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Karachi, Thu December 29, 2016

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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ederal Board of Revenue Chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan has directed all the Regional Tax OfUices, Large Taxpayers Units (LTU) and corporate tax units to take stern action against tax evaders.

He also directed the Director General Directorate Intelligence and Investigation Inland Revenue to make a list of tax evaders and launch a joint operation against them.

Sources told Customs Today that it

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has come into the knowledge of the FBR that some corporate sector companies and few segments from industries side are involve in large scale tax evasion.

The FBR chairman has said that the volume of tax evasion is much larger than expected. No concession will be given to the tax evaders. He also directed there should be no harassment, injustice and misuse of powers against tax evaders, and action be taken after taking trade bodies or chambers of commerce into the conUidence.

“If any ofUicial tries to misuse the powers, I will take action against him,” said the chairman. Through this action, the FBR expects that more than 30 billion revenue will be collect.

Customs Intelligence impounds two non duty paid vehicles worth Rs3m

Customs Intelligence, PSMA seizes 100kg narcotics

Finance Ministry issues Euro, Ijara Bonds to tap financial resources

Gwadar Customs seizes goods, narcotics worth Rs 1.589 billion in 2Q

Hyderabad Customs collects Rs36.5m from Nov 25 to Dec 20

CustomsIntelligenceMultanRangeOffice hasimpoundedtwovehiclesofworthRs.3m | See pAge 02 |

During a joint raid atWestern Maritime Region Pakistan PSMA have recovered | See pAge 03 |

Finance Ministry issued Euro Bonds and Ijara Sukuk both locally and internationally | See pAge 04 |

MCC Gwadar seized smuggled goods, including narcotics, worth Rs 1.589 billion | See pAge 13 |

HyderabadMCCASOhasconfiscatedhuge quantityofcontrabanditemsworthRs36.5m | See pAge 16 |

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Commerce Ministry taking measures to help peach growers Thursday, December 29, 2016

National

ISLAMABAD: No consignment of peaches could be exported previous year, sources said.

Peaches mainly grow in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Potohar area of Punjab.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Early Grand, Flordaking 6-A and 8-A are the popular varieties whereas Golden Early, Shahpasand and Shireen are grown in Balochistan.

Sources told Customs Today that the Ministry of Commerce has taken drastic measures to safeguard peach growers from severe financial losses. Peaches are exported in fresh or dried form. The ministry is taking necessary measures to facilitate peach growers in Swat to increase production and improve its quality for local consumption and export.

customs Intelligence impounds two non duty paid vehicles worth rs3m

SIALKOT

MULTAN

SALeeM AwAN SheIkhu

IMrAN ALI

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he Chairman Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) Khawar Anwar Khawaja has said that SDPT shoed outstanding performance in handling of import and export cargo during current Fiscal Year 2016-17.

Talking to Customs Today here Khawar said that Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) is one of the best dry ports in Pakistan due to its prime location as it is the only port in the Punjab province. He urged business community to utilize best available services of the Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) which is playing vital role in the prosperity of Sialkot region. He said that during November the trust’s export volume was Rs 1.55 billion.

He said that 507 export and 199 import consignments were handled in November. He said that the import volume in October was Rs 1.07 billion while total duty taxes collected were Rs 111 billion. He said that he would make efforts for the approval of Sambrial Railway Station for customs bonded area to enhance business activities in the region. General Manager of Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) Khalid Butt said we are trying to persuade the previous importers and exporters to utilize the Sialkot Dry Port.

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range Office has impounded two vehicles of worth Rs.3 million during various anti-smuggling activities. According to details, Customs Intelligence and Investigation received credible information about the non –Customs paid vehicles which were entered in Sadiqabad region. Deputy Director Customs Intelligence & Investigation Multan Range Office Abdul Mueed constituted special teams including Inspector Umer , Muhammad Nasir and others for thwarting attempt of smuggling vehicles from their jurisdiction. Few suspected vehicles will be transported from Sadiqabad region to other areas of South Punjab. Customs team was on high alert and more vigilant after receiving information of suspected vehicles from the jurisdiction. Field Intelligence Unit of Sadiqabad has impounded two foreign origin vehicles including Toyota Corolla bearing registration number of AA/111/ near the check post of Customs Intelligence during the checking of vehicles. Customs asked vehicle driver to produce the legal documents to prove their legal possession and they have provided the documents to Field Intelligence Unit of Sadiqabad

Sialkot Dry port trust handles 507 export, 109 import consignments in Nov

but during the verification process the documents of the vehicles were proved bogus.

In another action Field Intelligence Unit of Customs Intelligence Sadiqabad seized a non-duty paid Toyota Hiace vehicle having registration number JS-111/Sindh near Kot Sabzal Sadiqabad. Customs In-

telligence and Investigation staff examined the said vehicle on suspect of smuggling on the basis of their received information from informer. Field Intelligence Unit of Sadiqabad asked them to produce the relevant documents of the said vehicles to prove its legal identity and they have provided their orig-

inal documents to Customs staff.

Customs Intelligence staff found that vehicle engine chassis number was tampered through cut and weld. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range Office seized the both vehicles under Customs act 1969. Further investigations were still under process.

court bars FpSc from taking decision in FBr appointments’ case T

PESHAWAR

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he Peshawar High Court (PHC) has barred the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) from making a final decision about the appointment made against 607 posts of Appraising Officers, Valuation Offers, Customs Inspectors and Preventive Officers in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) till final verdict in the writ

petition.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Roohul Amin Khan issued the stay order in final appointment of the posts in the writ petition filed by Appraising Officers Inamullah Khan and Amirullah Khan through their lawyer Isaac Ali Qazi. The bench issued notice to FBR through its chairman to submit comments and details about the quota for departmental promotions for the petitioners and other officers in the

vacant posts before the next hearing to be held on January 11, 2017.

During the course of hearing, the lawyer submitted that the petitioners were inducted into government service in May 1999 and they were presently working under the administrative control of Collector Customs, Peshawar. He informed the court that the government on March 9, 2015 issued notification (SRO 202(1)/2015) in which it was clearly stated that 50 percent vacant seats would be filled through

departmental promotions.

He submitted that the FPSC on behalf of FBR on June 4, 2015 had issued an advertisement regarding fresh appointments against 200 vacant posts of Customs Officers, Intelligence Officers and Prevention Officers (BPS-16) for Pakistan Customs. The lawyers submitted that the FBR issued the advertisement in violation of the notification and didn’t allocate departmental promotions quota for the employees.

The lawyer pointed out that on July

1, 2015 the FPSC on behalf of the FBR issued another advertisement about 227 posts of Appraising/Valuation Officers (PBS-16) and didn’t allocate posts for departmental promotions. He said the FBR had advertised 6-7 posts through the FPSC for direct recruitments against various positions. He said that under the law, the department should first reserve 50 percent quota from the posts for departmental promotions, but the quota was fully ignored.

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Mainwali ASO seizes foreign origin clothes worth Rs1.480m FAISALABAD: Custom Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO), Mainwali seized huge quantity of clothes worth Rs1.480 million near MM Road Mainwali. During the checking of the vehicle the ASO official asked the driver to show the documents of the vehicl but the driver Amer Khan was failed to produce legal documents.

On this the ASO officials seized the clothes.

Official said that the value of seized clothes is Rs1.480 million.

The ASO Mainwali registered a case No 47/2016 against the suspect and forwarded to custom adjudication.

collector tahir Majeed adjourns hearing of three cases

Thursday December 29, 2016

National

customs Intelligence, pSMA seizes 100kg narcotics

FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Collector Raja Tahir Majeed heard three cases involved in revenue of Rs15.025 million on Wednesday. Sources told Customs Today that the collector heard the cases of smuggled included used Toyota Land Cruiser V-8, Land Cruiser Prado and duty free input material dyes imported. The Faisalabad Customs Intelligence and Investigation filed one cases of impounded Toyota Land Cruiser Prado worth Rs4 million while another case was filed by Model customs collectorate, bond section of duty free material input material dyes imported involving customs duty and taxes Rs3.431 million.

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Sargodha excise recovers rs 417.346m tax SARGODHA

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he Excise and Taxation Department has recovered Rs 417.346 million taxes across the division and also collected Rs 17 million from defaulter vehicles during checking in Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar and Sargodha districts. This was briefed by E&T Director Rana Intikhab Hussain in a meeting during a visit of Punjab E&T Director General Akram Ashraf Gondal. He said all out efforts were being made to achieve recovery targets. The E&T DG said that computerised number plates would be introduced next year. He said that officials of 36 districts and 9 divisions were working for the computerization of Excise department system after which challan form could be downloaded by the defaulters. He said that new computerized number plates to be installed on the vehicles.

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KARACHI

MuBeeN huSSAIN

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uring a joint raid at Western Maritime Region Pakistan, Customs Intelligence and Investigations along with Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PSMA) have recovered 100 kilograms of white crystal worth Rs 1000 million. Twelve smugglers have been arrested during the raid.

According to details, Pakistan Customs Intelligence and Investigation received a credible information that white crystal in huge quantity is being smuggled through International Sea route on which the ofUicer contacted the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PSMA).

Through a very close cooperation and coordination of Pakistan Customs Intelligence and Investigation and PSMA, both the federal agencies planned the raid in the sea to seize high quality of narcotics in the form white crystal being smuggled through a boat.

The ofUicers of both the federal security agencies exhibited immense valor and courage by intercepting the boat and forcing it to stop. During the search, over 100 kilograms of white crystal was recovered from the hidden compartments of the boat. The international market value of the narcotics is said to be Rs 1000 million rupees.

The ofUicers of both the federal security agencies exhibited im-

mense valor and courage by intercepting the boat and forcing it to stop. During the search, over 100 kilograms of white crystal was recovered from the hidden compartments of the boat. The international market value of the narcotics is said to be Rs 1000 million rupees.

The source in the Customs informed that the consignment was designated for US and Europe markets though East Africa.

During the raid, twelve smug-

through a very close cooperation and coordination of pakistan customs Intelligence and Investigation and pSMA, both the federal agencies planned the raid in the sea to seize high quality of narcotics in the form white crystal being smuggled through a boat

FBr allocates rs60m to clear rebate claims

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SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAN SheIkhu

www.customsbulletin.com ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has allocated Rs. 60 million to Customs Collectorate Sialkot to clear the rebate refund claims up to Rs.5 million of rebate claims till June 2015. Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir told Customs Today that FBR has allocated Rs. 60 million in the wake of rebate refund claims clearance while MCC Sialkot is issuing cheques of rebate refunds on

merit basis while MCC Sialkot will clear the rebate refund claims up to Rs. 5 million till June 2015 before March 2017. Sources told that Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Nisar Muhammad has instructed MCC Sialkot to clear the rebate refund claims of exporters on priority basis so they can enhance their exports to strengthen the economy of the country. Sources told that the MCC Sialkot has already issued cheques of Rs. 1300 million in wake of rebate refunds

up to Rs. 5 million to exporters while the Collectorate is clearing 40 to 50 rebate refund claims in a week.

MCC Sialkot deals with Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Narowal etc. based exporters for their exports through Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT).

Sources told that the present government is taking keen interest to clear all pending rebate refund claims because the government needs improvement in exports while the government has provided many facilities to exporters.

glers were also apprehended. The recovered narcotics and smugglers are in custody of Customs and an FIR has been lodged against the culprits. The source further stated that initial interrogation has been held and very soon international network of the narcotics smugglers will be unearthed leading to arrest of the facilitators. During last three months, third major successful narcotics seizures were carried out by both Customs and PSMA.

FIA arrests notorious human trafficker he Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a human trafficker namely Muhammad Khawar son of Muhammad Fayaz, resident of Sargodha. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Director Syed Imam Zaidi conducted raid along with Sub Inspector Sohail Ahmed Awan and arrested accused who was running illegal business of sending innocent people abroad after extorting huge amounts from them.

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Napra cut power tariff by Rs3.6 per unit on fuel price adjustment Thursday December 29, 2016

Business

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) cut power tariff

by Rs3.60 per unit on account of fuel price adjustment for November 2016.

The decision was taken at a public hearing chaired by Nepra Chairman Tariq Sadozai.

Following the tariff reduction, consumers of power distribution companies will enjoy a relief of about Rs24 billion.

However, K-Electric that serves Karachi consumers, agricultural consumers and domestic users, who consume less than 300 units per month, will not receive any benefit of the tariff cut as the government says they are already subsidised.

Dar issues euro, Ijara Bonds to enhance resources ISLAMABAD

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he Finance Ministry issued Euro Bonds and Ijara Sukuk both locally and internationally as instruments to tap Uinancial resources from both the capital markets. While Euro Bonds are issued under the implicit guarantee of the sovereign, Ijara Sukuk utilizes an underlying asset. However, as a matter of satisfaction, the Finance Ministry did not issue any bond pledging any revenue stream.

About legality or legal status of both entities as per Shariah, a source at the Finance Ministry told Customs Today that prior to the is-

Food imports up 5.43% in 5 months KARACHI

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he food imports witnessed an increase of 5.43 percent during the first five months of the current fiscal year, compared to the corresponding period of last year. According to the latest data of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), food imports during July-November (2016/2017) were recorded at $2.340 billion compared to the imports of $2.219 billion during July November (2015/2016).

Among the food products, the import of milk cream and milk food for infants increased by 7.53 percent

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suance of both the Euro Bonds and Ijara Sukuk, the ministry obtained a legitimization decree from Fiqh Academy of the OIC. About the brief

history of Ijara Sukuk, the source said that Pakistan issued Uirst Ijara Sukuk in 2005 and this process continued from 2005 to FY2012-13. In-

ternational Sukuk was backed by international assets worth $600 million in January 2005. The domestic Sukuk were issued against national assets worth Rs 12.5 billion in September 2008, Rs 29.7 billion in March 2009, Rs 88.5 billion in 2010, Rs 168.6 billion in 2011, Rs 163 4 billion in 2012 and Rs 43.0 billion in March 2013. The source said that Pakistan issued International Sukuk worth $2 billion twice in 2014 and 2016 against national assets; $1 billion: issued in December 2014 against Islamabad-Chakwal section of M2 Motorway and $1 billion: issued in October 2016 against HaUizabad-Lahore section of M2 Motorway. Similarly, Domestic Sukuk was issued worth Rs 49.5 billion in June 2014 against Faisalabad-Pindi Bhattian Motorway.

home remittances drop by 5.4pc in 1Q of financial year 2016-17 D

ISLAMABAD

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eclined oil prices, money service businesses, Brexit and few other factors have mainly contributed to the signiUicant decline in home remittances in the current Uiscal year. During 1st quarter of the current Uiscal year, home remittances have dropped by 5.4 percent (YoY) to $4,698.31 million as compared with $4,965.81 million in Q1FY 2015-16. A source at the Finance Ministry told Customs Today that

the decline in home remittances was mainly attributed to a number of factors, including the sharp decline in oil prices for extended period which was mainly responsible for the decline in remittances as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region had a dominating share of around 63 percent in total home remittance inUlows. SpeciUically, the source said that remittances from Saudi Arabia declined by 8.1 percent, UAE by 5.2 percent, Bahrain by 23.3 percent and Oman by 4.1 percent during Q1FY 2016-17 compared with Q1-FY 2015-16. Money Service Businesses

(MSBs) in UK and Australia are facing problems in transferring funds due to closure of bank accounts as banks adopted wholesale de-risking policy in these jurisdictions.

“During the 1st quarter of FY 2016-17, remittances from UK declined by 18.7 percent and 9.3 percent from Australia over Q1-FY 2015-16. Another reason for decline in remittances from UK is Britain’s decision to exit from the European Union. Brexit caused a rapid fall in British round parity in terms of US dollars and Pak rupees,” the source added.

textile package demanded to increase exports LAHORE

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he Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has demanded the government to announce textile package in order to control the widening trade deficit. Commenting on recent export figures while sharing with media, Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association Ajmal Farooq and Vice Chairman Muhammad Naeem said that country’s exports plunged by 3.93% to USD 8.18 billion during July-November period of this year, which was USD 334.68 million less than the comparative period of last year. Compared to this, the import bill increased 8.7% to almost USD 20 billion in the same period. In absolute terms, the import bill was USD 1.6 billion more than in the previous year.

They termed high cost of production and un-competitiveness as the major hurdles in export growth and if the reasons behind the industrial crisis were not addressed, the situation may be aggravated further in coming months. PTEA chiefs urged the government to announce much awaited textile package without any further delay. Meanwhile: Director of Citrus Research Institute (CRIS) Sargodha Altaf-ur-Rehman said the institute was striving hard to improve the quality and production of kinnow by introducing modern techniques.

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committee formed to curb marine pollution KARACHI

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three-member high-proUile committee has been formed to compile a report on the mega sewerage scheme (S-3), which is being executed to save the sea from solid and liquid waste as well as industrial waste. The committee will also suggest measures to control marine pollution, which has become a serious

issue. The committee consists of Karachi Port Trust Chairman Vice Admiral Shafqat Javed, Pakistan Fleet Commander Ariful Hussaini and a representative of the Sindh government to be nominated by the Sindh chief secretary. It will submit its detailed report within next two weeks to the federal government as well as the Sindh government. Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Hasil Khan Bizenjo told this to the media on Tuesday after presiding over a meet-

ing of stakeholders on issues relating to marine pollution caused by civic and industrial waste from the city, at the KPT Head OfUice. The meeting was also attended by Ports and Shipping Secretary Khalid Pervaiz, Ports and Shipping Director General Asad RaUi Chandna, Pakistan Fleet Commander Admiral Ariful Hussaini, KPT Chairman Vice Admiral Shafqat Javed, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) Chairman Arif Illahi, Port Qasim Authority Chairman Agha Jan

Akhtar and ofUicials of the Pakistan Marine Security Agency and the Sindh government. The federal minister for ports and shipping expressed his concern at the scale of marine pollution along the city coast. He said the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Pakistan Marine Security Agency, Sindh government and other related agencies had decided to expedite the work on S-3 and other initiatives aimed at checking marine pollution at city's coastline. More than

500 million litres of liquid waste is Ulowing into the sea every day. After submission of the report by this newly formed committee, the minister would seek a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to discus and Uinalise a joint strategy to effectively address the aggravating issue of marine pollution. "We will convince the federal and Sindh governments to focus on this issue and pool up their resources to keep our sea clean.

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SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAN SheIkhu www.customstoday.com

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ollector Customs Ahmed Reza Khan presided over a meeting at his ofUice on other day. Additional Collector Faiz Ali, Deputy Collectors Waheed Anwar Abro and Muhammad Hanif Khan and Assistant Collectors Choudhary Fahad Bashir and Ali Mohtashim Minhas and other ofUicials attended the meeting.

The agenda of the meeting was to discuss the revenue measures for future in the third and fourth quarter of the economic year 2016-17. Collector Customs directed all participants of the meeting to attain revenue targets assigned for the economic year 201617. Deputy Collector Muhammad Hanif Khan briefed collector about the revenue collection measures adopted

by Customs Collectorate for the current Uiscal year 2015-16. Deputy Collector said that Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) is the only dry port of the Punjab which is handling import and export handling of the batches in the Punjab. Collector directed all participants to make early recovery of arrears from defaulters in order to collect taxes. Deputy collector also briefed about manufacturing bond certiUicate and DTRE audit during the meeting. Addressing the participants he said that Customs Collectorate is the biggest revenue collection city in Pakistan after Karachi due to import of huge volume of scrap, leather items, zips etc. through Sialkot Dry Port

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Trust (SDPT) . export duty during the month of NoDeputy collector informed collec- vember 2016. Sources told Customs tor about major reasons in the decline Today that the MCC Sialkot has surof the revenue collection which is de- passed the revenue collection target crease in the prices various items under the head of customs duty as which import and export .Collector compared with the collection of cordirected all participants in meeting to responding period amounting to Rs accomplish their revenue targets.

7.533.02 million. Sources said that the Meanwhile, The Collector Ahmad Sialkot region had collected Rs 27.65 Reza Khan said that serious effort million as customs import duty durwould be made to achieve the target ing November 2016 which is Rs 3.31 of Uiscal year 2015-16. He said that million more than collection of the the Customs Department would try same period of last year, 2015. to achieve the said target. He said that Sources said that the MCC Sialkot the FBR already has appreciated the collected Rs.8293.1 million as export performance of MCC Sialkot. duty whereas the Collectorate issued Collector Ahmed Reza said cheques of rebate amounting to that that customs collecRs.18.56 million to exporters. torate will use all available resources to meet the revenue collection target of current Fiscal Year 2016-17. He said that the Collecotrate is already adopted a comprehensive strategy to meet the revenue taras to ing w t e get of Fiscal Year 2016e f the m asures for 17. Collector Raza said nda o e e g a that due to these nue m e th the v e r d four the n measures he is optis a s d u r c 6i dis mistic that they will ar 201 the th e n y i c e i r achieve revenue colll nom futu cted a he eco e t r f i lection target. Meano d r s e ain tom quart while, The Customs to att or cus g t n c i e t l l e Collectorate has colhe e me 17. co d for t s of th lected Rs8469.31 milt e n n a g i p i ts ass lions in terms of cuspartic 7 targe e 016-1 u n toms import, rebate and year 2 reve

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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

pakistan and global economy

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here are no two opinions in the notion that it is the age of globalization. According to a quote attributed to former United Nations’ Secretary General Kofi Annan, arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity. The world is coming from close to closer and from closer to closest. Globalization is the process and it always goes forward. There is no going back. The political development in various parts of the world, including the United States, the South East region and Europe, all are trying to make bonds to protect common interests and improve economy. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is also part of the globalization process and regional connectivity.

The election of Donald Trump in the United States and Narindra Modi in India are seen as the last effort to stop the process of international integration and both people are bound to fail. No country in this age of information dare live in isolation and economic cooperation is the only option. The era of war has been over and it is time of economic competition. The exit of Britain from the European Union will not only affect that country, but also shake the business interests of many nations. The economic policy of protectionism is no more viable and there are open competitions everywhere in the world.

Pakistan is not an exception where all the efforts are being made to stop the inflow of foreign investment in the name of protecting the local industry. If every country adopts this policy the exports will be phased out and people will be deprived of common goods at competitive prices. Despite being beneficiary of the US Generalized System of Preferences, the country’s exports are falling and even the country is unable to reach its own record of $25 billion exports. The country has lot of potential to increase exports, which could be in the form of value added goods. The small and cottage industry of the country has made tremendous progress and has industrial surplus. But the small manufacturers have no access to foreign markets and only Pakistan missions abroad can do it for them. However, unless the government breaks the barriers of the bureaucratic tactics, the country would not achieve the desired goals of economic development. If the government wants to enhance exports, it will have to address the structural issues which are limiting the production of value added goods and are hindering the growth of exports sector.

Low tax-to-gDp ratio T

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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he taxation has always remained a problem area for the government due to some inherent flaws in tax laws and various other factors, including absence of tax culture and structural frailty of the implementation machinery. The tax-to-GDP ratio in Pakistan is purportedly the lowest not only in South Asia but also in the world. Keeping in view this factor, the government had planned to increase tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 percent in five years, but all the efforts have ended in smoke.

The federal as well as the provincial governments and federal ter-

ritories have failed to show any performance in the field of taxation, trade and economy. The government though has been able to enhance its revenues under different heads, but the number of taxpayers has decreased over the years and this should be the area of concern for the policymakers. The enhancement of tax ratios and increasing the list of goods and services to collect taxes is not a pride, but a problem in the long run. Increase in the numbers and ratios of taxes will ultimately affect the business community, which is already paying heavy taxes, and the common man, who has to pay more from his limited financial resources.

According to newspaper re-

ports, the federal and the provincial finance ministers have jointly finalized a report to lay it before the both houses of parliament to monitor the implementation of the National Finance Commission award. It was made a constitutional requirement for the federal and provincial governments in 2009 to achieve 15 percent tax-to-GDP ratio by 2014-15. However, the ratio could increase only from 9.4 percent in 2012-13 to 9.5 percent in 2015-16. This is the situation of the tax collection in a country of over 200 million people. The international donor agencies have continuously been pressuring the government to enhance tax collection targets which are achieved to some extent. But the

problem is in the method and not in collections.

It is important to note that unless structural reforms are introduced in the tax collection system, tax-to-GDP ratio will not increase. A mechanism is the need of hour to engage every business entity in tax collection process even if it is as small as a vendor. The tax filing system should also be as easy as is a telephone or gas bill. The government should also avoid amendments into the tax laws which bring complications instead of facilitation for the business community. In the nation of 200 million people, marginal tax ratio is a symbol of not only a poor economy, but also a poor management.

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LCCI urges FBR to extend tax return filing date LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend the date for the filing of income tax return at least till December 31.

In a statement, LCCI President Abdul Basit and Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan said that business community always want to perform its national obligations but due to problems in FBR IRIS system, a large number of businessmen could not file their returns till December 15. They said that real estate sector was also directed to file their returns after one month if they avail the amnesty scheme announced by the government. They said that last year the business community was given exemption till March 31 for filing their returns but this time procedure has been closed on December 15 which is a sheer injustice.

Vietnamese companies keen to invest in pakistan ISLAMABAD

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mbassador of Vietnam to Pakistan Nguyen Xuan Luu Saturday said many Vietnamese companies were keen to invest and provide their expertise in various economic sectors of Pakistan especially in agriculture and seafood with focus on Karachi. This was said while talking to President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce of Industry (FPCCI) Abdul Rauf Alam here.Both countries were enjoying excellent relations but bilateral trade and investment was much lower than the actual potential for which government and private sector must play their role, he added. He acknowledged the role of

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the FPCCI in promoting trade and industry and said Pakistan was a huge consumers market and Vietnam’s business community could benefit from this opportunity. The ambassador said Vietnam also could import different items mainly textile, leather and other products for which liberal visa policy, exchange of information, interaction and exchange of delegations was imperative. Speaking on the occasion, the FPCCI president said Pakistan and Vietnam had signed a trade promotion agreement in the third meeting of Joint Trade Commission (JTC) held in August 2015 but it had not helped a lot. The next session of Joint Trade Commission scheduled in Islamabad shortly should come up with meaningful ways and means to boost trade after reviewing scope of trade and identifying, he added. Abdul Rauf Alam said Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should improve their efforts in this regard.

Thursday December 29, 2016

Chambers

cM hafeez ur rehman highlights investment potential in tourism G

ISLAMABAD

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ilgit Baltistan Chief Minister (CM) HaUiz Hafeez ur Rehman has said that his region has tremendous potential for tourism but lack of good hotels was a major constraint and urged that private sector should come forward to invest in tourism in Gilgit Baltistan (GB) to achieve lucrative results. He was addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). He said tourism was rapidly growing industry in the world with largest share in the GDP of 27 countries. He said inUlow of tourists was on the rise as during this year 3500 foreign tourists visited GB with 20 to 25 thousand annual Ulows of domestic tourists. He said 3 Uive star and 4 three star hotels were needed in GB to facilitate tourists. He said GB government was providing tax exemptions on the import of machinery and equipment for mining, hotel and packaging industries. He said government would provide electricity to industry @ Rs.5.50 to Rs.6/unit and urged that local investors should take beneUit

of these concessions to enhance investment in this region. He said GB has the potential to generate 40,000 MW hydropower, but successive governments ignored this potential. He said PM was focusing on better development of this region and added that work on Diamer Bhasha dam will start in 2017 as 48,000 acre land for this project has been acquired.

The project would cost US$ 14 bil-

lion and will generate 4800 MW hydropower. He said a regional grid would be constructed at a cost of Rs.25 billion and a transmission line from GB to Fateh Jhang at a cost of US$ 3 billion to connect GB with national grid. He said only 10 percent work for the development of GB has been done so far and 90 percent still remained. He said GB government would focus on policy making and

13 welfare organisations receive awards at Social expo-2016

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KARACHI

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hirteen social welfare organisations with a proud history of serving less-privileged people were given awards at the Social Expo-2016, at Karachi Expo Centre.

The organisations which received the awards include Edhi Foundation, WWF-Pakistan, LRBT, Saylani Welfare International Trust, SIUT, The Indus Hospital, Darul Sukun and Make-a-wish Foundation. More than 200 non-proUit organisations participated in the Social Expo, organised by ‘Markaz-e-Umeed’ in collaboration with the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), said a press release issued here.The event was jointly inaugurated by Senator Nehal

Hashmi and President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Shammim Firpo. Other notables present on the occasion were Ishtiaq Baig, Head Make-a-Wish Foundation, Ateeq-ur-Rehman AMTF, Head CCD SSGC Shahbaz Islam, Rizwan Jaffer Youth Parliament, and Chief Organiser Markaz-eUmeed Zeeshan Siddiqui. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan Chief Dr Farooq Sattar and Leader of Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hasan also visited the Social Expo-2016. Shamim Firpo said the Expo is a big success, especially for those who are doing community services selUlessly. He said the KCCI supports such initiatives and their doors are open for any good cause. Meanwhile, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (KCCI), Shamim Ahmed Firpo has requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend last date for Uiling of income tax return up to December 31, 2016. In a statement issued, he pointed out that large number of KCCI members, while seeking assistance, stated that they were unable to Uile their returns

by December 15, 2016 due to faulty online registration system, IRIS, which completely collapsed on last date due to massive load as large number of taxpayers were simultaneously Uiling sales tax, income tax returns under section 147 and monthly statement under section 165 of the Income Tax Ordinance, resulting in Ulopping the online system.

He said that the complications in the online system were not something new to taxpayers as every year.

would give major role to private sector for economic development. He urged that business community should play role in the growth of business activities in this region, which is still unexplored and assured that his government would act as a facilitator for them. Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Macro-indicators showing positive sign: rccI he macro-indicators are showing positive sign as GDP growth rate is also improving, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Raja Amer Iqbal has said. Giving a lecture at the School of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University here, he said the government must invest in non-conventional sectors like Information Technology, Telecommunication and E-Commerce. Youth, he said, were the future of Pakistan and “we must invest in them.” He urged the government to set a timeline to address the issue of unemployment in the country saying currently 2.7 million students were coming out of the universities with masters, MPhil and PhD degrees.—CB Report

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Customs Appellate Tribunal hears various references during second week of Dec Thursday December 29, 2016

National Faisalabad customs Intelligence seizes items worth rs8.645m FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized smuggled items worth Rs8.645 million involved in tax duty of Rs1.510 million during Second week of December, 2016. As per the details official told Customs Today that in the seized items included two non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs600,00 being used for smuggling transportation. Following the directions of Deputy Director Riaz Hussain the intelligence team conducted various raids to foil smuggling attempts in the region. The customs intelligence seized computer systems etc worth Rs 6.858 million involved in customs duty of Rs932,955. These computers system loaded on Container No, HLXU-835750-5. In another action the customs intelligence team seized LCDs, monitors of different brands worth Rs1.787 million involved in duty of Rs1.510 million loaded on Container No, CAIU-812436-0.

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ISLAMABAD: The Customs Appellate Tribunal heard a number of customs references during second week of December and adjourned the cases for upcoming dates.

A single bench of the tribunal comprising Syed Muhammad Anwar heard the cases filed

by M/s Lucky Enterprises, Haq Nawaz and Wasif Hussain. All of these cases had been filed during 2016. The bench adjourned the harings following absence of the responding counsels from the tribunal.

M/s Lucky Enterprises had challenged customs duty assessment sustained by the adjudication. Haq Nawaz and Wasif Hussain had filed cases for the release of vehicles.

collector Appraisement west calls for registration of cases against tax evaders C

KARACHI

S r khAN

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ollector of Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement West Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi on Saturday held separate meetings with ofUicials of the Appraising Intelligence Branch (AIB) and the Post Release VeriUication (PRV) Department at his ofUice. Sources told Customs Today that it was the Uirst time that the Collector Appraisement West held meetings of the AIB and the PRV on the same day, adding that the agenda of the meetings was to recover legitimate duty/taxes through detecting tax evasion and short recovery cases. During the meeting, the collector was pass on clear cut orders of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to generate revenue for achieving the set revenue

targets. The collector was of the view that cases should be registered

against tax evaders and Uine should also be imposed on them so that

they could refrain from doing that again. The ofUicers of the AIB and the PRV also assured the collector that they would utilize all their resources in order to treat the tax evasion cases in the best interest of the country. It is pertinent to mention here that FBR already directed to all the customs collectorates of the country to expedite their efforts to enhance revenue collection.

Meanwhile, According to break up of the revenue target, Group-I has been tasked with revenue collection target of Rs 2,406 million, including Rs 1,018 million customs duty, Rs 758 million sales tax, Rs 525 million withholding tax and Rs 105 million federal excise duty.

Group-II will collect Rs 2,890 million, including Rs 935 million customs duty, Rs 1,364 million sales tax and Rs 590 withholding tax.

peshawar customs collects rs.202m in 15 days A

ISLAMABAD

tArIQ DerYA

FBr collects rs1180b duty & taxes till Dec 15 ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs.1196 billon of revenue in first five and half months (till December 15) of current financial year while Rs 1180 billion were collect during same period of last fiscal 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 2016-17. FBR has collected Rs.75 billion in head of federal excise duty (FED) as compare to Rs.71billion last year.—M Faizan

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ll Customs Stations of Model Customs Collectorate Peshawar collected revenue of Rs.202.81 million under the head of customs duty (CD) during Uirst 15 day of December FY2016-17. According to details told by sources of MCC Peshawar that revenue collection of all customs station similar to dry port, bonded ware house, airport, Gadoon, Hazara, Kohat, Torkham and auction cell under head of customs duty was acceptable during initial 15 day of December FY16-17. The sources said that during above said period the dry port collected Rs.95.26 million under head of customs duty as for as the Bonded ware house collected revenue of Rs.48.14 million under head customs duty. Sources adding that till 15th December FY16-17 the MCC Peshawar’s Customs Station Bacha Khan International Airport collected Rs.2.33 million under the head of customs duty as for as the Customs station

Gadoon collected Rs.1.06 million under head of customs duty. The sources said that during said period the Customs Station Hazara collected revenue Rs.5.01 million

under head of CD and the Customs Station Kohat collected revenue Rs.2.46 million under head of customs duty. Sources told that during above said period the Customs

Station Torkham collected revenue Rs.41.96 million under head of CD as for as the Customs station auction cell collected Rs.6.59 million under head of customs duty.

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Tax lawyers urge Dar to extend returns filing date KARACHI: The tax lawyers have urged Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to further extend date for filing tax income tax returns.

The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), in a letter to the finance minister, said a lot of taxpayers were unable to file their tax returns and asset statements as the FBR’s online system – Iris – got collapsed during the last hours on December 15.

That was the last date for return filing for salaried persons, business individuals, association of persons, persons falling in the final tax regime and companies having special tax years. The FBR extended the deadlines several times from August 31 for salaried persons and September 30 for others.

customs staff recovers 50 smuggled LcDs from two passengers SIALKOT

SALeeM AwAN SheIkhu www.customsbulletin.com

he Model Customs Collectorate staff has seized 50 non-customs paid LCDs worth Rs 1 million from two passengers who arrived here from Sharjah. According to details Assistant Collector Ali Mohatashim Minhas received information that two passengers were coming from Sharjah on a flight with non-custom paid LCDs. The assistant collector informed Superintendent Sardar Manzoor to enhance checking of all flights. Inspector Asad and other members, including Imtiaz Cheema and Muhammad Naseem, recovered the LCDs

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from two passengers namely Rashid and Yaqoob. The Customs Preventive Staff asked said passengers about the relevant documents but they failed to produce anything. The custom preventive staff seized all the LCDs as per customs laws and shifted the LCDs to the store room of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot. The Customs Preventive Staff has registered a case against the passengers but released them after proper interrogation. The Customs Department will refer the case to the Adjudication Department for legal proceedings. It is necessary to mention here that Collector Customs Ahmed Reza instructed the customs staff to use all available resources to curb smuggling. The collector also directed anti-smuggling staff to adopt zero tolerance towards smugglers. Meanwhile Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot auction committee has done auction of seized smuggled cloth after prior permission of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in worth Rs. 1.7 million.

Thursday December 29, 2016

National

Additional collector Beelam issues oNo against owner of smuggled cloth C

pakistan customs to get sniffer dogs trained from uk KARACHI

MuBeeN huSSAIN

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FAISALABAD

IQrA ShehZADI

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ustoms Adjudication Additional Collector Beelam-urRamzan has issued 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 carrying smuggled goods. After receiving the information, the customs team set up a checkpost 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 identiUied as Shahid Zaman , to provide legal documents regarding possession and transportation of the foreign origin ladies fabric, but he 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 Ra-

sool 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 has been received from the respondent.

Therefore Additional Collector Customs Adjudication Beelam-ur-

Ramzan ordered the seized goods under clause 14 of section 156(1) and section 157(1) and (2) of the Customs Act 1969.

It is necessary to mention here that Customs Adjudication department expedited their efforts to dispose off pending cases.

ustoms authorities have decided to take extra ordinary steps to stop illegal circulation of the dollar through unfair means. According to the sources, the federal government has directed the customs and law enforcement agencies including Customs Intelligence and Investigations for taking concrete measures to cope up with the currency smuggling. The sources informed that the Pakistan Customs has twenty four sniffer dogs used for the sniffing at the entry and exits check posts but are not capable of sensing currency whereas they only detect drugs during the checking. The quantity of the sniffer dogs needs to be enhanced as well as special training is very much important for the dogs deputed at the airports. Now it has been decided that the dogs will be trained from the foreign country, the source added. The source further stated that the customs authorities are in talk with the officials of the United Kingdom for the training of the sniffer dogs with regards to checking of the currency at the security check posts. The sniffer dogs are being used at the moment are only able to sniff and sense drugs and are not much trained.

Strike affects revenue collection at pak Afghan trade route

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PESHAWAR

MADIr khAN

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ue to repeated protest and strikes of transporters on PakAfghan Transit Trade route after illegal Afghan tax the revenue collection process badly affected in the ongoing Uinancial year and the total revenue collection of the last six months was recorded low only up to Rs7616 million as compared to collection of Rs8667.65 million of previous year 2015-16.

Sources told Customs Today that during last six moths of the new Uinancial year the Peshawar Customs House, in head of Customs duties

collected Rs2937.68 million up to the month of December while in December 2015 this Uigure was Rs3291.38 million showing short fall of minus Rs353.70 million in rupees and minus 5.73 in percentage.

In term of sales tax on import the house collected Rs1728.78 million against the Uigure of previous year of Rs2095.77 million in December 2015. The difference in percentage was recorded -17.56 percent and million while the difference in rupee was recorded minus Rs366.99 million. In head of sales tax levied as federal excise duty on Palm oil the Customs House collected Rs610.54 million against December 2015 being recorded as

Rs1024.24 million rupees. The total difference in percentage in this sector was recorded minus 40.39 percent while the difference in rupees was minus -Rs413.70 million. In head of federal excise duty on import the customs collectorate collected Rs65.09 million up to December against the previous year collection of Rs105.05 million of 2015 December. The difference in rupees was noticed minus Rs39.96 million while the difference in percentage was minus 38.04 percent.

In term of withholding tax the house collected Rs2017.88 million in last six months against the previous year Rs1827.13 million for December 2015. The difference in ru-

pees was noticed minus Rs62.38 million while the difference in percentage was recorded 18.38percent. The performance of the house for the last six months of the new Uinancial year of 2016-17 was not better as compare to previous year previous Uinancial year as the revenue show shortfall of minus 10.36 percent as compare to the previous year Uinancial year of 2015-16.

The total collection Uigures Rs7616.84 million against Rs8667.65 million previous year month of November 2015 October.

The total difference in rupees was minus Rs872.90 million while in percentage the shortfall was noticed minus 10.36 percent.

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EU plans ‘travel tax’ for UK citizens after Brexit Thursday December 29, 2016

World

LONDON: British citizens will no longer be able to travel freely to Europe without paying a travel tax, it has emerged.

The move comes as a result of the EU Referendum in June, which saw millions of Brits back Brexit with a vote to leave the European Union.

Under new plans unveiled by Brussels this week, a US-style visa scheme could be introduced marking one of the first signs Brits will not be permitted to the privileges of free movement they once enjoyed.

Instead, the EU Commission is to hinder movement across European borders, with UK citizens forced to fill out a form under the proposals.

Dutch pilot arrested for smuggling £2.4m of cocaine

AMSTERDAM

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pilot is facing jail after being arrested on the toilet with his trousers down as he smuggled cocaine worth more than £2.4 million into the UK. Dutch na-

turkish economy on shaky ground urkey’s tainted image in the wake of its crackdown on opponents after the failed putsch in the country has had a negative impact on the economy and development prospects.

Daniel Heinrich reports from Istanbul.

Hasan Selamat is perplexed. For 35 years, he’s run a small jewelry shop in a backstreet near a bazaar in Istanbul.

He’s never experienced anything like the present situation some months after the failed coup in mid-July. “In the first days after the putsch, it hadn’t been so obvious at all,” he said. “But in the process, we witnessed more and more customers staying away. I can personally understand the tourists as many live in fear and do not want to travel to Istanbul because of the recent political events.” Tourism accounts for roughly 13 percent of Turkey’s gross domestic product (GDP).—CB Report

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tional John Buwalda, 49, was held by National Crime Agency ofUicers in a Holiday Inn near Rochester Airport in Kent shortly after Ulying in from the Netherlands in a light aircraft. Minutes earlier, his accomplice, Jan Polak, had been arrested outside the hotel carrying 48lb (22kg) of cocaine with a high purity level. NCA ofUicer Jim McMorrow told the trial how he ar-

rested Buwalda while he was sitting on the toilet. He said that after Polak was detained, ofUicers went to the hotel room he had been in and discovered Buwalda in the bathroom. He told the jury: “Mr Buwalda was sitting on the toilet. He had a white top on and his trousers were by his legs. “I informed him we had arrested a man … and he had given us the room as the one he had been in.”I asked him what he was doing here and he said ‘I Ulew in from Hilversum today’. I informed him I was arresting him.” The Old Bailey was told that the drugs, which were found to have an 80 per cent purity level, were worth £2,408,040 on the street. Meanwhile, Regulations in certain regions of the world are clamping down in various ways on the proliferation of online gambling made available to anyone who has an internet connection. The regulatory bodies of a number of European Union members have been using censorship and Uines to discourage the illegal use of gambling services from these unlicensed operators.

china’s industrial profit growth accelerates to 14.5%

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roUits of China’s major industrial Uirms increased 14.5 percent year on year in November, up from 9.8 percent registered in October, ofUicial data showed Tuesday.

ProUits of industrial companies with annual revenues of more than 20 million yuan (about 2.87 million U.S. dollars) totaled 774.57 billion yuan last month, the National Bureau of Statistics said. In the Uirst 11 months of the year, industrial proUits expanded 9.4 percent year on year to 6.03 tril-

lion yuan, faster than the 8.6 percent rise for the Uirst ten months, the NBS said. NBS statistician He Ping said the sharp growth in November was a result of acceleration in the growth of both industrial production and sales, a signiUicant rise in producer prices and the strong performance of electronics, special equipment manufacturing and oil reUining sectors.

China’s producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate.—CB Report

philippine police arrest 6 in massive meth seizure MANILA

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hilippine authorities arrested six people and seized $67 million worth of methamphetamine on Friday (23/12), in one of the biggest narcotics hauls of a nationwide drugs war that has focused heavily on eliminating street-level dealers.

Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation swooped down on a quiet neighborhood in San Juan City in the capital Manila and found 560 kg of what they believe was “shabu” stored in 56 bags. The amount seized on Friday, if veriUied, would be bigger than the entire amount of shabu seized nationwide last year, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Some 450 kg of the highly addictive methamphetamine were discovered in anti-narcotics operations in 2015.

Police said six people were in the house where the drugs were seized.

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Three were Filipino and the others were either Taiwanese or Chinese, police said. The seizure will be a boost for President Rodrigo Duterte, who has come under heavy international criticism for a bloody war on drugs that has seen low-level dealers and users bear the brunt of the crackdown, rather than kingpins behind the trade. According to drug enforcement ofUicials who spoke to Reuters recently, Chinese are among the “cooks” and “chemists” brought to the Philippines to create shabu, the price of which has risen sharply since Duterte launched his campaign. More than 6,000 people have been killed in the crackdown since Duterte took ofUice in July, roughly a third in police operations. The other deaths are classiUied as under investigation, many believed to be the work of vigilantes.

“We have been watching the house for more than a month after an informant came to authorities, telling us about the illegal drugs trade in the area,” said Easter Police District chief Romulo Sapitula.

Bot highlights upside odds he Bank of Thailand sees upside risk to its 2017 forecast of 3.2% GDP growth if the US economy performs better than expected or the Thai government manages to get its infrastructure projects off the ground ahead of schedule. “There are some positive factors that could enable the country’s GDP to grow by more than 3.2%,” said central bank governor Veerathai Santiprabhob. “If the new US president is able to deliver policies that help the economy grow better than expected, it might beneUit Thailand through exports.” If the government can splash money on

infrastructure projects at a faster pace than expected, the country’s economic growth will likely surpass the central bank’s forecast, he said.

The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is maintaining its economic growth forecasts of 3.2% this year and next in light of upside and downside risks to growth. “Commodity prices, especially for agricultural products, will also play an important role in the country’s economic growth next year,” said Mr Veerathai, adding that if the tourism sector recovers faster next year, it could bode well for economic growth.—CB Report

Mineral products export hits $4.4bn in 8 months

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TEHRAN

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he exports volume for Iran’s mine and mineral industry products amounted to 4.4 billion dollars in the first eight months of the current Iranian calendar year (began March 20).

Deputy for the Iranian Mines &

Mining Industries Development & Renovation (IMIDRO) Amir Sabbagh made the remark while speaking in a training course on mine and mineral industry trends in the world and analyzing its strategic market. The official highlighted that the eight-month value for the current year indicated a 34% growth as compared with the corresponding period last year. He

went on to state that more than 11.8 million tons of iron ore have been exported in the past eight months showing a 43% upsurge compared with the same period a year before. Sabbagh noted that the value of iron ore exports surpassed 451.5 million dollars during the period, revealing a rise of 48.5% compared with the last year. About 3.5 million tons of various kinds of

stones were also exported in 8 months showing a growth of 193% compared with the same period last year. The value of stones exported abroad reached 204.8 million dollars which had a 72.9% rise compared with the same period a year ago. Exports of steel chain and downstream products also experienced a 106.6% rise climbing to 4.322 million tons.

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NCCPL to collect capital gain tax by 28th KARACHI: The National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) has announced to collect capital gain tax (CGT) for the month of November 2016 by December 28.

According to a notification issued to Pakistan Stock Exchange, the CGT will be collected through respective settling banks of the clearing members along with refund or adjustments on the basis of amount collected up to October 31, 2016.

NCCPL asked the clearing members to ensure requisite amount in their respective settling bank’s account. The notification said that the necessary details and reports for the said period have already been made available in the CGT System

330 Ir officers may be deployed to enhance tax net

Thursday December 29, 2016

National

gwadar customs seizes goods-worth rs 1.589b in 2Q

Ihc adjourns hearing of cases challenging tax recovery notices ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

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NAeeM uLLAh tArIQ

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s many as 330 Inland Revenue Audit Officers may be assigned duties to enhance tax net.

These officers, upgraded to BS-18, can be deployed to perform enforcement activities including discovering of new taxpayers, recovery of tax demands, audit and action against tax evaders to generate additional revenue. The officers have sufficient experience of sales tax and federal excise duties for the purpose of audit, assessments and recovery of evaded amount of taxes. On the other hands, All Pakistan convention of Inland Revenue Audit Officers celebrated their upgradation to BS-18.

The convention was attended by IR Audit Officers from all over the country. The FBR, in compliance to directives of the Lahore High Court, issued a notification of upgrading 330 Inland Revenue Audit Officers to BS-18 with effect from July 1, 2010.

hree benches of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) adjourned the hearing of various tax matters filed by M/s Acro Spinning and Waving Mills Limited, M/s TNB Liberty Power Limited, M/s Fauji Cement Limited, M/s Wateen Telecom Limited and M/s Wi Tribe Pakistan during the second week of December. A single bench of the IHC comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case filed by M/s Acro Spinning and Waving Mills Limited. The bench also redirected the respondent to submit material pertaining to the case prior to the next hearing. The company had challenged a show cause notice issued by the Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad, claiming recovery of Rs 934.6 million. Justice Athar Minallah heard cases filed by M/s TNB Liberty Power Limited, M/s Fauji Cement Limited and M/s Wateen Telecom Limited. The bench ‘dated in office’ the hearing of these references with directions to submit supporting documents to the counsels involved.

Meanwhile, a division bench of the IHC comprising Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb adjourned the hearing of another tax reference filed by M/S WiTribe Pakistan.

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Faisalabad custom constitutes special team for audit he Customs Collectorate Deputy Collector Usman Tariq has constituted a special teams in order to streamline the audit of DTRE scheme, manufacturing bonds, licensed under SRO-450(I)/2001 and export oriented unit (EOUs) licensed under SRO-326/327(I)2008 and other audit assignments given by the Collector Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary. Sources told Customs Today that team constituted under the under the supervision of Superintendent Javed Hussain Sherazi to take strict action against tax defaulters. It is pertinent to mention here that Deputy Collector Usman Tariq has directed the field staff to keep eyes on tax defaulters and guide them about tax system for enhanced monitoring and quick disposal of audit work an audit cell.—Naeem Sheikh

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KARACHI

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

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odel Customs Collector Gwadar seized smuggled goods, including narcotics, worth Rs 1.589 billion during the last quarter of the calendar year 2016. Sources told Customs Today that on the directives of Collector Gwadar Saeed Akram, the collectorate accelerated the anti-smuggling drive against smugglers and seized 152,000

liters smuggled Iranian origin diesel worth Rs 9.1 million, narcotics worth Rs 1.567 billion and miscellaneous goods worth Rs21.98 million during from October to December so far. The total value of the seized goods during the last two and a half months is Rs 1.589 billion. Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs Intelligence (Enforcement) and Customs Collectorate (Appraisement-West) have locked horns over the jurisdiction in a misdeclaration case. Now the case is in the court to ascertain jurisdiction of both the directorate and collectorate.

Both the authorities have also lodged FIRs under Section 32(1), 32(2) and 32A to pursue the case, in which M/s Farooq Corporation was caught misdeclaring its imports. The accused company was importing baby tricycle battery in guise of baby trike parts through mis-declaration of description and gross under valuation. After separate examination of the consignment by both the directorate and collectorate, it was conUirmed that baby tricycle batteries were being imported instead of declared baby trike parts, evading taxes of Rs0.992 million.

customs Appellate tribunal hears 78 cases

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LAHORE

MuhAMMAD NAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

he Customs Appellate Tribunal heard 78 cases on Monday. The members of all benches from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar heard cases in Lahore bench and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing. Chairman Customs Appellate Tribunal established special benches to decide the cases. The Customs Appellate Tribunal special division bench comprising Member

Judicial bench-II Karachi and Member Technical bench-II adjourned 13 cases of Reshma Tax, Ziaul Haq, D.G Khan Cement, Javaid International, Zainal Textile, Colony Sugar Mills, O.S. Crop, Ikram International, Umair Hayat, Shahzaid International versus Lahore and Muhammad Asgar Hussain versus customs Multan.

Special division comprising member judicial bench-I Karachi and Technical bench-II Lahore heard cases of collector customs Faisalabad versus Ahmed Fine Textile, Ahmed Uine textile versus customs Multan, Yousaf

Tanneries versus customs Lahore, Additional director FBR Multan versus S.M. Food Maker, Zulifqar Ali Anjum versus customs Multan, Naveed Cargo versus customs Lahore, Nestle Pakistan versus customs Lahore, Amir Asim & Co versus customs Lahore, Cress style versus customs Faisalabad and Fazal cloth versus customs Multan. Member Judicial and member technical bench-II Peshwar heard cases including Pak Steel, Abdul Azeem, Abdul Salam, Abdul Sattar and Imran Sattar versus customs Lahore, Ziarat Khan ver-

sus customs Multan, Director Lahore versus Saqib Abbas, New Shalimar Steel versus customs Lahore, signal traders versus customs Lahore and director intelligence and investigation Lahore versus Naqvi Enterprises. Meanwhile, member Judicial and member Technical bench-II Islamabad heard ten cases including Shahdab Engineering versus customs Sambrial, Sultan Mehmood versus customs Lahore, Flying Board and Tahir Habib versus customs Lahore, Khawaja Muhammad Younis versus customs Faisalabad.

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FIA arrests accused involved in illegal business of hundi, hawala Thursday December 29, 2016

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested an accused involved in money laundering and illegal exchange of business.

According to a spokes person of FIA upon instructions of Dr Usman Anwar Director FIA, a raid was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Director Jamil Ahmad Khan Mayo of FIA Corporate Crime Circle. The raiding team comprising Muhammad Aman Ullah Khan AD and Muhammad Ishfaq Shafqat Jabbar raided at M/s Baba Trading Mustafa Centre Shah Alam Lahore where a person namely Arfaat Khan was found involved in illegal business of hundi/hawala. He was sending money abroad without taking permission from State Bank of Pakistan.

customs court adjourns hearing of case filed against women smugglers

pcA unearths duty, tax evasion of rs 2.28m by chempak Imports

LAHORE

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M IMrAN MehAr

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he Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has adjourned the hearing of a case Uiled against two female suspects who are allegedly involved in smuggling of 14 kilograms gold and currency from Multan International Airport.

Sources told Customs Today that the customs team recovered 14 kilograms of gold which was worn by both the women in shape of jewellery along with 39,000 Saudi riyals and United Arab Emirates dirhams.

The Multan customs had seized the gold and foreign currency approximately worth Rs 64.6 million and lodged an FIR against the both the arrested women on the charges of

govt asked to reduce duty and taxes rate all Road Traders Association has demanded the government to reduce duty and tax rate to increase tax base and pay back refund and rebate to the businessmen to invest in their business. The Mall Road Traders Association office bearers Nasir Ansari and Farooq Azad told Customs Today that traders have been passing through a tough time as none of the government department is paying heed to their genuine demands. The said that the tax rate be immediately reduced besides the government should take stern action against the elements that hold protest demonstration at the Mall destroying the peace of the road inflicting millions of rupees losses every year. The office bearers also mentioned of the encroachments around their outlet and demanded immediate removal of the hurdles to conduct smooth business.—M Hayat

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smuggling and money laundering.

Earlier, Customs Special Judge Chaudhry Ameer Muhammad Khan had approved their physical remand and then sent them to jail on judicial trial. Both the arrested females are in jail for their judicial trial and the Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling has rejected their bail pleas. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has extended the judicial remand of an accused who was arrested from Sialkot International Airport. According to details available to Customs Today, an accused Muhammad Sarwar, who was arrived here from South Africa, was checked by the customs ofUicials at Sialkot airport. The customs team found 30 costly mobile phones tactfully hidden in baggage of Muhammad Sarwar. The customs team arrested the accused and presented him before the Customs Court.

LAHORE

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he Customs Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has detected Rs 2.28 million tax evasion

by Chempak Imports, Circular Road, Lahore on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 (I) 2006 and SRO 1007 (1)/ 2005. The Directorate of Post Clearance Audit Lahore observed that certain importers of chemical goods are involved in the evasion of duties 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 during customs clearance of zinc sulphate (33 percent). The commodity is classified under PCT heading 2833, 2940.

The PCA observed that the said SROs were meant for poultry in-

gredients only.

It was observed that Chempak Imports, Lahore imported consignment of the aforesaid impugned goods which were prima facie were fertilizers and as such were not entitled for the exemption of customs duty and sales tax under the said SROs during calendar year 2014.

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The PCA said that the mis-declaration resulted in the duty and taxes evasion to the tune of Rs 2.28 million. The company has been asked to deposit the short money. Sources said that Post Clearance Audit authorities already expedited their efforts to generate more revenue from tax evaders.

customs Appellate tribunal accepts customs Appellate tribunal hears 10 cases he Customs Appellate Tribunal sus Check Textile, Oskar Oil versus appeal filed by M/s Alba International division bench-II comprising directorate of Intelligence and In-

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ustoms Appellate Tribunal has accepted the appeal in case of M/s Alba International against collector Customs Appraisement, Dry port Mughalpura Lahore and collector customs Appeals Lahore.

Bench-II member judicial Omer Arshed Hakeem heard the arguments from both sides and said in the Uinal remarks that customs appeals is accepted, quash the impugned order and direct the respondent collectorate to process appellants refunds claims and remit

the sale proceeds of impugned auction merchandise to the appellant in accordance with auction rules Ibid section 201 of Customs Act 1969. According to the precise fact of the case, the appellant imported a consignment from Malaysia and Uiled GD declaring the goods as paper board classiUied under PCT heading 4802.1000 declaring the value of US$11780. The respondent department drawn samples and sent to the Lahore dry port laboratory for test.—Muhammad Nawaz

Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Technical Member Imran Tariq heard 10 cases and adjourned all the cases until the next date of hearing. The cases included Saitara Textile two appeals versus customs Lahore, customs Multan versus Abdul Rauf, Tahir Rauf versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad, Gulshan Textile versus customs Multan. On Tuesday, Jumma Khan versus directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Multan, customs Faisalabad versus Atta Ullah and customs Lahore ver-

vestigation Multan, Uch Power versus directorate Multan unit Sadiqabad and customs Lahore versus AI Corporation were also heard.

In all cases, the representatives of the appellant and respondents appeared before the court and argued in favour of their respective parties.

After hearing the arguments from both parties, the Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned the case till next date of hearing. Customs Appellate Tribunal bench-I not heard any case because no any case was Uixed for hearing. —Muhammad Nawaz

FBr dectects St evasion by fruit juices manufacturer

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LAHORE

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

he Federal Board of Revenue’s intelligence wing-Inland Revenue has uncovered huge sales tax evasion by a manufacturer of fruit juices and cosmetic products.

The Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation-IR, Lahore

thoroughly analysed FBR e-Portal (ITMS) and veriUied documents and record, which exposed the massive sales tax evasion by the manufacturing unit. According to the analysis report, a registered person is involved in tax fraud as deUined under section 2(37) read with section 33 of Sales Tax Act 1990. Details of the case revealed that the said manufacturer of fruit juices is located at

Kot Lakhpat in Lahore and registered with income tax as an association of persons (AOP) having NTN since 02.03.2011. The said Uirm was got registered with sales tax after a lapse of 11 months on 30.01.2012 and was allotted sales tax registration number. As per information available, the said AOP is involved in massive evasion of taxes through its family members.

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JSW Infrastructure inks pact with Port of Fujairah in UAE WASHINGTON: JSW Infrastructure today said it has signed an agreement with Port of Fujairah (UAE) for management of mechanised bulk cargo handling terminals in that country. Port of Fujairah is one of the largest deep drafts all weather ports in the UAE and currently handles around 100 million tons per annum (MTPA), which is poised to increase to 150 MTPA in next two years. “This foray will strengthen business and trade ties between India and the GCC region, especially UAE. The inking of this pact opens new opportunities for us in global arena putting us in the league of the world’s best port operating companies,” JSW infrastructure Joint Managing Director and CEO Capt BVJK Sharma said in a statement.

tu plans campaign against port privatisation move next month he ninth national conference of CITU-affiliated Water Transport Workers’ Federation of India (WTWFI) has decided to conduct a nation-wide campaign next month against corporatisation of major ports.

The two-day conference, which concluded here, has resolved to launch a two-phase campaign to collect database on workers denied regular wages despite their employment in perennial nature of jobs from January 2 to 15 and educate the stakeholders against replacing the Major Ports Act of 1963 with new legislation to hand over assets worth crores of rupees to private players from January 16 to February 2. Briefing reporters on the decisions taken at the conference,

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WTWFI president C.D. Nanda Kumar, general secretary T. Narendra Rao, vice-presidents V.S. Padmanabha Raju and Parsuram said on Sunday that the conference evaluated the real problems in broad perspective and concluded that it was the immediate task for the working class to fight united against corporatisation of major ports.

“The government is hastily proceeding to replace MPT Act which provides administrative autonomy to the respective major ports through the Board of Trustees. Now through this instigated move, the government wants to demolish the entire structure of major ports under the alibi of structural changes and putting in place Board of Directors,” they stated. Stating that the major ports were the lifeline of the economy, the federation leaders said the major ports were already facing the threat due to awarding of contracts to multinationals under the pretext of allowing FDI on BOT/PPP mode.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

cosco Shipping ports sees 10% growth in Nov box volumes WASHINGTON

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osco Shipping Ports (CSP) continues to see good growth in throughput, driven mainly by its overseas investments, as overall volumes rose 10% to 8.4m teu in November from 7.6m teu in the same month in 2015.

Throughput at CSP’s overseas terminals almost doubled to 1.3m teu from 758,700 teu previously. The next best performing segment was the rapidly ramping up of China’s Southeast Coast region where volumes rose 16.9% to 418,500 teu from 358,000 teu previously.

Meanwhile the bread and butter Bohai Rim and Yangtze River Delta regions also saw steady growth and recovery from previous months respectively. Throughput at the Bohai Rim region grew 4.5% to 2.7m teu from 2.6m teu previously while at the Yangtze River Delta region volumes rose 3.2% to 1.6m teu from 1.5m teu in the previous corresponding period. This was the Uirst

month of positive growth for the latter region in the whole of 2016.

The other main cluster in the Pearl River Delta region continued its anaemic trend, with volumes almost Ulat from the previous corresponding month at 2.2m teu. Big falls in the Hong Kong terminals of 17.2% and 14.9% at Cosco-HIT and Asia Container terminals respec-

tively were offset by a 15.4% rise at Nansha, where capacity is ramping up, and relatively still strong volumes at Yantian International Container Terminals where throughput fell just 3.0% to 1m teu. The previously booming Southwest Coast region saw a surprising 1.8% downwards blip, moving 110,500 teu compared to 112,600 teu previously.

Thursday December 29, 2016

Med ports unite to promote trade orts from around the Mediterranean coast will form a specific organisation to promote the area’s role in global maritime trade.

Formed following the Medports Forum held in Marseille last month, the organisation will cooperate on issues including security, the environment and supply chain innovation.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, Marseille Fos CEO and current Intermed Gateways chair, said: “We want to set the conditions for an efficient Mediterranean alternative to the northern port routes… by sharing our experiences, by developing new shipping routes and supply chain models, by promoting training and by developing IT solutions to create smart ports.”

She added: “It is only by working together that we will be able to face the numerous challenges to make this region a major world shipping area on a long-term basis. We are meeting for the first time but it is up to you to make sure it is not the last and to trigger a new dynamism between Med ports.”—CB Report

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Florida’s ports create 200,000 new jobs F

WASHINGTON

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lorida Governor Rick Scott celebrated a milestone for the state’s seaports: since 2012, Florida’s 15 major ports have created more than 200,000 jobs, according to a new study by the Florida Ports Council.

In addition, these facilities create about $15 billion in direct business revenue every year, plus another $5 billion in activity from re-spending and local consumption.

The ports employ about 60,000 people and support an additional 840,000 related jobs. All told, ports are responsible for $40 billion in wages for families across the state.

“Our 15 world class seaports are not only a major economic engine for job creation in Florida, but they also help strengthen Florida’s position as the gateway to Latin America,”

Governor Scott said. “This great news shows the importance of continuing to make investments in our seaports and our transportation system so Florida can continue to be a leader in job creation and become a global hub for trade.”

Over the last Uive years, the state has invested more than $1 billion in its ports. Among its other projects, the state split the $220 million cost of the PortMiami channel dredging project with Miami-Dade County, covering what would have been the federal government’s $77 million share of the expense. Governor Scott made the decision to pay the federal share so that PortMiami could be ready for larger ships from the Panama Canal Expansion. “We did not wait on the federal government to fund this important project,” Scott said last year.

“We stepped up because we want Florida to be a global leader in

trade.” At the time of the dredging ‘s completion late last year, Scott asserted that Miami was the only port south of Virginia that could handle modern Post-Panamax ships.

Florida’s ports expect to make another $3.7 billion in investments over the next Uive years. If the Florida Ports Council is right, that will mean billions of dollars of new tax revenue: the council calculates that in addition other economic beneUits, ports investments generate a seven-fold return in taxes.

These projects will give a big boost to the state’s economy, says Brian Taylor, the CEO of JAXPORT. “The upcoming deepening projects at JAXPORT and Port Everglades will increase our international competitiveness even further, enabling us to create and support more Florida jobs,” he said. JAXPORT has not been waiting for the future to arrive: its three new post-Panamax

container cranes just hoisted their Uirst boxes at the Blount Island Marine Terminal, and the port authority hopes to buy seven more over the next ten years.

Meanwhile, “The South Carolina Inland Port Greer continued to handle near-record volumes as we prepare to build a second inland port in Dillon County, S.C.” Meanwhile, The Port of Dampier delivered a total monthly throughput of 14.7Mt, in line with the previous year. Imports totalled 84,000 tonnes, a decrease of 23,000 tonnes or 22% from the previous year. Meanwhile, “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-lying Netherlands has a target timeline of 30 years to make its economy and society carbon neutral.

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Multan Customs recovers huge quantity of liquor at Multan Airport MULTAN: The Model Customs Collectorate staff has recovered 16 bottles of foreign origin liquor during checking of luggage of passengers at Multan International Airport. According to details, Multan Customs staff which have enhanced monitoring of the goods coming at the Multan International Airport to foil any attempt of smuggling. Customs staff deputed at the Multan International Airport checked the luggage of the passengers arrived from Dubai. During the examination process of the passengers luggage ,Customs staff recovered 16 various bottles of liquor brands which were placed in the luggage of passenger.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

hyderabad customs collects rs 36.5 million from Nov 25 to Dec 20 HYDERABAD ASLAM ANJuM QureShI www.customsbulletin.com

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yderabad Model Customs Collectorate Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) has conUiscated huge quantity of contraband items worth Rs36.5 million from November 25 to December 20. Additional Collector Rehmatulah told Customs Today that ASO conducted various raids against smugglers and bid to foil the smuggling attempts. During a joint operation with rangers ASO arrested two accused during last week of November in sukkur division As per the details customs ofUicials told that in the seized items included 846 cartons of cigarettes,1000 packets of pan parag, Gutka, 9 kilogram drugs. In the impounded vehicles included one coach and two Toyota corolla car worth. He said that ASO team during joint operation with rangers seized huge quantity of smuggled items included Indian Gutka involving in duty/taxes Rs14.338 million during last week of November 2016. He added that ASO team also impounded Toyota Corolla registration No-AUS 411 model 2010 and a coach bearing

registration No-C-8453 while two persons were arrested included driver Ali Akbar s/o Muhammad Umar and his, conductor Mudassar

s/o Mir kalam. Customs ofUicial said that the value of impounded vehicles is Rs3.65 million. near jacobabad check-post Sukkur division and

recovered foreign origin smuggled of cigarette Worth Rs2 million. While in another successful action the ASO team has seized smuggled cigarette,

Gutka, and super quality 9 kilogram opium. Customs ofUicial said that the value of seized narcotics in international market is Rs20 million.

customs court awards jail tern to suspects involved in smuggling KARACHI

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ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has awarded 17 days imprisonment and Rs 50,000 Uine each to seven suspects on pleading guilty. The suspects were booked for attempting to smuggle 9,000 letters diesel near the coast of Mubarak village on December 4, 2016. During the hearing, Senior

Preventive OfUicer Azhar Malik produced the accused, Abdul Hanan, Momin Khan, Syed Ameen Khan, Ghulam Khaliq, Badshah Mehmood and Muhammad Ayyaz, before the court. The counsel for the suspects Uiled applications for pleading guilty and left themselves on the mercy of the court. After the arguments, the court awarded 17 days imprisonment and Rs 50,000 Uine each to seven accused persons.

Investigation had informed the court that after recovered of the oil, customs authorities arrested the accused and seized the oil and

wooden boat, Al-Battail BFD 12344 carrying the oil. As per the FIR, the value of the oil is Rs 675,000 and the wooden boat is Rs 5000,000 and the case was registered by complainant Senior Preventive OfUicer Azhar Malik under section (5) read with section 178 of customs act, 1969 punishable under clauses 8 & 89 of section 156 (i) ibid.

Meanwhile, Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi issued non- bailable warrant of a suspect, Syed Ayaz Hussain, who was booked in a case of non-custom

duty paid vehicle, Toyota Corolla Car. During the hearing, Hussain, who is on interim bail vide orders issued on May 18, 2016, was absent with no information. His counsel also called absent. However, his surety Farukh Adnan was present and stated that the suspect was not traceable. The court forfeited the surety and directed the investigation ofUicer Akram Raza to arrest the suspect and produce him before the court on the next date of hearing. According to the interim charge sheet, on January 8, 2013 staff of the anti-smuggling organization was conducting

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

snap checking of smuggled and non-duty paid vehicles on See View Road and signalled the driver of Toyota Corolla car bearing registration no EB 0262 model 1994 worth Rs 1.5 million. However, the driver Uled away, abandoning the vehicle on the spot. The prosecution stated the court that after the formalities, vehicle was seized and case was registered under section (s) & 16 of customs act, 1969, punishable under clauses 89 & 90 of section 156 (I) ibid read with section 3 (1) of import and export control act 1950 further read with sale tax act and income tax.