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Karachi, Tue February 21, 2017

SIALKOT

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU www.customsbulletin.com

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ollector of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot Ahmed Reza Khan has assured the Sialkot exporters of addressing their customs related issues on priority as the Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot is striving to ensure early clearance of all the pending rebate and refund claims of Sialkot exporters. He said this while

talking to President Sialkot Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Majid Raza Bhutta, Senior Vice-President Adnan Sethi and Vice-President Mian Imran Akbar in a special meeting on the other day. Reza added that the MCC Sialkot is providing advanced export-related facilities to Sialkot exporters and importers besides ensuring rapid clearance of the export consignments at Sialkot Dry Port Trust (SDPT) and Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL). He remarked that the MCC

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Sialkot earning great conXidence of the Sialkot exporters as they are satisXied with the facilities provided by the MCC Sialkot. He added that the Sialkot exporters are injecting fresh blood in the national economy by earning precious foreign exchange. Collector Ahmed Reza Khan also disclosed that the MCC Sialkot has started the process of paying a large number of prolonged pending rebate claims to Sialkot exporters on priority enabling them to boost their business activities.

DG Valuation settles revision petition filed M/s Chawla Industries

Cellular sector faces tax issue in Pakistan: Chairman K. Fabela

Dar discuss economic reforms with World Bank director

Customs Preventive impounds Rs5m non duty paid cigarettes

Customs Appraisement West collects Rs 25,037m duties, taxes in Jan 2017

DG CustomsValuation has issued Order in Revision No.300/2017 under section 25-D | SEE PAGE 02 |

The Chairman Emeritus Augie K. Fabela, said that company faced challenges in Pak | SEE PAGE 03 |

Dar has said that Pakistan was benefiting from the reforms carried out so far which | SEE PAGE 04 |

Customs Preventive ASO seized million of rupees illegally imported cigarettes | SEE PAGE 14 |

MCC AppraisementWest has collected Rs 25,037m duty and taxes under the heads | SEE PAGE 16 |

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DG Valuation issues reference value for terpineol medical use Tuesday, February 21, 2017

National

KARACHI: The Directorate General of Customs Valuation issued the reference values for terpineol medical use.

According to details, the Directorate General initiated an exercise to develop database values for different items wherein it has been observed that declarations are of wide range and do not correctly reflect values of the items as traded in the international market. During the scrutiny of previous clearance data, it was observed that terpineol medical use falling under PCT heading 2906.1910 are being assessed at different values and certain transactions are on very low side.

DG Valuation settles revision petition filed by M/s Chawla Industries

SIALKOT

KARACHI

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU

MUBEEN HUSSAIN

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Sialkot has recovered smuggled Iranian Rani Juice and seized non-duty paid dumper truck worth Rs. millions on Sialkot-Daska Road under Iran Transit Trade Agreement on the other day. Reportedly, Collector Customs MCC Sialkot Ahmed Reza Khan got a tip-off that some smugglers are using Sialkot-Daska Road for smuggling items of Iran to Sialkot and other adjacent areas. The collector ordered Assistant Collector and ASO Incharge Ali Mohatashim Minhas to take strict action against smugglers.

The ASO Incharge instructed Superintendent Sardar Manzoor Ahmed Khan to take stern action against smugglers.

He constituted a team under the supervision of Inspector Ali Hassan and directed him to check vehicles. Inspector along with his team started checking of vehicles and intercepted a Suzuki Carry Cabin with registration No: STA-09-1586. Upon searching, the team recovered 200 smuggled Iranian Rani Juice crates worth Rs200000 including duty taxes of Rs30000.

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irector General Customs Valuation Syed Tanveer Ahmed has issued Order in Revision No.300/2017 under section 25-D of the Customs Act, 1969 against Valuation Ruling No. 809/2016 dated 25-01-2016. The revision petition was Xiled by M/s Chawla Industries (Private) Limited.

According to the details, the petitioner stated that the respondent has re-determined the value of the impugned goods, vide its valuation ruling No.809/2016 (MISC/27/2014-II/7910) dated 25-01-2016, without considering transactional value of the applicant under Section 25 of the Custom Act 1969 and revised the value under Section 25(9) of the Custom Act 1969.

The unjust and harsh valuation ruling vide impugned order dated 25-1-2016 has been passed by the respondent under Section 25A and re-determined the value of the goods (a) US$ 1.6/Kg. Director General Customs Valuation in his order stated that the record of the case has been examined and arguments put forward by the applicant as well departmental representative during the course of hearing have been considered. The petitioner has contended that prices of BOPP PVC adhesive tape in

Sialkot ASO impounds three non-duty paid dumpers & goods

jumbo rolls have been declined in international market up to US$ 1.25/kg whereas they are paying duty/taxes at US$ 1.60/kg.

He said that the record of the case has been examined and the comments submitted by the Respondent Department have also

been considered. Perusal of the case record reveals that the petitioner was invited to appear for hearing on 21-03-2016 and 02-062016 along-with relevant documents. It is evident that the Petitioner is not interested in furnishing valid and legally main-

tainable documents like import invoices, Letters of Credit, etc.

In view of aforesaid position, the factual imperfections and legal inXirmities, the revision petition is not maintainable. Hence, the same merits no consideration and is accordingly rejected.

ATIR hears tax references filed by M/s Pak Telecom Mobile T

ISLAMABAD

NAEEM ULLAH TARIQ www.customsbulletin.com

he Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue heard a couple of important tax references during the Xirst week of February remanded back by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in recent days.

These cases were Xiled by appellants, M/s Pak Telecom Mobile Limited and M/s Mustehkam Cement (Private) Limited. ATIR Account

Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti heard the case which is remanded back by the IHC. According to details, M/s Pak Telecom Mobile Limited had challenged recovery of outstanding income tax by the LTU, Islamabad.

Pakistan Telecom Mobile Limited had submitted the department had issued the demand for the tax year 2013 under the head of income tax under provisions of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR),

ofXicers of LTU including commissioner Inland Revenue, commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals) and Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) were made respondent in the case. Pakistan Telecom Mobile Limited prayed that the assessment order issued by the LTU ofXicer was illegal, unlawful and without legal grounds. The appellant had submitted before the court that the impugned order was issued under mala Xide intentions and had no legal standing or authority and the

court may decide on relief which it deemed appropriate in this regard.

It also stated that due legal course was not followed by the department in issuing the order.

M/s Mustehkam Cement (Private) Limited had also challenged a recovery notice issued by the LTU, Islamabad. Complaints by these appellants, challenging different show cause notices issued by the Xield ofXices of Federal Board of Revenue, had been earlier taken by the ATIR. Meanwhile, The Islamabad High

Court (IHC) adjourned the hearing of tax references filed by M/s Dewan Cement Limited and M/s Biafo Industries during first week of February. The petitioners had challenged the recovery notices issued to them by field offices of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC heard the matter and then dated in office for further proceeding on M/s Biafo Industries case challenging recovery claim of Rs 783.3 million.

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Faisalabad FIA arrests a human trafficker FAISALABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a human trafficker Muhammad Ashraf son of Muhammad Ali a resident of Chak No: 494-GB Tandliawala Faisalabad during an action.

According to details, Deputy Director FIA Syed Imam Zaidi and Sub Inspector Taimoor Haider conducted a raid, on a complaint filed by Hakim Ali a resident of Tandlianwala, Faisalabad, along with FIA team and nabbed the accused. The accused was involved in sending innocent people abroad (especially Dubai) after extorting big amounts from them. The suspect extorted Rs1,45,000 from Hakim Ali.

Faisalabad Customs Intelligence collects evaded tax, release consignments

Wednesday February 15, 2017

National

Cellular sector faces tax issue in Pakistan: Chairman K. Fabela

FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEIKH

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he Customs Intelligence and Investigation released consignments worth Rs3.85 million after receiving evaded duty and taxes. The said consignments were held during January 2017.

According to details, the consignments released by the customs intelligence consist of foreign origin computers worth Rs1.61 million, red chilies worth Rs332,054, LEDs worth Rs971,765 and other two consignments of miscellaneous items worth Rs966,750. Sources said that the said consignments were held by the customs intelligence due to evasion of customs duty worth Rs494,565, sales tax Rs1.4 million, income tax Rs447,693 and redemption duty Rs1.5 million, during January 2017.

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Arrest warrants for concealing income issued KARACHI

M BILAL

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ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi issued non-bailable arrest warrants for absconders Bashir Dawood and Mariyam Dawood who were booked for concealing the income and money laundering over offshore company.

During the hearing, Investigation Officer Muhammad Arif appeared before the court and submitted that both accused have not been arrested yet therefore he is seeking time for compliance of court’s order. It is pertinent to mention here that the court had issued their bailable warrants several times due to non-appearance but they did not heed towards them, so the court now had to issue their non-bailable arrest warrants. Earlier, on the last date of hearing, investigation officer had filed an application before the court.

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ISLAMABAD

M ARSHAD

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he Chairman Emeritus Vimpelcom Augie K. Fabela, said that company faced challenges in Pakistan due to tax issues.

It is just because of the fact that majority of taxes are indirect and not imposed on cellular companies but the end user and customers.

He further said that rationalization of tax rates along with lowering the dependence on indirect taxes could be helpful in enhancing revenue collection as well as facilitating the customers.

Speaking during an exclusive interaction with Customs Today, Augie K. Fabela said that tax related issues with the concerned tax authority in Pakistan was complex matter therefore, it required a complete attention from both his company and tax authority sides to hold deliberations for amicable resolution of the issue.

He further said that half of the company’s revenue was being paid to the government in the form of sales, income, withholding and other taxes. He said that he had discussed a wide range of issues with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman and both assured full cooperation for the digitalization of Pakistan.

“On the sidelines of World Economic Forum 2017, in Davos,

Switzerland, I held detailed meeting with Prime Minister and Minister for Information Technology and discussed a wide range of issues with them” he said while speaking in a media brieXing here.

He said that company Xielded a Pakistani woman at Davos to present company’s product Jazz before the international community. It is a matter of satisfaction that almost a large portion of international community; from Pakistan, Russia to Africa, repose trust

Chairman Emeritus Vimpelcom already discussed wide range of issues with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Minister of State for Information Technology Anusha Rehman

FBR imposes no indirect tax in last five years

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ISLAMABAD

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT

www.customsbulletin.com he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has not imposed any new indirect tax during the last Xive years. This act has been taken with an objective to reduce reliance on indirect taxation as well as to lessen the ratio of indirect taxes in the revenue collection.

The revenue collection of Federal Board of Revenue has been registering a worthwhile growth and

both the direct taxes and indirect taxes are contributing in the growth.

“Major indirect taxes in the domain of the Federal Board of Revenue are customs duties, sales tax and federal excise duty (FED) and only rates of duties and taxes have been rationalized,” a source at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today.

Moreover, the source said that exemptions and zero-rating available under the Sales Tax Act, 1990 had been withdrawn particularly during the last three years in pursuance of policy of

the Federal Government to minimize exemptions. It may be noted that dairy products sold in retail packing under a brand name have been subjected to reduced rate of 10 percent. The source maintained that the only indirect tax that might be treated as imposed during the past Xive years was further tax under section 3 (1A) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 which currently was leviable at the 2% on sales to unregistered persons and rationale behind imposition of further tax was to promote documentation of the economy.

and conXidence in the Jazz. To a question, he said that company had not made any decision regarding participation in upcoming auction of remaining 4G Spectrum; therefore, he declined issuing any concrete comment on this issue. “However, it is quite clear, he said that he and his company fellows both Pakistan and its people a lot. We are thankful to the biggest portion of Pakistani customers for reposing conXidence in the services of company” he added.

FIA nabs accused involed in illegal business ederal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a person for running a business of money changer illegally in his jewellery shop in Daska. Divisional Deputy Director Khalid Anees said that Farasat Qayyum was running illegal business of money changer in his shop in Daska and the team of FIA arrested him and recovered a national and foreign currency from his possession.

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FBR increases sales tax on high speed diesel KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has raised sales tax on high speed diesel (HSD). In the past two months, FBR has already increased about 4 percent of sales tax rate on HSD. The price hike of crude oil in the international market has had a similar effect on petroleum prices in the country. Also, the revenue collecting body of the government has been constantly increasing taxes on petroleum products. The hike in sales tax rate on HSD has now total up to 29.5 percent. It must be noted that FBR had already increased sales tax on diesel during past two months.

Thuesday February 21, 2017

Business

Dar discuss economic reforms with WB director ISLAMABAD

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inance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan was beneXiting from the reforms carried out so far which had helped the country to achieve macroeconomic stability.

During a meeting with World Bank Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan, he said, “After having completed the home grown reform agenda with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government remains committed to continue with the reform agenda that it had promised in PML-N’s election manifesto

Banks unable to fulfil CPEC requirements ISLAMABAD

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akistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) President, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said local banks are not capable enough to meet the requirements of CPEC. The government should ask banks to increase their strength and invite big foreign banks to step into Pakistan’s promising market, he said. Hussain said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has started implementation of establishing 41 buildings.

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in 2013.”

The minister discussed with Illangovan, the progress of various economic reforms undertaken by the government. Dar said that the country was benefiting from the

reforms carried out so far which had helped the country to achieve macroeconomic stability. He said that the government would ensure that the process of reforms continues with the same zeal so

as to achieve the objective of higher, inclusive and sustained economic growth.

Dar said that the new Companies law is a part of the reform effort.

The law has already been passed by the National Assembly and hoped that it will soon be passed by the Senate as well. Once enacted the companies law will go a long way in improving corporate governance and surveillance in the country in line with international best practices, the minister added.

The World Bank country director stated that the government’s commitment to reform was widely acknowledged. The World Bank will continue to support and assist the reforms in various sectors of economy as it has supported the process in the last many years.

OGDC’s earnings dips 12pc on higher exploration cost O

KARACHI

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il and Gas Development Company (OGDC) posted a net proXit of Rs30 billion for the six months ended December 31, 2016, down 12% from the same period of previous year on the back of lower sales value and almost double exploration cost, said a bourse Xiling on Friday. In Jul-Dec 2015, OGDC’s earnings were Rs34.20 billion. Earnings per share fell to Rs6.98 in the half year of FY17 from Rs7.95 in the

same half of previous year.

OGDC board of directors recommended an interim cash dividend of Rs1 per share. The entitlement will be paid to the shareholders whose names appear in the register of members on March 14, 2017. The pay-out is in addition to the interim dividend already paid at the rate of Rs1.50 per share. The company’s share price dropped 1.23%, or Rs1.96, to Rs156.55 with a volume of 581,500 shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Elixir Securities Deputy Head of Research Mubashir Anis Silat, in a post-result report, said the

variation in net earnings emanated from increased operating expenditure and higher-than-estimated exploration and prospecting costs, which were offset by a lower effective tax rate of 22%. Operating expenses rose 7% to Rs28.35 billion in Jul-Dec 2016 compared with Rs26.56 billion in the corresponding period of previous year. Exploration and prospecting expenditure doubled to Rs8.18 billion from Rs4.71 billion. The company paid Rs10.49 billion in tax on proXit, which was 24% lower than Rs13.87 billion in the corresponding period of previous year.

‘Second business seminar to enhance business’ LAHORE

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rovincial Minister for Industries, Commerce and Investment (ICI) Sheikh Alauddin has said that second international business seminar to be conducted in April would enhance business opportunities as well as revive sick industry of Punjab. He was addressing a review meeting held on the proposed seminar at Civil Secretariat Darbar Hall on Friday. Provincial ministers for Finance Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Minister for Mines Sher Ali Khan, higher officers of departments concerned and representatives from Industrial and trade organisations were also present on the occasion. ICI Secretary Dr Mujtaba Piracha delivered a detailed presentation on the progress of preparations for the mega event. He said a grand exhibition of local industrial products would be held on April 12-14, at the Expo Center Lahore. He said, “The spring festival, basant festival, cultural shows, handicrafts exhibitions and many other colorful recreational activities will be part of the event. It will introduce vast opportunities to the investors to explore new horizons of business collaborations in large number of industrial, commerce and social sectors in Punjab.

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Ogra to fix new rates for LPG in one week ISLAMABAD

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il and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is examining the reasonability of LiqueXied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market prices and will determine new rates for LPG in one week.

Ogra ofXicial said that examining the fresh LPG price proposed by the Ministry of Petroleum and have

sought comments and records from stakeholders before notifying it.

Earlier this month they had communicated LPG price at Rs900 per 11.8 kg domestic cylinders proposed by the petroleum ministry, the Ogra member said. The Ogra ofXicial said that LPG market was still deregulated as rules were not amended but stressed that they set price in line with existing policy which allowed to determine reasonable price. However, the LPG as-

sociation rejecting the ministry directives refused to sell LPG on Rs900 per cylinder.

In a letter to the LPG companies, written on February 6, Ogra said, “In pursuant of the order of the Lahore High Court, dated January 27, 2017, passed in writ petition No 113 of 2017 titled M/S Gold Gas Vs Pakistan Petroleum limited, etc you are hereby directed to strictly comply with the prices of LPG as determined by the Ministry of Petroleum

and Natural Resources under the LPG policy 2016.”

The OGRA member said that the authority in order to assess the reasonability of local LPG prices proposed by Ogra on February 2, 2016 has required the audited accounts for last three years from the LPG producing companies. Accordingly, Ogra shall determine the reasonability of LPG prices proposed by Ogra.

It is pertinent to mention here

that after the approval of LPG policy 2016, by Council of Common Interest (CCI), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources asked Ogra to determine the price of 11.8kg cylinder of LPG at Rs895 for domestic and commercial consumers.

Ogra has refused to obey the decision saying that since the prices of LPG in the market was less than Rs700 per cylinder it would be injustice with the end consumer to Xix such a high price.

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PESHAWAR

NADIR KHAN & TARIQ DERYA www.customstoday.com

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ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) agreed with the officials of Customs House Peshawar to divide customs collectorate into two separate wings comprising preventive and revenue section which aimed to improve the revenue generation and keep check on smuggling activities from Afghanistan.

According to the details, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has approved the division and soon a notification would issued by MCC Peshawar in this regard. Each wing will have separate collectors along with two additional collectors and three deputy collectors.

The new wings would be taken further steps to improve its revenue collection. This step will also control the smuggling activities as the preventive wing would focus their attention on specific subject of smuggling.

The suggestion was put forwarded by the administration of Peshawar Customs House along with recommendations, which approved by the Federal Bureau of Revenue in conference of collectors.

The Customs House Peshawar was established in 1974 which was aimed to discourage smuggling activities through Pak-Afghan border however later after collection at dry ports and Peshawar airport additional responsibility was handed over to the custom

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

house Peshawar.

It is pertinent to mentioned here that after division of the house in two separate units will improve the revenue collection as both the units will develop competition to overpass their revenue targets.

Meanwhile, All the stations of the Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Peshawar collected Rs436.42million Sales Tax (ST) during January’s Financial Year (FY) 2016-17.

According to Additional Collector Fazle Samad, all the customs stations, working under the umbrella of the MCC Peshawar, gen-

erated handsome amount under the head of ST during the said period.

During said period, the Dry Port Peshawar earned Rs253.75million whereas the Bonded WareHouse Peshawar did Rs.6.08million ST. During above said period, the Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar collected Rs3.88million revenue while the Gadoon Industrial Zone received Rs0.04million revenue.

During January FY16-17, the Kohat State Ware House got Rs5.52million Sales Tax while Torkham Customs Station collected Rs161.7million Customs Duty (CT). During same period, the Auction Cell generated Rs2.73million Customs Dauty.

During January FY2016-17, the State Ware House Peshawar collected Rs1.61million and the Assessment Cell did R0.06million under the above said head. The International Mail Office (IMO) Peshawar generated Rs0.06million Sales Tax. The Customs Stas ha e u tion Khapakh got n e of Rev na revenue of d o r o a s o nd lB a a r Rs 0 .

1 3 m i l l i o n n e o l i d s e Fe e divi y Mod Sales Tax as h b t d d e e u v iss whereas Kohat a p p ro ar would n o eshaw i Auction Cell ret P a s c r o fi i t not llec c e i v e d ms Co d Rs0.07million Custo re g a r s i h t in Sales Tax during January FY16-17.

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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

Let corporate sector work

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ccording to newspaper reports, Pakistan’s exports remain $11.685 billion in seven months of the current fiscal year and economists doubt the export package announced by the prime minister will work in the present not conducive business environment in the country. When Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took the reign of the government in 2013, the country’s exports reached over $25 billion, at least 1.1 percent up than 2012. However, the exports for the financial year 2015-16 stood at nearly $22 billion, showing a decline of $3 billion since 2013. This shows the true picture of the government performance during the last three years. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar is praising the economic development in a situation where the government targets still have to be realized. No doubt the government has achievements to its credit in some economic sectors as it has successfully contained inflation at the lowest level, achieved financial stability and maintained foreign exchange reserves at comfort level.

However, the government has ignored the business, trade and industry which are the vital sectors of the economy. Despite achieving the GSP Plus status from the European Union in December 2013, it could not show good performance in the export sector. According to experts, environment is equally important as are financial incentives.

In some cases, only environment is enough to bring local and foreign investment in business and industry. The industry not only needs cheap and uninterrupted electricity supply, but also minimum interference of the government oďŹƒcials in the business. When action is taken against an entrepreneur, it brings more harm than any good to the economy as it sends wrong signals to other investors. The government authority must not be misused and that is the basic point to be taken into account. Some experts doubt the export package will actually work to increase exports.

If commonsense prevails, the only way to improve exports is to allow industry to work independently without any interference. By putting pressure, the government may increase its revenue collections but has to pay bigger price in the form of recession. Let the corporate sector work on its own without any interference and it will increase the productivity of the country at the highest level.

Terrorism: threat to peace and economy A

LAHORE

DR AFTAB AFZAL

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t a time when the government is struggling to overcome economic issues, terrorism has reared its ugly head again in the country, taking the lives of dozens of innocent people and injuring over 100 others.

A suicide bomber exploded himself in the middle of a rally on the Mall Road Lahore where the police ofXicials were trying to open trafXic for the convenience of the public and were negotiating with the leaders of the rally. According to the Inspector General of Police, six police ofXicials were among the dead, including two senior ofXicers while another 100 were

wounded. The Jamatul Ahrar, a faction of the banned Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack in Lahore. On another note, various military and para-military ofXicials are also killed across the country in terrorist incidents on the day. The latest version of terrorism has not only shattered peace in the country, but has also jeopardized the prospects of foreign investment. The government has every right to mourn the death of innocent citizens, but should also take responsibility of its intelligence and the administrative failures.

According to news reports, the intelligence agencies had already warned about a possible attack by terrorist outXits in Lahore. The in-

cident has also shacked the business environment of the country which took place when a group of chemists and pharmaceutical manufacturers was protesting against the government crackdown on the alleged sale of spurious drugs. However, the terrorist struck the gathering during the signiXicant presence of law enforcers in the area. The pathetic part of the situation is that there is no guarantee that this will be the last incident of terrorism.

There is a need to start a ruthless operation against terrorists and their well-wishers across the country from tribal areas to Karachi and Balochistan to Lahore. India is the staunch enemy of Pakistan and is engaged in Kashmir. Its intelligence agencies

will not sit idle but will try to shift the focus of international media from Kashmir to Pakistan. The government will have to take proactive approach to chase terrorists and crush them.

The government must check the Indian involvement in the incidents as it is opposing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and other projects of vital importance in Pakistan. There are good and promising news about the economy of Pakistan in the international media and the enemies are trying to destabilize peace and bulldoze economic activities in the country. Enough is enough.

The time is running out and the government must act in a beXitting manner to curb the menace of terrorism once for all.

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Turkey, UAE officials discuss trade ties ANKARA: Senior Turkish and U.A.E. officials discussed economic and trade relations at a high-level meeting in Ankara on Tuesday. The ninth Turkey-U.A.E. Joint Economic Committee brought Sultan bin Saeed al-Mansouri — the U.A.E. economy minister — to the Turkish capital to meet Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek. Trade volume between the two countries increased 36 percent in the last 12 months despite total global trade increasing only 1.7 percent, said Simsek. “We will work to expand the volume of mutual investment,” he added. Simsek also said the countries wanted to improve cooperation in the halal food sector within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation standards. “We hope that the products, which are approved by Turkish halal institutions, will enter the U.A.E. market without any additional accreditation by ensuring the improvement of halal trade among Islamic countries and overcoming technical obstacles,” Simsek said.

Banks should sanction loans to entrepreneurs FAISALABAD

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ocused credit policies on value addition coupled with maximization of per acer yield for small land holders is imperative to make the profession of tillage profitable particularly in the backdrop of fast squeeze cultivable land around main cities of the Punjab province, said Engineer Ahmed Hassan Vice President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI). He was talking to media persons here today after attending a review meeting of the agriculture credit advisory committee of the

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state bank of Pakistan in Multan. He said that predominantly Pakistan is an agrarian economy which is included among top 10 countries producing cotton, rice, sugarcane, maize, milk, fresh vegetables and many exotic varieties of fruits. He said that despite of this ecological diversity edge, we bitterly failed to add value into these important crops which has resulted in eroding the financial viability of small landholders in addition to encouraging migration from rural to the urban centers. Continuing, he said that agriculture sector has played an important role in the development of national economy since independence. “This sector had contributed around 19.8% towards the national GDP in 2015 in addition to providing employment to 42.3% labor force of Pakistan”, he said and added that despite of the economic importance of this sector, agriculture in Pakistan continues to face many problems.

Tuesday February 21, 2017

Chambers

Traders appeals CDA to resolve parking issues in Blue Area K

ISLAMABAD

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halid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the CDA to resolve underpass and parking issues in Blue Area as absence of these facilities is creating hurdles in promoting business activities in the largest business track in Islamabad. He said this while addressing a large gathering of traders during his visit along with a delegation to congratulate the newly elected ofXice bearers of Traders Welfare Association, Blue Area, Islamabad. Khalid Malik Senior Vice President, Tahir Ayub Vice President ICCI, Khalid Javed Chairman Founder Group, Abdul Rauf former President FPCCI, Tariq Sadiq, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Khalid Chaudhry, Ishtiaq Qureshi and others were in the ICCI delegation.

Khalid Iqbal Malik said that during the construction of Metro Bus track in Blue Area, no underpass was provided for crossing facility due to which traders and customers were facing great difXiculty in crossing from one side of the business

track to the other side in Blue Area.

He said that due to non-availability of parking facility, customers were also facing problems in parking vehicles and he urged upon Sheikh Anser Aziz, Mayor Islamabad/Chairman CDA to look into these major issues for urgent redress.

Abdul Rauf former President FPCCI and Khalid Javed Chairman Founder Group also congratulated the newly elected ofXice bearers of TWA Blue Area and said that regular

elections in markets were promoting democratic culture in the business community. They assured that ICCI would cooperate and work with TWA Blue Area for resolving the key issues of traders of the area. Speaking at the occasion, Yousaf Rajput newly elected President, Traders Welfare Association and Sagheer Ahmed Malik Group Chairman Blue Area, Islamabad highlighted the key issues of the traders of their area. They said that Blue Area was the largest business track in Is-

lamabad, but was facing multiple problems. They said lack of underpass and parking facility were major issues and urged that CDA should resolve these issues on priority. They vowed to work hard for redressing the problems of traders of Blue Area and hoped that ICCI would provide all possible support in these efforts. Malik Sohail Hussain Chief Coordinator FPCCI, Raja Hasan Akhtar General Secretary TWA Blue Area and others also spoke at the occasion.

resumes electricity Dubai Chamber launches ‘Dubai-Opoly’ Iran exports to Iraq to promote Dubai tourism F

D DUBAI

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

ubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced that it has launched “Dubai-Opoly”, a new recreational game as part of its efforts to promote Dubai as a global hub for business and trade.

Modelled after the world-famous “Monopoly” board game, DubaiOpoly will soon hit store shelves in the UAE and GCC region, and feature some of the emirate’s most prominent landmarks and attractions. The new game complements the Dubai Chamber’s efforts to strengthen the emirate’s reputation as a thriving centre of commerce and a leading tourist destination.

Hamad Buamim, President and CEO,

Dubai Chamber, explained that the Chamber adopted an innovative and creative approach when it comes to developing the board game.

“By launching this unique initiative, we will promote Dubai’s brand and boost its international proXile.

Last year, the Chamber received over 600 international delegations and participated in more than 70 events abroad. Dubai-Opoly offers an ideal platform to showcase what Dubai has to offer businesses and tourists, while it also merges these two concepts together in a fun and interactive way,” Buamim said. He added that the Dubai-Opoly is expected to have a strong appeal among segments of the Dubai’s society as it celebrates some of the most popular aspects of living and doing business in the emirate.

Meanwhile, DUBAI: UAE-based retail major Lulu Group has announced plans to add 20 more hypermarkets in the Saudi market, nearly tripling its presence in the Gulf kingdom by 2020. The details of the expansion plans, which will build on the retailer’s existing eight hypermarkets in the country, were revealed during the launch its 133rd hypermarket in the city of Hail, north-western province of Saudi Arabia. The new hypermarket is spread over about 160,000 square feet and will serve the residents of Al Jamiyeen District and its surrounding areas, a statement said. Speaking after the inauguration, Yusufali MA, chairman and managing director of Lulu, said: “This is our eighth hypermarket in the kingdom.

ollowing a month of hiatus, electricity exports to Iraq was resumed after the neighboring country retired $350mn of its overall $1.3bn outstanding debt to Iran. In the present week and in time with visit of an Iraqi delegation to Tehran, an agreement was eventually achieved over resumption of electricity exports to Iraq. Prior to the newlyreached agreement, Iraq’s overall debt to Iran mounted to about 1.3 billion dollars of which about 350 million dollars have been paid off.

As per a deal between the two states, electricity sale to the neighboring country has been extended till the end of 2017 and the Iraqi side is required to repay the price in the form of exchange opening. Volume of Iran’s electricity exports to Iraq stood at an average of 800-1000 megawatts through 2016. –CB Report

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Faisalabad FIA detains notorious human trafficker Tuesday February 21, 2017

National Faisalabad ASO seizes smuggled tyres worth Rs500,000 FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEIKH

www.customsbulletin.com

FAISALABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a human trafficker namely Abdul Ghaffar son of Nazer Hussain during a successful action in Toba Tek Singh.

Sources told Customs Today that FIA Deputy Director Syed Imam Zaidi and Sub inspector Taimoor Haider conducted a raid along with his team and arrested the accused who was running illegal business of sending innocent people abroad after extorting big amounts from them. The Abdul Ghaffar extorted Rs290,000 from the complaint Mekaael residence of Toba Tek Singh.

Additional Collector Beelam issues ONO against owner of NDP vehicle C

FAISALABAD

IQRA SHEHZADI

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized foreign origin tyres and tubes worth Rs500,000 involved customs duty and taxes Rs7,5000 during. According to details, Additional Collector Muhammad Saeed Asad received information that foreign origin tyres are being smuggled into Faisalabad.

He immediately constituted a team consisting Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya, Inspectors Khalid Ashraf Noor, Ali Zahid, Sepoys Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Khalid, Afzal Hussain, Muhammad Ashraf and Liaqat Ali. The above mentioned ASO team raided near kamal Pur inter change, Faisalabad and intercepted bus bearing registration No, FSA-4055 loaded with smuggled tyres (40-Nos), the team recovered foreign origin tyres that were being transferred into Faisalabad from Lahore.

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Arrest warrants for concealing income issued ustoms Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi issued non-bailable arrest warrants for absconders Bashir Dawood and Mariyam Dawood who were booked for concealing the income and money laundering over offshore company. During the hearing, Investigation Officer Muhammad Arif appeared before the court and submitted that both accused have not been arrested yet therefore he is seeking time for compliance of court’s order. It is pertinent to mention here that the court had issued their bailable warrants several times due to non-appearance but they did not heed towards them, so the court now had to issue their non-bailable arrest warrants. –CB Report

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ustoms Adjudication Additional Collector Beelam-urRamzan has issued Order-inOriginal (ONO) against the accused person named as Muhammad Samiullah son of Abdul Ghafoor Sajid, resident of Chack Ghose Pura Hujra Shah Muqeem Shah Tehsil Depal Pur District Okara. owner of the vehicle ordered to seize the smuggled vehicle.

As per the details, Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) team impounded a non-duty paid Toyota land Cruiser bearing registration number B- 1948, model 1993, 4200 – CC. The team asked the driver identiXied himself as Muhammad Samiullah to produce legal customsduty paid documents but he was

failed to produce the same. On this the Customs authorities impounded the vehicles. It has been observed from the available record of the case that the chassis number of the impounded vehicle has been found cut

and welded with chassis number of some other vehicle. The examination team of Faisalabad Customs along with representative of Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) during examination observed that the con-

dition as well good of the vehicle and smuggled one. It was suspected that high tariff good have been replaced with low tariff good.

It is necessary to mention here after impounded the vehicle neither importer nor his authorised person approached for clearance of their consignment. Later, the case was sent to the adjudication for further legal action. Superintendent Sardar Mohammad, Inspector Abdul Jabbar, Safdar Ali and Masood Saeed Chohan , Ali Zahid appeared before the authority, while no one appeared to defend the case from respondent’s side nor any written reply was received from the respondent. Therefore, Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelam ur Ramzan ordered to impounded the vehicle under clause 14 of Section 156 (1), 157(1) and (2) of Customs Act, 1969.

Quetta Customs seizes smuggled goods, vehicles T

KARACHI

WAQAR AHMED ANSARI www.customsbulletin.com

he Directorate of Customs Intelligence Quetta has impounded smuggled goods, vehicles and narcotics in several actions. On the directions of Director General Shaukat Ali, Director Quetta Irfan-ur-Rehman Khan formed a team headed by Deputy Director Inamullah Wazir. The team took possession of smuggled vehicles Toyota Mark-X, Toyota Fielder, trucks and oil tankers. Moreover, about 260000 liters smuggled diesel, 700 kg hashish, cigarette cartons, blankets, tyres, gutka and electronics worth millions of rupees were also seized. It may be mentioned here that Customs Intelligence Quetta confiscated smuggled goods worth Rs450million in two months.

During this month, Customs Intelligence Quetta seized more smuggling items including huge quantity of Iranian diesel and petrol, luxury vehicles, hashish,

digital cameras, smuggling vehicles, mobiles and Indian Gutkha.

Director Quetta Irfan-urRehman Khan vowed to end

smuggling at all costs from the country.

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IHC will resume hearing of case filed by M/s Dewan Cement Limited ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will resume the hearing of a tax reference filed

by M/s Dewan Cement Limited, challenging a recovery claim made by field office of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday.

A bench of the IHC comprising Justice Aamer Farooq will hear the case. M/s Dewan Cement Limited had filed the reference against a show cause notice issued by the Large Taxpayers Unit, Islamabad.

The company submitted before the court that the FBR notice did not hold lawful grounds and be declared illegal and without any lawful authority and an interim stay may be granted against recovery proceedings.

Sialkot Customs impounds non-duty paid Toyota Hilux Surf SIALKOT

SALEEM AWAN SHEIKHU www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Department Gujranwala Region has impounded a non customs duty paid Toyota Hilux Surf worth Rs 2 million at Kamokey Check post during vehicle checking. According to details, deputy director Customs Intelligence Gujranwala Region Ali Zeb Khan ordered Assistant Director Itrat Hussian constitute team to check vehicles on GT Road under the campaign to impound non customs duty paid vehicles. However under the directions of Assistant Director the Su-

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perintendent Tahir Rafique constituted a team under the supervision of Inspector Syed Majid Raza to check vehicles. The inspector along with his team constables Mubashir, Sajid Raza, Usama, Boota and Arshad started checking of vehicles at kamokey Check Post on GT road. The team checked various vehicles meanwhile team intercepted a Toyota Hilux Surf bearing registration number BF-6597 Model 2005 Sindh which was plying road without customs paid duty. The team asked driver Rahmat about customs paid duty documents but driver was failed to produce documents of customs paid duty. The driver told team that I am driver of this vehicle but I am not owner rather owner is in Sindh while the driver contacted owner on phone and informed him about the latest situation but the owner advised driver to hand over the vehicle to team whereas the driver handed over the vehicle to team. The impounded vehicle and shifted in the compound of department office.

National

Call to reduce taxes, duties on alternate energy solutions for SMEs T

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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here is an urgent need to reduce taxes and duties on alternate energy solutions for SMEs. The small and medium enterprises playing crucial role in economic development and are given a special treatment in all countries.

But in our case they have not been given the importance they deserve.

These views were expressed by Anjuman-e-Tajran Auto Parts Badami Bagh and farmer LCCI executive member Waqar Ahmad Mian while talking to Customs Today here the other day Mian said that it is universally recognized that the SME sector have a vital role in economic growth, employment generation and poverty reduction in the country. However, despite economic signiXicance of SMEs, they have been unable to receive their due share from formal source of Xinancing which hampers the development of SME sector, he said, adding the government should decide to provide Xinancial access to of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

“At the same time, we need to cre-

ate a supportive regulatory environment to optimize productivity through technological and Xinancial access, “he stated. He underlined the need for tangible measures to modernize infrastructure, banking, leasing, insurance and logistics to build capacity. He also highlighted the need to reduce taxes and duties on alternate energy solutions for SMEs. He said in this context it is important that following the example of other countries, we set up new well equipped and specialized industrial estates for the promotion of SMEs.

Tuesday February 21, 2017

Research and development activities should also be undertaken on a large scale to set new directions of growth and promote transfer of new technologies among SMEs, Mian said, adding that keeping in view the potential of SMEs in Pakistan and to promote SME Xinance in the country, the government should introduced targets for SME Xinance for banks/DFIs and targets be set on the basis of size of banks in terms of assets, branch network, existing SME Xinance portfolio and the capacity of banks to achieve the required target.

Deputy Collector Asma issues notice to owner of smuggled vehicle FAISALABAD

NAEEM SHEIKH

www.customsbulletin.com

ustoms Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued a show cause notice to the owner of a non-duty paid Toyota Hiace van. As per the details the customs intelligence team intercepted a Toyota Hiace van bearing registration No: C- 1100 from Haripur near Sargodha Road. The Customs team asked the driver, who was identified as Muhammad Ehsanullah , to show the documents regarding legal import and possession of the vehicle but he remained failed to produce any required documents. The customs officials impounded the non-duty paid vehicle and sent the case to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action against the suspect. The adjudication directed the accused to file reply on the next hearing of date. The seizing authority was directed to file reply in this regard. The adjudication also directed deputy collector Muhammad Rizwan to attend the hearing along with relevant record. The customs adjudication issued notice to accused person on the violation of Section 10-A, 89(1) and 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969 and directed the accused to file his reply by given time.

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FBR pays Rs 55b sales tax refund to exporters

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ISLAMABAD

M ARSHAD

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he Senate Standing Committee on Commerce has informed that out of Rs 300 billion pending sales tax claims, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has paid Rs 55 billion to the exporters.

Trade Development Authority (TDAP) Chairman SM Muneer said that the lower quantity of payment of sales tax refunds was also a solid reason for reduced Pakistani trade volume with other countries as well as lesser quantum of Pakistani exports during the current Xiscal year.

The country’s exports have reduced

by 12 percent during the current Xiscal year 2016-17.

While expressing reservations over running the affairs of the EXIM bank on ad-hoc basis, the committee sought performance record of the bank along with incentives and concessions offered to the bank by the government.

Senate Commerce committee met here with Shibli Faraz in the chair to discuss the issues pertaining to falling exports along with the recently offered export enhancement package by the Prime Minister as well as the performance of Trade Development Authority (TDAP) in increasing national exports.

On the onset of the meeting,

Chairman directed the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) to devise national strategy on enhancing the exports keeping the ground realities of emerging and changing international trade trends in view. The State Bank of Pakistan has provided Rs 7 billion to EXIM Bank, but the Chairman committee questioned into the reasons behind the facts for running the affairs of EXIM bank on ad-hoc basis.

He observed that new international markets should be searched for Pakistani products by deploying and appointing the concerned ofXicials at Pakistani trade missions abroad. The formation of TDAP board must be completed by next

month as well as Xlaws in the TDAP act must be removed though appropriate amendments.

The committee directed MoC to apprise the House about strategy devised by the ministry for the protection of local industry as well as to enhance national exports under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Joint Secretary MoC Kausar Zedi told committee that China had provided special incentives to Pakistani banking industry and Pakistan would beneXit almost $ 4 to 6 billion out of these incentives because Habib Bank Limited was the Xirst Asian bank which had been allowed to open branch in China.

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AGL getting serious about LNG imports Tuesday February 21, 2017

World

CANBERRA: AGL Energy – the country’s second-largest electricity and gas retailer – is considering plans to import cheap gas even as the country is poised to become the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas exporter. The company says it firming up plans to build a facility to import LNG in to the country, with a final decision on any investment due in mid-2018. Australia is set to become the globe’s biggest LNG exporter that year, following more than $200 billion in LNG projects over the past decade, including three massive plants in Queensland.

AGL is mulling a potential investment of up to $300 million to build a floating or onshore terminal to import cheap gas for its key retail markets in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

US customs agents may seek social media passwords

Turkish banks’ brand value surpasses $10b ANKARA

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

WASHINGTON

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

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ecretary of Homeland Security John Kelly told the House Committee on Homeland Security that the Trump administration may move to require foreign visitors to give over the passwords to their social media accounts, NBC reported.

“We want to get on their social media, with passwords: What do you do, what do you say?” said Kelly. “If they don’t want to cooperate then you don’t come in.” Kelly said that the idea was in its preliminary stages, and that the White House was considering several additional vetting measures. This proposal echoes an earlier idea Xloated by White House policy director Stephen Miller, who said the White House may compel US customs ofXicials and border patrol agents to ask foreign visitors to provide their cell phone contacts upon entering the US.

Barley exports from Russia down 43 percent arley shipments from Russia were still extremely small in late 2016.

Russian barley exports plummeted almost fourfold in December 2016, to 143 KMT against 540 KMT in December 2015, reports UkrAgroConsult. Russia exported 43% less barley in H1 2016/17 than in the same period a year ago (1837.1 KMT against 3214.2 KMT in July-December 2015/16). Russian barley supplies fell to almost all of their key destinations. Growth of exports is only reported to a few markets, including the European Union, Lebanon, Morocco and Syria (the latter country resumed deliveries). Russian barley shipments to the European Union already exceeded last season’s exports and totaled roughly 118 KMT (up 9.4%) with supplies to Lebanon at 86.6 KMT (up 39.5%) and to Morocco at 46.7% (24.8 KMT). –CB Report

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The move would fall under Trump’s now suspended executive order temporarily barring refugees and visa holders from six Muslim-majority countries —Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen — from entering the US, according to CNN. Syrians have been banned indeXinitely. The idea of checking foreigners’ social media posts, which remains limited to a preliminary discussion, draws on a sup-

posed history of terror attacks where the attacker had previously expressed extremist views on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Some have pointed to the San Bernardino terror attack as evidence that such a policy might be useful: An FBI document produced shortly after the shooting said that the woman who helped carry it out pledged allegiance to ISIS while the attack was ongoing.

UK extends import ban of plant products originating in Ghana

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he current legislation suspending imports of certain products from Ghana expires at the end of 2016. An EU audit took place in September 2016 which has shown that there are still signiXicant shortcomings in the export system in Ghana and in addition EU member states (including the UK) are continuing to intercept harmful organisms on Ghanaian material. As a result it is likely that this legislation will be extended for a further period (possi-

bly a year, but to be decided). This applies to imports of plant material (other than seeds) of: Capsicum (sweet and Chili peppers), Lagenaria (bottle gourd), Luffa, Momordica L (bitter gourd), Solanum L. (including aubergines), other than S. lycopersicum L (tomato). As a result of a signiXicant reduction in the interception of harmful organisms on Indian material and evidence of improvements to the phytosanitary control of exports from India. –CB Report

ondon-based Brand Finance, an independently branded business valuation and strategic consultancy company, released its report on the world’s 500 banks with the highest brand value.

According to the list in the report, the brand value of the top 500 global banks increased to $1.74 trillion while the brand value of 10 Turkish banks exceeded $10 billion.

According to the survey, Akbank has kept its title as the most valuable banking brand in Turkey at approximately $1.6 billion, followed by Garanti Bankası with a brand value of $1.5 billion and Ziraat Bank with $1.3 billion, which has shown a 39 percent increase compared to the previous year.

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Türkiye İş Bankası ranks fourth among Turkish brands with a brand value of $1.3 billion, followed by Yapi Kredi with $951 million, Halkbank with $806 million, VakıfBank with $594 million, DenizBank with $343 million and TEB with $210 million in brand value. Therefore, the total brand value of the Turkish brands included in top 500 bank brands reached approximately $10.6 billion. As the report very well frames, 2017’s Brand Finance Banking 500 sees a major development this year.

For the first time, the company reports, a non-western brand tops the table. Chinese banks’ brand value growth has been rapidly outperforming that of European and North American competitors since the study’s inception. 2017 witnesses this major trend, as ICBC becomes the world’s most valuable banking brand and total Chinese brand value outvalues that of the U.S.

Australia eases shrimp imports he Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has loosened its temporary suspension of the import of uncooked prawns and related products. According to a notice issued Monday, the department’s Director of Biosecurity has agreed to exempt certain goods from the suspension order that went into effect on Jan. 9, including dried prawns and shelf-stable prawn-based food products; irradiated bait for aquatic use; pet Xish food and aquaculture feed; and uncooked prawns sourced from Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Australian-caught prawns are

not exempt if they have been exported to another country for processing, said the notice. The notice states that this exemption is a result of the department’s ongoing work to resume the safe trade in uncooked prawns and prawn products as soon as possible. This work includes an assessment of the bio-security risk presented by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) on uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn products. The Director of Bio-security agreed with the conclusion of the assessment that these goods pose a very low risk of introducing prawn diseases into Australia, including WSSV. –CB Report

UK economy seen growing faster than expected

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LONDON

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

he European Commission said Monday it didn’t expect the U.K. economy to slow as sharply as it forecast in November, in response to rising prices and uncertainty over Britain’s future ties to the European Union. The com-

mission, which is the EU’s executive arm, said in its latest set of economic forecasts that it expected annual growth in the U.K. economy to slow to 1.5% in 2017 and 1.2% in 2018, from 2% in 2016. In November, it forecast growth of just 1% in 2017. Its forecast for 2018 was unchanged. The Brussels-based commission said the economy had shown resilience in the months

since Britons voted to exit the EU in June and that the impact on growth from the referendum had yet to be felt. It said public and private spending and business investment were all forecast to be stronger this year than it anticipated in November, while a weakened pound should boost British exports. The strength of the U.K. economy in the second half of 2016 wrong-footed

many economists, who thought growth would suffer as the uncertainty triggered by the referendum prompted consumers to row back on spending and businesses to slam the brakes on investment. Instead the economy grew briskly as consumers carried on spending much as before. The U.K. was the fastestgrowing of the Group of Seven advanced economies in 2016.

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Singtel’s Q3 net profit rise to S$972.8 million SINGAPORE: Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) reported a 2 per cent rise in net profit to S$972.8 million for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2016, as it saw strong core business and higher contributions from regional mobile associates.

In the core business, ICT revenues grew, bolstered by contract wins by NCS and demand for cyber security services. It said higher consumer home services revenue in Singapore and growth in postpaid mobile customer numbers in Australia helped mitigate continued voice to data substitution and roaming revenue declines.

Operating revenue for the quarter declined 2 per cent to S$4.41 billion from a year ago due to mandated cuts in Australian mobile termination rates.

HSBC calls for revamp of tax regime he Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation urged the incoming Hong Kong government to review the current tax regime, which it described as outdated, to improve the local business operating environment. “Hong Kong can no longer rely on a low and simple tax environment to attract foreign investment. Compared to 15 years ago, there are more jurisdictions that have a lower tax rate than Hong Kong while Singapore’s effective tax rate is at a similar level with the SAR,” said HSBC Asia Pacific adviser George Leung Siukay. He said he expected the government to record a fiscal surplus of more than HK$80 billion this fiscal year, and suggested the new fiscal budget should reduce relief measures in favor of reserve resources to counter unforeseen volatilities this year. He buttressed this recommendation, saying Hong Kong has approached full employment. Leung said he expects the US to raise interest rates by one to two times this year. –CB Report

World Customs

Saudi Arabia foils attempts to smuggle 2kg of heroin

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Malaysia’s IPI grows 4.7% in Dec 2016 he index of industrial production (IPI) grew moderately by 4.7% in December 2016 as compared to the same month of the previous year, driven by positive growth in all indices of manufacturing (4.3%), mining (5.8%) and electricity (6.1%). The manufacturing sector output grew by 4.3% in December 2016 after recorded a significant growth of 6.5% in November 2016. The major sub-sectors which recorded an expansion in December 2016 were: petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products (3.7%); electrical and electronics products (5.3%) and food, beverages and tobacco (8.8%). The mining sector output posted a higher growth of 5.8% in December 2016 after an increased of 4.7% in November 2016. This expansion was contributed by the increased in natural gas index (12.7%) and crude oil index (0.1%). –CB Report

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RIYADH

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

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ustoms ofXicers at Jeddah’s international airport have said they have foiled plans to smuggle more than 2kg on heroin into Saudi Arabia.

OfXicers at King Abdulaziz International Airport foiled six attempts to smuggle a total of 2.223kg of heroin found hidden on three people arriving in the Gulf kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdulaziz Bandar Al-Ruhaili, di-

rector general of customs at King Abdulaziz International Airport, said ofXicers also foiled an attempt to smuggle 24,674 captagon pills in addition to 317 grams of cocaine found hidden in the intestines of another passenger.

Meanwhile, Naval patrols in the coastal city of Duba foiled an attempted to smuggle drugs into Saudi Arabia via the Red Sea. Spokesman of the border guards, Colonel Marine Gen. Saher bin Mohammed al-Harbi, said that they found seven plastic barrels which have been referred to authorities to complete the legal procedures.

Earlier this month Anti-nar-

cotic forces in al-Madinah were able to confiscate up to 623,000 amphetamine pills that were on its way to Jeddah.

The drugs were being smuggled from the city to Jeddah via Tabuk while being hidden in hay stacks on a truck. Saudi authorities have seized more than 22.4 million amphetamine pills and arrested more 1,776 drug smugglers during an eight-month period last year.

In their campaign against drugtrafXicking, Saudi authorities also conXiscated hundreds of weapons last year, including 184 machineguns as well as riXles and guns, in addition to over SR41 million in cash.

Tuesday February 21, 2017

BD Customs asks WB for details of 16 duty-free cars he Bangladesh government launched an investigation into allegations that 16 World Bank officials handed cars to others without paying the duty in the region of ‘tens of millions of taka’ in breach of law.

The duty needs to be paid while handing over cars brought under duty-free facilities. Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) said it sent a letter to the World Bank country director on Wednesday asking for details of the 16 cars. “We wanted to know who had used those cars, where they are now, and what the current state of the cars is. They have been given seven days to reply,” CIID Director General Moinul Khan said. The CIID move to investigate the alleged irregularities of the World Bank officials coincides with a High Court rule for trying those who had made ‘false graft allegations’ over Padma Bridge project. The global lender had withdrawn its offer of funds for the project due to the allegation. The World Bank’s Dhaka office has not made any comment on the allegation against its officials of evading duty. Moinul Khan said that the Privileged Persons (Customs Procedure) Rules 2003 allow officials of the donor agencies to import their cars without paying any duty on permission of their mission head. The officials have to inform the customs authorities about the process of handing over their cars while leaving Bangladesh. –CB Report

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Sri Lanka’s Aitken Spence profit up 36-pct in 3Q

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COLOMBO

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

itken Spence PLC recorded a strong Xinancial performance closing the immediate 9month period with a 9.9% year-onyear growth in proXits before tax amounting to Rs. 2.9 billion, and a 17% growth in proXit attributable to shareholders. The growth is attributed to strong Xinancial performances posted by a number of key operational sectors in the re-

porting period. Bringing to fruition the long term investment strategy adopted by the diversiXied group, many of the key industry segments operated by Aitken Spence showed positive growth trends in the 9month period that drew to a close on the 31st of December 2016. The top line for the same period grew by 69% to a Xigure of Rs. 30 billion while earnings per share rose by 17% to Rs. 4.09. The company achieved a 28% growth in proXit before tax in the third quarter amounting to Rs. 1.4 billion. Earnings per

share rose by 36% in the quarterly period amounting to Rs. 2.14 per share. ProXit attributed to equity holders also rose by 36% to Rs. 870 million year-on-year, for the quarter.

Listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1983, Aitken Spence is a blue chip conglomerate with a strong regional presence in the Hotels, Travels, Maritime Services, Logistics, Plantations, Power Generation, Printing, Insurance, IT, Outsourcing and Apparel. Maritime and Logistics, Services and Strategic Investments sectors all

showed positive growth figures contributing to the bottom line gain experienced during the reporting period. Growth in the Strategic Investments sector was driven by power generation, plantations and printing segments while the elevator agency segment helped the Services sector performance. Maritime & Logistics sector benefited from growth in the port management services and education segments and the addition of a new freight forwarding representation.

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Passenger held for fake visa Tuesday February 21, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration arrested a passenger for a fake visa at Allama Iqbal International Airport According to an FIA spokesman, during immigration clearance of flight GR-621, Sher Ali of Gujrat presented his passport having schengen visa to the official.

During verification, the official declared his visa fake. After interrogation, it was revealed that the accused had obtained the fake sticker visa from an agent. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials have arrested an accused for allegedly making obscene videos of minor boys. The accused, identified as Nabeel, allegedly supplied drugs to schools and colleges of Lahore.

Customs Court adjourns hearing in mobile smuggling case LAHORE

M IMRAN MEHAR

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he special federal court of Customs Taxation and AntiSmuggling has adjourned case of the accused arrested from Sialkot international airport.

Sources told Customs Today that an accused who was travelling from South Africa to Sialkot was checked by the Customs ofXicials at the airport. Customs team during search of the luggage found 30 costly mobile phones hidden in baggage of Muhammad Sarwar.

Customs team arrested the accused and presented him before Customs Court for physical remand but Customs judge denied the request of Custms investigation team for physical remand and send him

Customs Appellate Tribunal hears 10 cases he division bench-II of the Customs Appellate Tribunal comprising Judicial Member Omer Arshad Hakeem and Technical Member Imran Tariq heard 10 cases and adjourned all the cases until the next hearing. According to details, the Customs Appellate Tribunal adjourned the hearing of 10 cases, including customs Sambrial versus M/s Saeed Mahmood, M/s Awais and Shoaib versus Post Clearance Audit Lahore, M/s Baz Muhammad versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore, M/s Muhammad Shahban versus Customs Faisalabad. Reportedly, on Wednesday, the tribunal heard cases of M/s Abdul Ali versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Lahore, M/s Aboot Khan versus Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Faisalabad, M/s Kashif Malik versus Customs Multan and M/s Amin Khan versus Customs Lahore. –Sajid Nawaz

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to jail for judicial trial.

Muhammad Sarwar also filed a petition for his Post arrest bail that has also adjourned because of unavailability of prosecutor of the court. Meanwhile, The Special Federal Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has adjourned the hearing of mobile phone smuggling case. Earlier, the court had approved extension in judicial remand of an accused detained by the customs authorities deputed at Allama Iqbal International airport while he was making an attempt to smuggle cell phones from China to Lahore. The investigation and prosecution team of Customs had produced the accused Naveed Bhatti before the special court and asked for physical remand of five days to investigate further regarding smuggling and other persons involved in his smuggling attempt.

Customs Preventive impounds Rs5m non duty paid cigarettes

LAHORE

M HAYAT

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ustoms Preventive AntiSmuggling Organization Monday seized million of

rupees illegally imported cigarettes and parts of bicycles from a goods transport agency near Railways Station. Sources said that on information the ASO Squad No 2 of Customs Preventive seized 85 cartons of foreign origin non duty paid cigarettes of various brands along with 47 cartons/1000 kg of foreign

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origin bicycle parts of Hero, Nino, Phoenix brands.

It was added that the goods were being smuggled from Peshawar to Lahore and were being unloaded in a goods transport agency near Railway Station, Lahore. The estimated value of the goods is about Rs5 million, it was said.

The sources said that the customs authorities after registering a case have started further investigations into the case.

The sources said that the volume of crackdowns have been accelerated by the Collector of Customs Preventive ZulXiqar Younas and the seizure is also done in line with the instructions of the collector to curb smuggling activities in the city.

Recently the collectorate confiscated mega Rs 63 million skimmed milk from a Rice Mill near Muridkay. The dry and skimmed milk is being tested from forensic laboratory to know its impact on human body.

Customs Central Region collects ASO confiscate Rs10m NDP vehicles ustoms anti-smuggling car cell land, Mistubishi Pajero, Honda Civic, Rs8823m WHT in 7 months of FY2016-17 has conXiscated Xive non-cus- Honda Rebon, Honda Civic and

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ustoms Central Region has collected Rs8823million on account of withholding tax (WHT) during the Xirst seven months (July to January) of current Xinancial year 2016-17.

The withholding tax collected by all the four collectorates of customs including collectorate of Customs Preventive, Collectorate of Customs Appraisement, Collectorate of Customs Multan and Collectorate of Customs Faisalabad. As per details, Collectorate of Customs Appraisement collected

Rs7565 million on account of withholding tax during the period under review while the Collectorate of Customs Preventive collected Rs4684 million during the Xirst seven months of current Xinancial year 2016-17. Similarly, Collectorate of Customs Multan collected Rs222 million during the Xirst seven months of the current Xinancial year. On the other hand, the Collectorate of Faisalabad collected Rs 150 million on account of withholding tax (WHT) during the Xirst seven months Xinancial year 201-17. – M Hayat

toms paid luxury vehicles from various place in the city.

As per detail, the customs car cell under the supervision of Superintendent Mumtaz Ajmal Mian conducted crackdown against the illegally imported vehicles and seized Rs10 million Xive vehicles.

The superintendent on the instructions of Assistant Collector Asim Awan constituted a team consisting inspectors including Sajjad Bukhari and others.

The team raided and intercepted the vehicles including Nissan Sky-

other from various place including Ravi Road, Defence, Gulberg, Model Town Garden Town and other places The customs authorities after registering a case have sent the vehicles for forensic test in laboratory while further investigations are still also under way. Meanwhile the Customs ASO also conXiscated illegally imported 48 cartoon of Turkish Cigarette from Shah Alami Market.

The value of the cigarettes is estimated Rs3 million while the accused slipped away from the place, ofXicial sources said. –M Hayat

PCA detects tax evasion of Rs 20,574,841 by Khawaja Canvas

D LAHORE

M HAYAT

www.customsbulletin.com

irectorate of Customs Post Clarence Audit (PCA) has summoned M/s Khawaja Canvas Company in duty and tax evasion of Rs20,574,841 by on the import of tarpaulin.

According to the details, the

PCA Lahore observed that the import clearances data against HS Code 6306.1210 effected from various Model Customs Collectorate during the calendar years 2012 and 2013 revealed that inadmissible concession of sales tax and value added sales tax under the SRO 1125()/2011 dated 31.12.2011, wrongfully availed on the import of tarpaulin i.e. sun

shedding which is specifically excluded from that ambit of said SRO and hence was not entitled for such benefit under the said SRO. It has been observed that importer had imported various consignments consisting of tarpaulin and got it cleared under PCT heading 6306.1210 with inadmissible concession under SRO 1125(I/201 1, dated 31.12.2011.

Hence, it was said that the importers have short paid an amount Rs 20,574,841 sales tax, additional sales tax and income tax due to wrongful, concession under the SRO I 125(D/2011 dated 31.12.2011. The importer was asked to pay above mentioned short paid amount of duty/ taxes within 10 days of receipt of this letter positively.

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COSCO SHIPPING Holdings warns of net loss SEATTL: The ex-Port of Seattle chief executive says he wants to “clear the record and his good name” in the first public comments he’s made since he resigned last week. The Seattle Times reports (https://goo.gl/yCPZvp ) Ted Fick on Monday denied allegations against him in written comments to the newspaper. Internal documents release by the port Friday allege that that he covertly gave himself a $24,500 raise and inappropriately accepted gifts, among other accusations. The state auditor’s office said Fick’s raise was part of a $4.7 million pay bump for over 600 employees that was illegally given. Fick says the bonus was a commissioner’s idea, although he recommended it, and that commissioners should have known he would get extra pay too.

Georgia Ports Authority to sell 500 acres of property ndustrial real estate demand around the port of Savannah is so high that the addition of 3.3 million square feet in one year a 7 percent expansion of total capacity barely dented the region’s low single-digit vacancy rate, spurring the Georgia Ports Authority this week to sell roughly 500 acres of property for development. The Savannah industrial real estate market is in desperate need, the port authority says, after the area’s vacancy rate was roughly halved last year, according to data from commercial real estate firm Colliers International. The property sale announced Monday not only underscores the demand for logistics properties but shippers’ longterm plans to use Savannah over West Coast and other East Coast ports to access the regional market.

“Bottom line: We are seeing a boom,” GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch

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told JOC.com Tuesday. “As quickly as the warehouse space is coming online, it’s gone. It’s getting sucked up.”

The new 5-million-square-foot development announced Monday is located on five parcels of undeveloped land at the port’s Savannah River International Trade Park. The greenfield site is less than five miles from the port’s Garden City Container Terminal and just 1 mile from Interstate 95, which provides access to Southeast and Midwest markets. The Savannah real estate market has seen a dramatic turnaround in industrial real estate activity since mid-2015, when the GPA’s then-executive director Curtis Foltz publicly sounded the alarm that new construction was not enough to meet the container growth at Garden City. –CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Tuesday February 21, 2017

Dar es Salaam port can convert Tanzania into trade hub

Port of Olympia to become model of environmental sustainability

DARESSALAAM

istorically, ports have always had a reputation; some as gateways to glamor and adventure, others as gathering places for disreputable characters, and most some combination of both. At the Port of Olympia, Director of Environmental Programs Rachael Jamison is aiming for a different kind of recognition. “My personal goal is that within the next two to five years, the Port of Olympia is looked to as one of the most sustainable mid-sized ports in the country,” she says. “We do a tremendous amount of work for the environment.

I don’t know that the community is aware of everything that is happening here.” At the Port of Olympia, substantial efforts go beyond what regulatory bodies call for in turning formerly toxic lands into viable parks and sustainable development projects, combating climate change, conserving land and seafront, and developing innovative systems to deal with storm water. –CB Report

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anzania should open up its Dar es Salaam port to trudge cargo volume, expand and build new transport links to make Tanzania a regional hub while turning the country as Dubai of East Africa, the East African Business Week can report. “The Dar es Salaam port is an engine for economic growth, if we invest in logistic centers, improve on infrastructure and create a facilitative environment, we can easily turn Dar es Salaam into another Dubai of its kind in East Africa,” said Tanzania China Mining Association Chairman Superintended Andrew Huang. The Xifth phase government under Dr. John Pombe Magufuli has a chance to use effectively the Dar es Salaam port to increase 100% of the country source of revenue to foster the city to become a Dubai of the East Africa region.

Speaking to East African Business Week exclusively, Andrew

Huang said the measures taken by President Magufuli have removed bureaucratic hurdles hence promote cargo volumes from neighboring countries and abroad. He said it is easy to attract all large investors and make Dar es Salaam a huge Xinancial center by allowing and encouraging colossal banks to invest and conduct Xinancial business and market in the country. Huang noted the city of Dar es Salaam deserved to have wellconstructed roads, railways to the central line, buildings, malls and fast track it as a satellite city ready for massive investment from interna-

tional business people.

Tanzania, just like its neighbor Kenya, wants to capitalize on a long coastline and upgrade existing rickety railways and roads to serve growing economies in the landlocked heart of Africa from Uganda on its north border to Malawi in the south. But for sometimes the pace of progress had been held back by red tape, while experts said existing transport links were crumbling or inefficient, including the Dar es Salam port where vessels often wait days to dock, driving up costs to importers.

London port plans billion dollar expansion A

LONDON

CUSTOMS BULLETIN REPORT www.customsbulletin.com

US$1.25 Billion (£1 billion) expansion will transform Tilbury container terminal, the principal port for London, UK, by adding a deep-sea jetty for ships from Europe and increasing the size of its site from 850 to 1,100 acres — allowing it to accommodate larger ships from Africa, India and the Far East, reported the Financial Times.

The new berths will help meet rising demand for building materials as its the UK’s third-largest container terminal serving London and the south. A total of 40 million bricks went through the terminal last year, as well as food, steel and consumer goods between Europe and the UK. Trade with Europe represents 60% of the terminal’s trafXic. Although Forth Ports will pay for the dock expansion, nearly half of

the investment at Tilbury is being made by tenants stemming from the port’s privatisation in 1992.

The investment has been an important factor in for the construction of the biggest Amazon fulXilment centre in Britain on the site, which will triple employee numbers at Tilbury from 4,000 to 12,000 in the next decade. This means that more retailers are also likely to decide to package their goods on site at the port, rather than moving them to a separate site for distribution. Tilbury is where Jaguar Land Rover ships cars to South America and secondhand cars and construction machinery depart for west Africa. There has also been a boom in shipments of recycled materials. Speaking to the Financial Times, Charles Hammond, of Forth Ports, the owner of Tilbury, saw positives and negetives to expanding before Brexit’s arrival. “If there are increased tariffs [after

Brexit], the pressure to generate increased efXiciency in the supply chain will be even greater. There is a just-in-time distribution culture in the UK and no one wants to hold stock for more than a day.” Brexit is not the only hurdle as the opening of the rivalling £1.5bn London DP World London Gateway Terminal three years ago farther down the Thames is hosting a new breed of 400-metre container ships carrying 9,100 twenty-foot containers. Despite these factors, Hammond is aiming to raise cargo numbers to 32 million tonnes in 2026 through demand for food, clothing and entertainment for London’s fast-growing population. Cargo carried at the port has increased 30% since 2009/10 and rose from 12.5m tonnes in 2015 to 13.5m in 2016. “Trade Xlows will continue, even if patterns slightly change. The goods may stay in the ports a bit longer because of tariffs

and customs procedures. But are we going to stop importing BMW cars from Europe? I don’t think so, because people will still want them.”

It’s also been reported today (February 6, 2017) that trade in the Port of London for 2016 reached an alltime high for the decade after rising 10% to top 50 million tonnes for the Xirst time since 2008. Additionally, three new rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes from Konecranes became operational in the storage area in January this year, for a total of 15 RMGs at the terminal. Recent investments at Haifa Port also included the adoption of a Navis terminal operating system (TOS). According to a statement by the port’s operating company Haifa Port, the government’s port development arm Israel Ports Company recently deepened the water by the Carmel Terminal to enable larger ships to “reach their maximum draft, or very close to it”.

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Khushab FIU impounds non-duty paid Toyota Corolla Car FAISALABAD: The Field Investigation Unit (FIU) of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Khushab has seized a non-duty paid Toyota Corolla Car, model 1993 bearing registration No. AAM-350 (Quetta) worth Rs1 million involving customsduty and taxes Rs750,000. Sources told Customs Today that Deputy Director Riaz Hussain received information regarding some smuggled attempts. On this he constituted a team comprising Chaudhry Saeed Hayat, Muhammad Saleem and Muhammad Ilyas (IO) and sepoys, Masood Iqbal, Muhammad Shehbaz, Musadiq Ahmad, Muhammad Ashraf, Muzamil Hussain and Muhammad Anwar.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Customs Appraisement West collects Rs 25,037m duties, taxes in Jan 2017 KARACHI AFTAB CHANNA

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he Model Customs Collectorate Appraisement West has collected Rs 25,037 million duty and taxes under the heads of customs duty, sales tax, income tax and federal excise duty during the month of January 2017.

The ofXicial sources told Customs Today that the Customs Appraisement West collected a total of Rs 25,037 million as duties and taxes in the month of January 2017 that included Rs 9,472 million under the head of customs duty, while Rs 10,960 million collected as sales tax, Rs 4,418 million as income tax and Rs 187 million as federal excise duty.

The Customs Appraisement West collected Rs 2,224 million on the last working day i.e January 31, 2017 that include Rs 747 million as custom duty, Rs 1,046 million as sales tax, Rs 416 million as income tax and Rs 15 million as federal excise duty. So far, the Customs Appraisement West has collected a total of Rs 174,225 million duties/taxes since July 1, 2016 till January 31, 2017 that included Rs 69,916 million as customs duty, Rs 73,289 million as

sales tax, Rs 29,871 million as income tax and Rs1,148 million as fed-

eral excise duty. The sources said Collector Appraisement West Dr Fa-

reed Iqbal Qureshi felicitated the staff for achieving the revenue tar-

get and emphasized to continue the same spirit in the future as well.

ATIR reserves judgment on tax case filed by Pak Telecom Mobile ISLAMABAD

NAEEM ULLAH TARIQ www.customsbulletin.com

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bench of the Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR) reserved a decision on a tax matter Xiled by M/s Pak Telecom Mobile Limited and adjourned hearing on another matter Xiled by M/s Huawei Technologies. ATIR Accounts Member Dr Ghulam Mujtaba Bhatti heard the cases.

M/s Pak Telecom Mobile Limited had contested the show cause notices issued by the Xield ofXices of the Federal Board of Revenue.

According to details, M/s Pak Telecom Mobile Limited had challenged the recovery of income tax by the LTU Islamabad. The Pakistan Telecom Mobile Limited had submitted that the department had issued demand for the tax year 2013 in head of income tax under the provisions of Income Tax Ordinance-2001. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), ofXicers of LTU including Commissioner Inland Revenue, Commissioner Inland Rev-

enue (Appeals) and Appellate Tribunal Inland Revenue (ATIR), were made respondents in the

case. The Pakistan Telecom Mobile Limited prayed that the assessment order issued by the LTU ofXi-

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

cer was illegal, unlawful and without legal grounds. The appellant had submitted before the court that the impugned order was issued with mala Xide intentions and had no legal standing or authority and the court may decide on relief which it deemed appropriate in this regard. It also stated that due legal course was not followed by the department in issuing the order. However the court again remanded back the cases for detailed decision or rehearing when appellant’s approached the apex courts against the announcements made the by tribunals.