additional Collector Umar ShaRiq which also includes Sikander Akbar Pahnwar Deputy Superintendent, Anwar Ahmed Saddiqui, inspector, Waqar Ahmed Baig sepoyes Muhammad Aslam driver Mehmood Khan and other took part in the opeation. The ASO team intercepted an oil tanker bearing registration TLD 615 near Super Highway Hyderabad and recovered smuggled Iranian oil. The ASO team asked the driver of the oil tanker to produce legal documents regarding import, possession of Iranian diesel but he failed to produce the same.

Faisalabad Customs seizes container carrying goods worth Rs 2.4m FAISALABAD

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he Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement has conRiscated a container carrying miscellaneous item worth Rs 2.459 million involving duty/taxes amounting to Rs 1.512 million.

As per details, the container seized under Section 156(I) 9,12,14,14A,43,63,67 of Custom

Act, 1969 punishable and 78 read with chapter XIV of transshipment rules notiRied vide SRO.450(I)2001, as the owner of the container could not appear at customs ofRice for its clearance.

The Appraisement team found that consignment was imported by M/s Elite Enterprises through carrier M/s Pak Shaheen Cargo Service Private Limited. The said consignment was sent from Karachi to Faisalabad Dry Port.

Meanwhile, the customs issued notices to importer under Section 82 of Customs Act, 1969 but no response was received neither from

the importer nor his authorised person to get clear his consignment. Later, the customs again issued notice and stated that consignment will be sold through auction under Section 82 of the Customs Act, 1969. The team comprising Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Anwar Pervaiz, Examination Incharge Muhammad Babar Hussain and Inspector Iftikhar Ahmad participated in action. Meanwhie, Customs Adjudication Collector Raja Tahir Majeed has ordered to conRiscate a Hino Ranger Truck following the clause 156 (1)89 of Customs Act 1969.

As per details Customs Intelligence and investigation intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration No. TKB-120-Sibi near Jaranwala road and found the chassis number was meddled with.

OfRicial asked the driver Gogha Shehbaz to produce the documents regarding the legal import and lawful possession of the vehicle. However, he failed to present the same. After that customs impounded the vehicle and ofRicial sent chassis of the said vehicle for forensic test. After forensic report it was revealed that self-made chassis number has been welded

Published by M S Raza Off# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by Dhoom Printing Building No RY/A, 11/6,11/7, Mashoor Mahal,off I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi

on the actual number and it is a tempered vehicle.

Later, the Sibi Excise and Taxation’s motor registration authority was requested by the seizing agency to get the details of the vehicle. The excise informed the customs that the said vehicle was registered on the name of Gogha Shebaz. A seizure report was submitted by Intelligence OfRicer Farzand Ali to the adjudication where Collector Raja Tahir Majeed declared the conRiscation of the Hino truck lawful and issued order in original (ONO)in favour of the customs intelligence.