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he Customs North Region earned Rs126million extra revenue under all the heads during 22 days of February FY17-18 against the same period of corresponding FY16-17.

According to details given by the ofTicial source of the North Region, which comprises Collectorates of Islamabad, Peshawar, Samberial and Gilgit-Baltistan, it generated Rs1825million under all the heads of duties and taxes during 1st to 22nd of February FY17-18 while it received Rs1699million under the same head

during the same period of Tirst 22 days of the same previous FY16-17.

It was added that, during Tirst 22 days of February FY17-18, the North showed 7.43% high collection rate against the same corresponding period. The sources informed CT that the Customs Collectorate Islamabad fetched Rs1050.47million during 1st to 22nd February FY17-18 against the collection of Rs731million under all the heads during the same previous FY16-17.

It was told that Islamabad collected Rs319million extra revenue

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under all the heads against Tirst 22 days of February FY16-17. The sources claimed that the Customs Collectorate Peshawar received Rs858million under all the heads during Tirst 22 days of February FY17-18 against the collection of Rs984.91million under the same head during the same corresponding period. It was added that Peshawar faced Rs126.91million of shortfall during current month against the previous period.

Customs Islamabad records 200pc hike in reimbursement of rebates

Customs Adjudication-II serves five final notices on defaulter companies

Customs Preventive collects Rs 3,444m duty, taxes

DG Valuation to revise customs values of liner alkyl benzene sulphonic acid

Multan Customs generates Rs.20.07m through auction of vehicles & goods

MCC Islamabad showed 200% increase by paying o rebate refunds under the head | SEE pAgE 02 |

In the month of present Feb Customs Adjudication-II has sent five final notices | SEE pAgE 03 |

Customs Preventive has collected Rs 3,444 million all duty and taxes | SEE pAgE 04 |

DG Valuation has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 781/2015 on 4th April | SEE pAgE 09 |

Customs generated Rs20.077m through successful bidding | SEE pAgE 16 |

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FBR receives 1.238m tax returns till 15th Wednesday, February 28, 2018

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue has informed a parliamentary committee that around 1.238 million people had filed their tax returns by February 15, which are 24 percent higher than the returns filed last year.

The FBR’s official informed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue that 998,000 returns were field during corresponding period year of the previous year. The committee, which met under the chair of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, has also discussed the Private Member’s Bill further to amend the protection of Economic Reforms Act, 1992.

Islamabad

customs Islamabad records 200pc hike in reimbursement of rebates

ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

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pecial Assistant to PM on Revenue/Federal Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan has said the government is aiming for pro-investment and business-friendly federal budget to boost the economy. He was talking to an Asian Development Bank team led by Pakistan Resident Mission Country Director Ms Xiaohong Yang at FBR House. The minister said “We are looking into all possible ways to boost the GDP growth and we are willing to work with the industry and all stakeholders to prepare a budget that addresses the major concerns and issues facing the economy, particularly the manufacturing sector which holds the key to developing the country on a sustainable basis.” Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government had brought down the corporate tax rates from 35 to 30 per cent and had also taken certain other measures to reverse the decline in exports which had started going up since June last year. “We are aware that our manufacturing sector needs to be given more incentives to fuel a broad-based growth and we are working on different proposals to lift this sector and put the country on the industrialization path,” he said.

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he Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad showed 200% increase by paying off rebate refunds under the head of Customs Duty during Tirst two weeks of February FY17-18 against the same period of corresponding FY2016-17.

According to details given by ofTicial sources of the MCC Islamabad that the MCC reimbursed Rs5million of rebate refunds during Tirst two weeks of previous February FY16-17 while it did Rs15million rebates during Tirst two weeks of February FY17-18.

Since the collectorate believes in the facilitation of exporters so it tried to accommodate meximum numbers of exporters by giveing more rebate refunds of CD to local manufactures so that they can continue their business activities smoothly. The sources told Customs Today that the collectorate posted 40% increase in rebates against an assigned proportional target during first two weeks of February FY17-18. It was added that the MCC Islamabad was allocated an amount of Rs10.71million proportional rebate refunds target for said period whereas it paid off Rs15.00million rebates under the head of CD during said period. It was informed that the MCC Islam-

haroon briefs ADB delegation on pak economy at fBR house

abad was earmarked an amount of Rs20million rebate refunds for the entire month of February FY17-18.

Meanwhile, The Customs North Region earned Rs91million extra revenue of all duties and taxes during Tirst two weeks of FY2017-18 against the same period of corresponding Fiscal Year 2016-17. According to details explained by sources of Customs North Region, which comprises Customs Collectorates of Islamabad, Peshawar, Samberial and Gilgit-Baltistan, it

was told that the North Region generated Rs984.50million of all taxes during Tirst two weeks of February FY17-18 while it did Rs892.97million under the same head during the same period of previous FY1617. The source said that, during Tirst two weeks of FY17-18, the Collectorate of Islamabad received Rs378million extra revenue under the head of all taxes during Tirst two weeks of February FY17-18 against the same corresponding FY16-17.

The Collectorate of Islamabad col-

lected Rs683.21million during Tirst two weeks of February FY17-18 against the revenue collection of Rs319.43million during the same period of yesteryear FY16-17. The Collectorate of Peshawar earned less revenue of Rs133million than previous February FY16-17. The Collectorate of Peshawar collected Rs418.25million under all the heads during Tirst two weeks of February FY17-18 whereas it did Rs551.30million during the same corresponding FY16-17.

Ihc reserves verdict of customs matter filed by hasas Engineering

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ISLAMABAD

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ustice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved a decision on a customs matter Tiled by M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company (Private) Limited.

The appellant had challenged a recovery notice issued by commissioner Inland Revenue of Large Taxpayer’s Unit, Islamabad. The

bench reserved decision after hearing arguments in the case with submission of record. ATIR was also made respondent in the case as the tribunal had sustained departmental decision regarding issuance of show cause notice and demand of recovery of outstanding tax amount under the head of federal excise duty.

M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company had prayed the court that the FBR did not hold lawful grounds to issue the recov-

ery notice. The appellant had prayed the court to declare the act of the ATIR as illegal and without any lawful authority and an interim stay may be granted against the recovery proceedings. M/s Hasas Engineering and Construction Company Private Limited had also mentioned that departmental obligations were not met amid processing the notice of recovery demand while later the adjudication did not address grievances of the appellant.

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SHC seeks remarks on petition filed by M/s Quick Contractors KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the customs officials to file their para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by Nadeem Khan son of Kashif Khan, sole proprietor of M/s Quick Contractors and Traders seeking release of old and used prime movers seized by customs authorities. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, was hearing the constitutional petition.

Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is engaged in the lawful business of construction, for the purpose, regarding imports defferent types of construction machinery.

m/s Al-Amna Int’l moves Shc seeking release of lollipops’ consignment

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Karachi

customs Adjudication-II serves five final notices on defaulter cos

KARACHI

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he Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Customs Department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Al-Amna International seeking release of its consignment of lollipops stopped by the Customs Department due to disputed valuation.

While hearing of the petition, a twomember bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Siyal, also directed them to file their respective para-wise comments on the next date of hearing. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in lawful commercial import of food stuff and imports these products from various countries.

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motor cars import decline by 44pc KARACHI

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he import of motor cars has been declined by 44 percent in January 2018 due to restrictions imposed by the government under Import Policy Order (IPO)- 2016. The import of motor cars recorded at Rs2.8 billion during January 2018 as compared with Rs5 billion in the same month of last year. It was also came down by 41 percent when compared with moth of December 2017, according to data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBD).

The government imposed restriction in October 2017 of producing bank certificate showing foreign remittances used for payment of duty and taxes for customs clearance of motor cars brought into Pakistan under gift scheme and personal baggage schemes.

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n the month of present February, Customs Adjudication-II has sent Tive Tinal notices to the defaulter companies.

Source told Customs Today that the Customs Adjudication-II served a Tinal notice on a defaulter company named M/s M.M Enterprises and recovered Rs4.25million from M/s Nasir Hosiery Karachi on Monday. M/s M.M Enterprises was allegedly involved in tax evasion. The company imported hard plastic dinner sets and different kitchen accessories on December 12, 2017 and used the wrong PCT heading.

After a careful investigation, the Customs Adjudication-II issued a Tinal notice to the company and cleared the outstanding amount of Rs6.50million. Source said that another company M/s Nasir Hosiery Karachi got cleared a consignment of T-Shirt cloths in jersey on December 18 and evaded tax amount of Rs4.25million. After the investigation, Customs Adjudication-II served a show cause notice on the company on December 28, but it failed to clear the arrears. The Collector Customs Adjudication-II issued a Tinal notice to the company on January 22, 2018. After receiving the notice, the company deposited Rs4.25million in favor of the Customs Department on Monday.

Meanwhile, The Customs Adjudi-

cation-II demonstrated an excellent performance by issuing many notices to defaulters during the month of January 2018.

Sources told Customs Today that Customs Adjudication-II served a Tinal notice on a defaulter company named M/s M K Importers and recovered Rs8million from M/s Ramees Paint Karachi. M/s M K Importers was allegedly involved in tax evasion. The company imported mobile accessories and used sys-

Source said that another company m/s nasir hosiery karachi got cleared a consignment of T-Shirt cloths in jersey on December 18 and evaded tax amount of Rs4.25million

pcA uncovers taxes evasion committed by golden Traders

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he Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit has detected on Tuesday duties and taxes evasion of Rs11.24million committed by M/s Golden Traders Mirpur, it is learnt here.

Sources told Customs Today that M/ Golden Traders Mirpur imported a consignment of vehicle-engine scrape and different kinds of scrape,

and got it cleared from the PICT Karachi vide GDs on October 9, 2017 by paying customs duty at eight percent after claiming the beneTit of the SRO 558/2007. However the subject items were correctly classiTiable under the PCT 2408.2147 attracting customs duty at 10 percent and income tax at eight percent, thus, by way of mis-declaration of classiTication, the company evaded/short-paid Rs11.24 million. These goods were cleared by Head Examiner Junaid A. Khan. Sources said the importer vio-

lated the provisions of Section 22 (6A) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 26 read with Section 46 of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 121 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (214) and 124 of Section 278(6) of the Customs Act1969, Section 54 of the Sales Tax Act1990 and Section 31 & 365 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Section 9-A of the Sales Tax Act-1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules 2007 (Special procedures for payment.

tems including laptops and got them examined on October 23, 2017 by Waheed Khan and used the wrong PCT heading. After a careful investigation, the Customs AdjudicationII issued a Tinal notice to the company on 6th of February and cleared the arrears of Rs3.25 million. Source said another company M/s Ramees Paint Karachi got cleared a consignment of different chemicals on November 11 and evaded a tax amount of Rs 8 million.

pak rupee closes unchanged he Pakistani rupee remained firm against the US currency both in open market and interbank. As per the local money market, the dollar closed unchanged in open currency market for buying at Rs 111.90 for selling at 112.20. The dollar also remained firm in interbank ti close at Rs 110.30 for buying and Rs 110.50 for selling.

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FIA nabs 74 Pakistanis deported from Turkey Wednesday February 28, 2018

Lahore

SIALKOT: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 74 Pakistanis deported from Turkey upon their arrival at Sialkot international airport.

FIA Divisional Deputy Director Mufakhar Adeel told the newsmen that these Pakistanis were sent to Turkey illegally by some local human traffickers after getting big amounts. The Turkish Security Agencies had arrested these accused Pakistanis for entering illegally into Turkish territories and deported them to Pakistan. FIA has sent the accused behind bars.

court approves judicial customs preventive remand of accused involved collects Rs 3,444m duty, taxes in skimmed milk smuggling LAHORE

LAHORE

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he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti Smuggling sent three accused to jail on judicial remand of 14 days. Customs investigation and prosecution team produced them before the court.

They were arrested in smuggling of huge quantity of skimmed milk.

According to details available to Customs Today the court approved fourteen days judicial of the accuses in a case of Rs 9 million skimmed milk smuggling. Accused namely Aneel Ahmad, Muhammad Imran and Abdul Ghaffar were presented before the court for their judicial custody that the court has approved.

Earlier ASO team during an intelligence base operation seized huge

current account deficit widens to $9.15b in 7 months akistan’s current account deficit has widened by 48 percent to $9.156 billion during July – January 2017-18 as compared with the deficit of $6.43 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. According to balance of payment data issued by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the trade deficit widened by 24 percent to $21.51 billion during first seven months of current fiscal year as compared with the deficit of $17.35 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year. Pakistan’s exports grew by 11.05 percent during the period under review but growth in imports was also higher at 18.8 percent. On the other hand, remittances witnessed slight growth to $11.38 billion in the first seven months as compared with $10.99 billion. –CB Report

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quantity of non-duty paid skimmed milk which was being smuggled for manufacturing of ice-cream.

Sources told Customs Today, that Collector Faiz Ahmad received credible information that some smugglers were trying to smuggle huge quantity of non duty paid Iranian origin skimmed milk through a Hino truck. He immediately constituted a raiding team comprising Deputy Collector Moazzam Raza, Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Inspector Sajjad Bukhari, Abdur Rehman Butt, Gulzar Bhatti and Azam Wattoo. The above mentioned team established a check post near Faizpur Interchange. The ASO team intercepted a Hino truck which was coming from Quetta belonged to transporter Haji Nabi Bukhsh. On demand the driver of the vehicle failed to produce any relevant legal documents regarding import and transportation of skimmed milk.

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ollectorate of Customs Preventive has collected Rs 3,444 million all duty and taxes during the first 15 days of February of the financial year 2017-18, posting a growth of 24 percent against the monthly target of Rs 3,254 million.

As per details, the Collectorate collected Rs 1,440 million customs duty during the period under review against the proposed target of Rs 1,172 million. Similarly, the Collectorate collected Rs 1,789 million on account of sales taxes during the period under review against the target of Rs 1,539 million. On the other hand, the Collectorate collected Rs 214 million on account of withholding tax against the target of Rs 750 million during 15 days of

customs seizes alcohol, mobile , accessories from Lahore Airport

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he Customs ofTicials have conTiscated as many as 13 alcohol bottles and a number of mobile phones from passengers travelling via different Tlights during raid at Allama Iqbal International Airport. Sources told Customs Today that the customs team conducted these operations on different Tlights from different countries.

Flights included from Dubai to Lahore, Turkey to Lahore, Jeddah to Lahore and Muscat to Lahore. Customs took action in Pakistan Inter-

national Airlines (PIA) Tlights, Turkish Airways, and Gulf Air. During actions in these Tlights customs staff recovered 13 bottles of alcohol, mobile phones and accessories while Customs allowed all passengers to go after conTiscation of alcohol bottles from their possession. Customs has also conTiscated 1 LED of 32 and 1 LED of 43 inches from a passenger. Customs has started strict checking of the luggage of the passengers specially coming from European countries. –CB Report

the current month.. Likewise the Collectoarte collected Rs 0.12 million on account of federal excise duty during the said period against

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Rs 1.19 million target. Overall, the Collectoarte collected Rs 3,444 million all duty and taxes during period under review.

court issues warrants for alleged smuggler he Special Court of Customs Taxation and Anti-Smuggling has issued warrants for a suspect wanted in a smuggling case.

According to the details, Muhammad Amir, a resident of Garh Maharaja district Jhang, was issued many notices to appear before the court for attending the hearing. However, he remained reluctant to appear before the court and defend the allegations against him, therefore, the Customs Court has issued warrants, directing him to appear before the court within 30 days otherwise he will be de-

clared a proclaimed offender.

Muhammad Amir is wanted to Customs Faisalabad in case number 35/15 against smuggling.

The Customs Court has warned the accused to appear in court otherwise strict action will be taken against him.

Meanwhile on Monday 12 other cases were also scheduled for hearing before the customs court.

Most of the cases were adjourned without any proceedings because of non-availability of the concern parties and lawyers of the cases.–CB Report

food commodities worth $2.395b exported in 7 months

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LAHORE

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ountry earned $2.395 billion by exporting different food commodities during last seven months of current Tinancial year as compared the exports of $2.016 billion of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from

July-January, 2017-18, food group exports from the country grew by 18.83 percent as against the exports of same period last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. About 2,292,348 metric tons of rice worth $1.061 billion exported in last seven months as compared the exports of 2,048,037 metric tons valuing $876.745 million of same period last year, it added.

Exports of rice during the period under review increased by 21.7 percent as compared the exports of same period last year ,the data added.

Meanwhile, 213,460 metric tons of basmati rice valuing $222.365 million exported in last seven months as compared the exports of 221.785 metric tons worth $208.145 million of same period last year, showing an increase of 6.83 percent, it added.

Country earned $839.136 million by exporting about 2,078,888 metric tons of rice other then basmati rice as compared the exports of $666.600 and 1,826,939 metric tons of same period last year. On the other hand food commodities imports into the country during the period under review grew by 9.77 percent and stood at $3.777 billion as against $3.441 billion of same period last year.

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KARACHI cuSTomS BuLLETIn REpoRT www.customsbulletin.com few senior customs ofTicials are involved in unscrupulous activities at Port Qasim. They are allowing smugglers to throw their smuggled goods in the markets after getting clearance through green channel under protection of a few customs ofTicials.

They are clearing these illegal or banned goods by declaring as scrap. This is causing more than Rs 1,000 billion loss to national exchequer as revenue through legal imports is decreasing.

During last few weeks, Customs Today reported extensively on misuse of green channel facility and unearthed the scam in which a number of containers of betul nuts, acetic anhydride and iron-steel were being cleared through green channel.

After so much coverage by Customs Today, Customs Preventive and Intelligence launched raids on green channel ‘smugglers’ and seized a number of containers cleared through green channel which shows to what extent this green channel smuggling is being carried out with the support of a few senior customs ofTicers at Port Qasim. On 21 February, the scam of misusing green channel at Appraisement Port Qasim was proved when Customs Preventive team raided a godown in Korangi Industrial area in Karachi and conTiscated six containers Tilled with smuggled betel nuts which were cleared under the garb of scrap from Port Qasim.

Qamar Thallo, spokesperson for Pakistan Customs Preventive, told Customs Today that investigations have been broadened due to the possibility that smugglers might have cleared many other containers through green channel. It is worth mentioning that 188 containers of betel nuts are stuck up at ports. Since legal import is stopped the goods are being smuggled. The importer namely M/s Jebel Ali dumped the containers in Korangi area where the raid took place. In the meantime, the customs ofTicials involved in the scam of clearing the consignments become more active to save their skin including ADC Yaseen Murtaza and others. Sources claimed that ADC Yasin Murtaza was taking huge amounts from these green channel smugglers.

According to sources, 14 containers were cleared through green channel of the said company from Port Qasim while only six have been conTiscated yet. Meanwhile, another scam of the green channel facility unearthed when Customs Appraisement Port Qasim seized 15,520 liters of dual use precursor acetic anhydride, which was being cleared through green channel.

Acetic anhydride is a main ingredient for preparing narcotics substances, especially heroin.

According to the FIR lodged against the importer and its clearing agent, during the discreet monitoring of the import data, a suspicious consignment comprising a container no. CARU375740-2 (1X20’) said to contain item having a vague description of “summer Tluid” shipped from Poland bearing address of Peshawar based consignee namely M/s Pak Traders. The Bill of Lading No MSCUVQ695966 of the shipment also showed a non-ex-

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

istent PCT Code and an incomplete contact number of the consignee. Moreover, the address was also very general. Owing to the suspicious declarations, the container was blocked on 24.01.2018 in the system by R&D Section, however no one turned up for clearance till 31.01.2018. Later on keeping in view the suspicious nature, physical examination of the consignment was carried on 31.01.2018 by R&D staff in the presence of terminal representatives and independent surveyors, which led to the recovery of huge quantity of precursor “acetic anhydride” tested and veriTied by using the First Defender Diagnostic Kit. In view of foregoing un-refutable evidence on record, it is evident that M/s Pak Traders, Peshawar has made deliberate attempt to import restricted/banned item i.e. acetic anhydride value amounting to $1.5 million besides importing the rusticated item. The willful mis-declaration value and classiTication by M/s. Pak Traders, Peshawar and their associates have therefore, violated provision of Section 2(s), 16, 32, 79, 80, 192 of the Customs Act, 1969. Therefore, FIR to this effect is lodged and efforts are being made to arrest the culprits involved in the crime.

The recovered goods i.e. Acetic Anhydride is importable only by authorized industrial consumers as per Sr. No. 19 of Appendix-B read with paragraph 5(B)(i) and paragraph 11 of the Import Policy Order-2016. Thus it became quite clear that the goods have been imported in violation of the Import Policy Order-2016 and the importer had attempted to import the restricted precursor by mis-declaration of description and PCT code by contravening the provisions of Section 2(s), 16 and 32 of the Customs Act, 1969 read with section 7 and others relevant provision of Control and Narcotics Substance Act, 1997. Seizure of huge quantity of acetic anhydride worth USD 1.5 million in the international market is unprecedented in this Collectorate’s history.

According to customs ofTicials, if Peshawar customs ofTicers don’t have ID and I-Form record of M/s PakTraders it means the importer company is totally fake and every person involved in the scam is part of the same racket including supplier, shipping company and the relevant customs ofTicials because if any importer doesn’t have ID it needs one time approval from DC, ADC or collector to import a consignment for once without ID. In another raid, acetic anhydride was discovered in a 20-foot container having 21.7 metric tons of acetic anhydride on January 9, months after it had arrived at Port Qasim from Tanzania.

The container was declared to contain “acetic acid glacial”, but the Port Control Unit of the Model Custom Collectorate, upon receipt of credible information, proTiled and searched it. The container, imported from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in November 2015 was later shifted to the NLC Container Terminal on Mai Kolachi Road, Karachi. The statement said the consignment was primarily suspected in view of the fact that traditionally Tanzania was not a producer of acetic acid. The consignee of the shipment was said to be in Sialkot. This is by far the biggest quantity of acetic anhydride sized anywhere in the world, including Pakistan. Acetic anhydride is used as the major precursor for the produc-

tion of heroin and is also one of the major chemicals used in the manufacturing of IEDs. It was, however, yet to be determined what the actual purpose “of this sinister attempt” was, said the statement. The value of the seized chemicals is more than Rs860 million. The Pakistan Customs is a major participant in “UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme” and also a key partner of World Customs Organisation’s “Programme Global Shield”.

In the past 18 months, INCB has detected a massive increase in worldwide diversion attempts and seizures involving acetic anhydride, a key chemical in the manufacture of heroin. Numerous countries in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe have been targeted by trafTickers searching for suppliers of the substance.

Acetic anhydride is listed in Table I of the 1988 Convention because of its frequent use in the illicit manufacture of heroin, but is also known to have been used during the process of illicit manufacture of methamphetamine and methaqualone. The chemical is also monitored by governments and international organisations because of its suspected use in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

To reduce heroin availability, the United Nations (UN) has encouraged nations to control acetic anhydride, an essential (“precursor”) chemical typically necessary to the drug’s production. This effort, a major environmental prevention policy, has received little evaluation.

The United States, per the UN’s lead, implemented acetic anhydride regulation in 11/1989.

Acetic Anhydride is brought regularly to Pakistan ports using green channel facility. One of such consignments luckily got picked recently for examination by system and the massive inTlux got unearthed. This chemical is used in processing for narcotics/heroin as well as for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that are used by terrorists. Only one such consignment of 15,520 litres got luckily unearthed. There may be more than 1,000 such consignments that got already cleared in green channel but Customs Port Qasim did not try to trace them back. This means hundreds of litres of this highly dangerous chemical is allowed to import and clear through green channel due to involvement of some customs ofTicials in illegal activities at Port Qasim.

Meanwhile, the facility of green channel is being misused at MCC-Appraisement Port Qasim as 200 to 300 containers of Iron-Steel scrap are being cleared through green channel despite the fact that these items are not allowed to be cleared through green channel, causing loss to exchequer worth billions.

Iron and steel scrap was also luckily unearthed while clearing through green channel. This one consignment meant a loss of Rs23.592 million to national kitty. There is a probability that 1000 such consignments already cleared but luck did not support Pakistan. This means a loss of Rs 23.592 x 1000 = Rs. 23.592 billion!! Port Qasim did not try to trace back such huge revenue loss of more than Rs. 23 billion because of involvement of senior customs staff at Port Qasim including ADC Yasin Murtaza. A few senior ofTicials are backing the smuggling through green channel that’s why inquiry of above scam by FIA/NAB is not supported by Port Qasim senior ofTicials.

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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

corruption in provincial departments

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he Auditor General of Pakistan has detected irregularities of around Rs 300 billion in financial record of the Punjab government for the year 2015-16, smashing all the hopes of transparency in the official business and narratives and rhetoric of the chief minister that corruption has been banished from the province. In its report on the accounts of the Punjab government for fiscal year 2015-16, the government showed ineptness in budgetary allocations and in some cases paid in excess to the contractors of the development projects. Another is the classic case of mismanagement when the government paid Rs 27 billion in excess for a development project in Lahore alone. Under the head of development funds, at least Rs 63.71 billion were paid to different contractors but record of only Rs 35.29 billion was available. In another case, Rs 5.07 billion was unaccounted for due to a non-investment in General Provident Investment Fund. The report also suggests that provincial exchequer incurred a loss of Rs 103.96 billion due to financial mismanagement in issuance and utilisation of supplementary grants. The provincial government had also failed to collect Rs 5.47 billion from autonomous bodies under the head of electricity charges. The report also adds that funds of Rs 8.66 billion were directly released to various agencies without their pre-audit through Accountant General Punjab. According to Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment director general, the Punjab Finance Department is the most corrupt department in the province while Punjab Land Record and Excise & Taxation departments are at the second and third most corrupt departments, respectively. The total annual budget of Punjab is over Rs 2,000 billion and the lion share of the money goes to the pockets of the corrupt elements within the government departments.

Unfortunately, a few black sheep in the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment has rendered the utility of the department ineective. Unless a mechanism is devised to discourage corruption, there is no use of issuing statements. Punjab has a population of over 100 million with educated youth, fertile lands and strong industrial base and prudent policies are required to bring its GDP at par with developed countries.

challenges to economy A

LAHORE

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ccording to Country Director of the World Bank, Pakistan could face serious challenges to its economy in next decade due to lack of consensus on political issues. The ofTicial also praised the government for depreciation of rupee against dollar and recommended more Tlexibility in the exchange rate to move in the desired direction. Unfortunately, the policymakers in this country are susceptible to listen to the advices, recommendations and even dictation of the foreign donor agencies without using their own brain and abilities. Though the performance of

Ishaq Dar, the erstwhile Tinance minister, was not up to the mark, his presence in the ofTice deemed as a big hurdle in the way of depreciation of rupee and the country achieved macroeconomic stability to some extent. However, after he left the ofTice, the depreciation of the rupee has changed the total outlook of the economy.

The fall in the rupee value is in fact an admission by the government that it is not going to achieve any target during the current Tiscal year and, rather, the economy is on the downward trajectory. However, the World Bank ofTicial is right in his assessment that next decade is crucial for the economy of Pakistan. The present government of the Pakistan

Muslim League-Nawaz has broken all the past records of the country by taking loans from every source which might have come to its way. As a result, the short term measures left the nation to face the long term consequences. In the absence of the desired rate of industrial production, the export sector incurred losses of billions of rupees in Tive years. If the government listens to the World Bank’s advice, another round of depreciation will bring nothing but disaster for the already frail economy.

The bank is already considering revising growth rate targets in its report to be issued in a couple of months. The country needs Tinancial collusion and coordina-

tion among various organs of the state as well as within the provinces. There is a need to ensure availability of Tinancial statements from private individuals as well as the corporate sector and public sector organizations for better Tinancial management and enhancement of the tax base. The current Tinancial infrastructure is poor and it needs special attention of the policymakers. The Tinancial collusion also means documentation of all the Tinancial transactions. And last but not the least, the policymakers do listen to the advices of the international Tinancial institutions, but use their own brain when it comes to decision making in the Tinancial matters.

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Tribunal adjourns hearing of case filed by M/s Kohinoor Traders against DG I&I ISLAMABAD: A division bench of the Customs Appellate Tribunal dated in office the hearing of a customs case filed by M/s Kohinoor Traders, challenging an announcement of the tribunal dismissing its case against Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad.

Customs Appellate Tribunal’s bench comprising Members Tribunal, Syed Muhammad Anwar heard the case. M/s Kohinoor Traders had filed cases against Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad. Earlier the Customs Appellate Tribunal’s bench comprising members tribunal, Syed Muhammad Anwar, heard the case which is being contested against Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad.

customs pcA detects tax evasion of Rs 8.23m by m/s noman Sanitary

Wednesday February 28, 2018

National

Dg Valuation to revise customs values of liner alkyl benzene sulphonic acid

KARACHI

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he Directorate of Customs Post Clearance Audit detected duties and tax evasion of Rs 8.23 million

by M/s Noman Sanitary Karachi, it is learnt here. Sources told Customs Today that M/s Noman Sanitary imported a consignment of sanitary items including, fancy tape, basins, fancy showers and pipes, tape handles and got it cleared from the PICT Karachi vide GDs on October 17, 2017 by paying customs duty at 8 percent after claiming the benefit of the SRO 558/2007. However, the subject items were correctly classifiable under the PCT 3508.1479 attracting customs duty at 8 percent and income tax at 10 percent, thus, by way of mis-declaration of classification, the company evaded/short-paid Rs 8.23 million.

The goods were cleared by Head Examiner Shafi Ullah Niazi. Sources told

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he Directorate General, Customs Valuation, Director General Surriya Ahmed Butt has decided to revise the Valuation Ruling No: 781/2015 on 4th April, 2018, it is learnt here.

Surriya Butt said the department was reviewing suggestions from various importers to set new prices of liner alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (soft and hard type). She said some valuations issued in 2015 were being reviewed from the beginning.

Moreover, the valuations will be set in view of the rising prices in the international market. Sources told Customs Today that a petition was Tiled with the Customs Valuation in which change in prices of liner alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (soft and hard type) was requested.

Sources further told that Valuation Ruling No: 781/2015 was issued on December 16, 2015. A meeting was held with the stakeholders on 13 February 2018.

Importers were advised to furnish the import invoices of the last

three months showing factual values as well as websites, names and e-mail addresses of known foreign manufacturers of the item in question through which the actual current value could be ascertained.

Meanwhile, The Customs values of sauces / salad dressing/ mayonnaise / mustard and tomato

ketchup were earlier determined through Valuation Ruling No.1215/2017 dated 05.10.2017.

However, Director General Customs Valuation vide Order-In-Revision No. 421/2017 dated 19.12.2017 remanded back the case to the Director Valuation with the direction to conduct afresh an exercise to re-de-

termine the customs values of tomato ketchup (various brands) and also advised to revisit the whole issue of bulk packing and discount. Hence an exercise was initiated by this Directorate General to determine the customs values of sauces salad dressing / mayonnaise / mustard and tomato ketchup.

53 posts of customs inspectors vacant at Quetta collectorate ISLAMABAD

that the importer violated the provisions of Section 42 (7) & (7A) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 21 read with Section 35 of the Sales Tax Act1990 and Section 147 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 punishable under clauses (224) and 147 of Section 141(3) of the Customs Act-1969, Section 83 of the Sales Tax Act-1990 and Section 89 & 147 of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and Section 8-A of the Sales Tax Act-1990 read with chapter X of the Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules 2007 (special procedures for payment of sales tax by the importers) and under relevant provisions of Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

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s many as 53 posts of inspectors are vacant at Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Quetta, Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan told a Senate body. During question hour, the minister said that 61 posts of inspectors were vacant at Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Quetta against direct appointment quota only out of which eight were filled in through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in 2017.

Afzal Khan said the MCC Quetta had conducted departmental examination for its employees in January 2012 for con-

sideration to fill up the vacancies of Inspector (Customs) meant for departmental promotion quota. The minister said around 67 employees passed the examination, out of which 11 candidates on top of merit list were promoted by the Collectorate. The remaining persons could not be promoted due to non-availability of more vacancies in the promotion quota, the minister added.

The seniority of Customs Inspectors (BS-16), Rana said, was maintained on all Pakistan basis.

According to Recruitment Rules, the quota reserved for promoting and direct recruitment to the post of Inspector Customs is 50%: 50%.

Rana Afzal said over-all sanctioned posts of Customs Inspector are 1672; therefore maxi-

mum 836 posts at the ratio of 50% fall in promotion quota.

However, at present, 1068 posts are held by the promotee Inspectors against 836 permissible posts. Hence, the promotion quota was heavily overburdened for the present; as such no further promotions could be made till rationalization of the quota to the ratio of 50:50, he added.

The vacant posts of Inspectors in MCC Quetta along with and in other formations of the Customs department are being forwarded to the FPSC for direct recruitment.

Replying to a question, he said that a total of 309 posts of Customs Inspectors became vacant in the Customs Department during last five years. A total of 200 candidates were selected and recommended by the FPSC

for appointment as Inspectors Customs against the direct recruitment quota vacancies in December 2016. However, only 142 of them joined the post and they were posted to various Collectorates/Directorates in March/April 2017.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has requested the FPSC to nominate alternate candidates against the remaining vacancies, the minister added. The minister said no promotions were made during the last five years due to non-availability of vacancies in 50% promotion quota as no seats were available against promotion quota during these years. As regards out of turn promotions during last five years, the same are not permissible under the recruitment rules, he added.

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Five Customs Officers reshuffled Wednesday February 28, 2018

National fBR again seeks details of customs, IR officers’ dual nationality

ISLAMABAD: Under the direction of the FBR, five Customs Officers of PBS-17 and above have been transferred to different places of MCC Peshawar, the correspondent of Customs Today learnt.

Five officers, including Abaud Ullah, Deputy Collector, on his joining, have been transferred to Headquarters, A/S Division North Peshawar, SCS/2nd Treasury Officer/ADRC projects/SWHs Peshawar, Mardan, Noshera and Auction Cell.

govt supports for timely completion of Thar coal power project

ISLAMABAD

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KARACHI

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he administration of Federal Board of Revenue has once again issued directives to all the department heads to submit the details of the Customs and Inland Revenue officers of BS-17 and above who have dual nationality so that the details could be submitted to the Establishment Division. Previously, the administration department of the FBR issued a letter on the same subject and asked the departments concerned to submit details of officers with dual nationality and the last date was February 1 which was extended to February 6 but there was not much information received within that date. Therefore, it issued similar instruction and asked the top officials, including all Members/Director Generals, Chief Commissioners-IR, Commissioners, Chief Collectors and Collectors to submit such details by February evening.

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21 Inland Revenue officers promoted to BS-21 ederal Board of Revenue (FBR) has promoted 21 Inland Revenue Service officers of BS-20 into BS-21 on regular basis with immediate effect. The promoted officers, include 1. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Tunio, 2. Ms. Naheed Azhar, 3. Mr. Mehmood Aslam, 4. Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Rahu, 5. Ms. Shaher Bano Walajahi, 6. Dr. Muhammad Tariq Masood, 7. Mr. Raza Munawar, 8. Mrs. Attiya Naheed Hakeem, 9. Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, 10. Mrs. Shah Bano G.M Khan, 11. Mr. Saif Ullah Khan, 12. Mr. Amir Ali Khan Talpur, 13. Mr. Qaiser Iqbal, 14. Dr. Faiz Illahi Memon, 15. Mr. Khalil Ahmad Zahid, 16. Syed Nadeem Hussain Rizvi, 17. Mr. Asim Ahmad, 18.

Mr. Muhammad Nadeem Arif, 19. Dr. Bashirullah Khan, 20. Mr. Asim Majid Khan and 21. Mr. Wajid Akram.

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pecial Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue/Federal Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan has assured full government support for the timely completion of the Thar Coal Power projects in view of the enormous benefits they would bring to the national economy besides transforming the landscape of Thar. “These projects are vital for Pakistan not only in meeting its future energy requirements but also in cutting down on expensive imports of the fuel for the newly built coal-fired power stations,” he said while talking to a delegation of companies executing the Thar CoalFired Power Projects. The Minis-

ter said the country had long faced severe power shortages due

to limited capacity of renewable energy sources and it was impor-

tant to have year-round power supply in the coming years when the economy was set to boom and grow at a fast pace. He said the power generation through coal was almost negligible in Pakistan as compared to nearly 70% in India and China and it was time to fully tap the coal resources to meet our future energy requirements. Earlier, the Minister was told that the work on mining and other related activities of the Thar Coal Power projects was going well and the first phase of the project was scheduled to complete about four months ahead of its timeline. Once the project is completed, it would furnish around a fifth of the country’s electricity for the next 50 years while other financial rewards could also be vast.

field Intelligence unit Sargodha impounds Iranian ceramic tiles & loader A

FAISALABAD

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Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) Sargodha team has conTiscated the smuggling ceramic tiles of Iranian origin valued at Rs5.3million involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs275000. The team also impounded a vehicle worth Rs5million which was being used for transportation of the tiles under Section 157(2) of the Customs Act-1969.

Sources told Customs Today that the Customs Intelligence team, following secret information received through Deputy Director Irfan Shouqat, intercepted a Hino truck bearing registration No: TKZ-396 and recovered Iranian ceramic tiles’ 1864 cartons without the payment of duty and taxes.

The customs team asked driver named Faizullah to produce any

documents regarding the legal import of the tiles but he remained failed to do so. So the customs team conTiscated the item following the prevailing customs bylaws.

It is pertinent to mention here that, after the seizure of tiles, Faizullah appeared in the intelligence ofTice and produced a copy of bilty No: 5710 dated 20-1-2018

issued by M/s Jeevay Pakistan Goods Transport Company Quetta along with a copy of GD No: 11772 dated 17-1-2018 showing clearance of the ceramic tiles.

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Customs to investigate smuggling of 5 tons narcotics recovered by Pakistan Navy KARACHI: The Pakistan Custom has started investigations into big haul of narcotics worth millions of dollars.

According to the details, the officers of the Pakistan Navy intercepted a boat on the sea route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) here.

During the search of the boat, the officers recovered five tons of charas, which was concealed in the secret parts of the boat. The Pakistan Maritime Security Agencies (PSMA) called a high level meeting at its Headquarters where the Pakistan Customs higher authorities were also invited.

Ihc relisted cases involving customs collectorate, Dg I&I ISLAMABAD

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he Customs North Region earned Rs91million extra revenue of all duties and taxes during first two weeks of FY2017-18 against the same period of corresponding Fiscal Year 201617. According to details explained by sources of Customs North Region, which comprises Customs Collectorates of Islamabad, Peshawar, Samberial and Gilgit-Baltistan, it was told that the North Region generated Rs984.50million of all taxes during first two weeks of February FY17-18 while it did Rs892.97million under the same head during the same period of previous FY16-17. The source said that, during first two weeks of FY17-18, the Collectorate of Islamabad received Rs378mil-

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lion extra revenue under the head of all taxes during first two weeks of February FY17-18 against the same corresponding FY16-17. The Collectorate of Islamabad collected Rs683.21million during first two weeks of February FY17-18 against the revenue collection of Rs319.43million during the same period of yesteryear FY16-17. The Collectorate of Peshawar earned less revenue of Rs133million than previous February FY16-17. The Collectorate of Peshawar collected Rs418.25million under all the heads during first two weeks of February FY17-18 whereas it did Rs551.30million during the same corresponding FY16-17.

The Collectorate of GB remained closed due to seasonal compulsions whereas the Collectorate of Samberial suffered a loss of Rs.-116.96million under the heads of all taxes during first two weeks of February FY17-18.

National

port Qasim authorities broaden probe into acetic anhydride smuggling case

Senate body directs finance ministry to release funds for fBR projects ISLAMABAD

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he Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs has directed the ministry of finance and planning to timely release the development funds allocated for the projects of Federal Board of Revenue under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The Senate committee has approved allocation of Rs 6.155 billion for its 49 new and ongoing FBR development projects under the PSDP 2018-19. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, which met under the chair of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, discussed the PSDP of the Revenue Division for the upcoming financial year. The committee was informed that FBR has proposed 25 new development projects and 5 ongoing projects for the next fiscal year. The committee was informed that there are many ongoing projects of the FBR, which had not completed due to the shortage of funds. The committee expressed displeasure over the government’s policy for not releasing funds for the ongoing development projects, which are delaying with the passage of every year.

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KARACHI

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n the directions of Chief Collector South Abdul Rasheed Shaikh, the Customs Port Qasim has sought information about the importers and relevant details to broaden the investigations into the shipping company M/s MSC in acetic anhydride smuggling scam, Customs Today has learnt.

According to the details, the Customs Investigation Unit (CIU) of Port Qasim Collectorate has taken this initiative after obtaining prior approval from Chief Collector Appraisement South and Collector Port Qasim Chaudhary Jawaid because it has surfaced in the investigation that the approximately 24 tonne of acetic anhydride was being tried to be smuggled by using the name of a fake importer company M/s Pak Traders from Peshawar.

When customs ofTicials tried to locate the ofTice and management of M/s Pak Traders they found nothing on the ground which proved that the company was fake and existed just on papers. “We have found nothing about the importer even we have checked the record from re-

Wednesday February 28, 2018

cent pas but no import was found related to M/s Pak Traders that’s why now we have only one way to carry the investigations forward and that’s shipping company that transported the acetic anhydride’s consignment from Poland to Karachi port” an ofTicials told Customs Today on the condition of anonymity.

It is pertinent to mention that according to the details the ofTicials of the Pakistan Customs have foiled a smuggling bid of a huge quantity of dual use precursor acetic anhydride worth around $1.5 million. The

Acetic Anhydride, a main ingredient for preparing narcotics substance as well as use in making highly explosives by the terrorist outTits was shipped from Poland for Peshawar based importer. The Customs Collectorate Port Mohammad Bin Qasim, Karachi claimed to have seized a huge quantity of 15,520 liters equivalent to 16.7 metric tons of pure grade highly sensitive dual use precursor acetic anhydride, a major component of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and also used in illicit manufacturing of heroin.

‘fair tax system ensures redistribution of wealth’

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LAHORE

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rovincial Minister for Finance Dr Ayesha Ghous Pasha has said that a fair and progressive national tax system can deliver a redistribution of wealth, curb inequalities and ensure everyone of the society benefits from economic development. She expressed these views while addressing the 3rd session “Smarter taxation for better gender equality” of First Global Conference on Taxation and SDGs at New York.

She said that domestic revenue mobilization is the only reliable and

sustainable resource for countries to Tight poverty and Tinance essential services. The UN estimates that a tax ratio of 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) is the minimum necessary to Tinance the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In Pakistan this tax to GDP ratio increases from 8.7 percent in FY2012-13 to 10.5 percent in FY2016-17.

She further said that awareness of the importance of tax as the only reliable long-term resource for sustainable development has been growing in the past few years, in a global context of rising inequality, economic crisis and declining aid

Tlows. A fair and progressive national tax system can deliver a redistribution of wealth, curb inequalities and ensure everyone beneTits from economic development. However, developing countries face great challenges in raising enough tax revenue to reduce poverty and fund essential services.

The minister said that the gender implications of a shortfall in revenue are signiTicant, but despite women being more vulnerable to poverty and the most in need of essential services, there is still little understanding of the differing impact of Tiscal policy, especially revenue rising, on women and men.

The Tirst step in this regard is to carry out an informed gender analysis of tax systems, produce more practical studies and to make these studies available to civil society.

She added that the quality of the tax mix (that is, where revenue is coming from) is crucial to ensure that an increase in tax revenue does not fall unfairly on the poor.

Since women are more vulnerable to poverty, it is crucial to consider the consequences of taxation policy from a gender perspective.

For those concerned with inequality, it is necessary to understand the structure of the tax system to see where the burden falls.

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World Customs

struggle for Iraq’s market islamic state

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi declared victory over the Islamic State (IS) group in December, attention immediately turned to how soon his government would start efforts to rebuild the Sunni-populated cities destroyed by the war against the group. These efforts are seen as vital for the stabilisation of the country and to prevent the re-emergence of the militants who have lost their Caliphate but may return to their guerrilla roots.

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Afghan farmers replace poppies with pomegranates

no single hybrid vehicle cleared since tax hike AMMAN

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KABUL

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oppy Tields across Afghanistan are slowly being replaced by pomegranate plantations as incentives offered to farmers to replace their illegal crops is turning around the war on drugs. Some of those farmers are visiting Dubai this week for Gulfood, the world’s biggest food exhibition, to bring their produce to new markets. Winning the war on drugs is seen as the key to winning the war on terror, with sources inside Afghanistan claiming the Taliban war machine is fuelled by $400 million every year.

“The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy and it is playing a vital role in our nation’s development, but there some serious challenges,” said Nasir Durrani, agricultural minister of Afghanistan.

Swiss gold exports hit highest in more than a year witzerland’s gold exports to China hit their highest in more than a year in January, Swiss customs data showed while shipments to India slid to their lowest since September.

Switzerland, a major trading, vaulting and refining centre for precious metals, said its net gold imports rose to their highest since August at 97.205 tonnes last month, as exports slipped to a five-month low while imports rose by a quarter. Shipments to major consumer China rose to 41.5 tonnes, up from 17.8 tonnes a year ago, making it the chief recipient of Swiss gold exports last month. Exports to India, which vies with China as the leading global consumer of physical gold, eased to 14.335 tonnes from 26.543 tonnes in January 2017. Exports to Hong Kong stood at 24.459 tonnes, against 20.899 tonnes a year before. –CB Report

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Insecurity in our country has fed the growth of the poppy and it is why farmers have been growing it for international markets. “We have to Tind alternatives for these farmers that provide a product of equal or greater value, and we are beginning to do that.” Afghanistan produces 90 per cent of the world’s poppy-produced heroin supply, placing it Tirmly in the eye of the storm. That is

beginning to change. The industry employs about 3 million Afghans, but new incentives encouraging farmers to switch to crops like saffron, pomegranate and nuts are helping change the agricultural landscape. Trade routes are opening up for Afghan farmers, who are being offered grants to match their own investments to help set up new farms to cultivate legal crops.

french prosecutors urge jail for tax dodging ex minister

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rench prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to uphold the three-year, tax-fraud sentence of a former Socialist budget minister who stashed hundreds of thousands of euros in a Swiss bank account. Jerome Cahuzac was forced to resign from government in 2013 after it emerged that that he had been squirreling away undeclared cash from his lucrative Parisian hair transplant clinic.

The revelations caused severe embarrassment to then president Francois Hollande, who had appointed Cahuzac to crack down on tax cheats. Pressed on the allegations, Cahuzac lied both to Hollande and parliament before finally coming clean. In the wake of the scandal France set up an anticorruption agency and a national office to prosecute financial crimes. –CB Report

ot one hybrid car has been cleared by customs since the recent government decision to cancel a tax exemption on such vehicles, stakeholders said. Hybrid car buyers used to pay a reduced special sales tax of 25 per cent of the price instead of 55 per cent for regular fuel cars.

The government decided to cancel the exemptions in 2012, but the decision has been always postponed since then. This year, the government cancelled the exemptions and added another tax on weight of all cars ranging between JD500 to JD1,500. The new tax hikes, which took effect February 1, raised the prices of hybrid cars between JD4,000 and JD8,000,

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the Jordan Free Zone Investor Commission (JFZIC) President Nabeel Rumman told The Jordan Times on Thursday. No hybrid car has been customs-cleared since the beginning of this month, and we expect zero turnout in the future,” said the president. The president said the move is “not feasible” for the government, stakeholders or residents as the tax is “too high”, added Rumman. Rumman called on the government to extend the tax exemption, as it would have positive impact on the national economy with direct revenues to the Treasury. New taxes on hybrid cars increased by 150-200 per cent, he said. According to statistics from JFZIC, the number of hybrid cars in 2017 reached 31,500 Mohammad Yousef, who works at a clearance company, said the company has not received any customer to clear a hybrid vehicle since the decision.

Jordan to secure 5 year uS aid pledge ordan will secure a promise of Tive more years of U.S. Tinancial aid, a Jordanian ofTicial said, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to withhold support from countries that opposed his position on Jerusalem.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to sign the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Amman on Wednesday, the ofTicial said. The new MoU secures a minimum $1.275 billion per year from 2018, said the ofTicial, who declined to be named because the details had yet to be ofTicially announced. The previous such MoU between Jordan and the United States

was for three years. Though a staunch U.S. ally, Jordan has been sharply at odds with Trump over his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In December, Trump threatened to cut off Tinancial aid to countries that voted in favour of a U.N. resolution calling for the United States to withdraw its decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Jordan backed the resolution. The U.S. commitment to keep its promise to maintain steady aid to the kingdom reTlects the depth of our strategic relationship and a recognition of the kingdom’s key role in maintaining regional stability,” the ofTicial. –CB Report

Taiwan economic outlook and cross strait affairs

T TAIPEI

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aiwan and the world Tinished 2017 on a good note – with the expectation of more good news in 2018. The Taiwan economy ended the year by recording its strongest growth level in years, on the back of record-high exports. Mo-

mentum is likely to continue into 2019, with leading indicators all pointing upwards. Taiwan’s tradedependent economy was buoyed by stronger than expected growth in global trade. Exports continued their bull run through December, increasing 13.2% for 2017 in annual comparisons, for a total value of US$317.4 billion, according to data from the Bureau of Foreign Trade

under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The global trade environment appears favorable. The International Monetary Fund raised its worldwide economic growth forecast for 2018 to 3.9%, even stronger than the 3.7% growth in 2017, on the expectation that global trade and investment will remain vigorous. Tax reform in the United States is expected to have a strong impact as well.

Taiwan’s exports by spurring capex demand in the United States, which will likely raise demand for Taiwanese equipment and components. Taiwan is the tenth largest trade partner to the United States, and the United States is Taiwan’s second largest trade partner. Exports to the United States rose 10.3% in 2017 to reach US$36.978 billion.

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Singapore economy expands 3.6% in 2017 SINGAPORE: The economy expanded 3.6 per cent last year – faster than initial estimates – thanks largely to strong growth in the manufacturing sector, which makes up a fifth of the economy. Growth this year is expected to slow slightly but remain firm, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said yesterday.

The Singapore economy, which grew 2.4 per cent in 2016, picked up pace last year on the back of surging global demand for electronic gadgets. This trade-driven lift helped push 2017 economic growth above an earlier estimate of 3.5 per cent – which was already more than double initial forecasts.

Six ships take berth at port Qasim ix ships MSC Al-Ghero, Maersk Atlanta, Hony Future, Chemroad Mega, Sky Ploeg and Kobe Star carrying Containers, Coal, Palm Oil, Phosphoric Acid and Steel Coil were allotted berths at Qasim International Container Terminal, Pakistan International Bulk Terminal, Liquid Cargo Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and Multi Purpose Terminal respectively during last 24 hours, said a report issued by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) on Wednesday. Meanwhile three more ships, Mu Main Song, Argent Asler and Chemroute Sun carrying General Cargo and Palm Oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. High side berth occupancy was reported at the port at seventy one percent on Tuesday where a total of twelve ships namely, MSC Al-Ghero, Maersk Atlanta, Kobe Star, Da Liang, Young Harmony, Union Explorer, Hony Future, Daphne, Sky Ploeg, Ejnan, Chemroad Mega and Glorious are cur-

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Ports & Shipping

port of westport to close to foreign shipping

Bangladesh Signs Deal with Indonesia for Lng Imports angladesh signed an agreement with Indonesia. (29/01) to open talks on imports of liquefied natural gas, as the South Asian country turns to the supercooled fuel to fill a shortfall of domestic natural gas. A letter of intent was signed between two state energy companies, Petrobangla and Pertamina, after a meeting between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who arrived in Dhaka on Saturday. Bangladesh, a country of more than 160 million people, may import 17.5 million tons of LNG a year by 2025, as its domestic gas reserves dwindle and demand grows. Petrobangla is finalizing several floating storage and regasification units, the first of which is expected to commence operations in April 2018. In September, Bangladesh signed its first ever LNG import deal with Qatar, underscoring the rise of South Asia as a new market for the fuel. –CB Report

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WELLINGTON

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uller District Council voted last night to revoke the security status of its port, which means ships from overseas will no longer be able to enter the West Coast town. It follows moves by the council to take over the port’s operations from next month, after the current operator Westport Harbour Limited is wound up.

Mayor Garry Howard said the council was aware of public concern about the port’s future, but there was little point in keeping its designation as a port security area, which is a Maritime New Zealand requirement for international shipping.

“We’ve had barges that have gone to and from Australia and we’ve had the occasional visit by small cruise ships, but it’s been some years since either of those have occurred,” Mr Howard said.

Westport would remain open to fisheries operations, but regular

Wednesday February 28, 2018

dredging of the harbour and its entrance would cease. The council agreed last year to sell the dredging ship Kawatiri, which has lain idle since cement manufacturer Holcim left Westport the year before. Mr Howard said then that the council did not want to burden ratepayers with the cost of its upkeep, pegged at about $1 million annually. Members of the public are concerned that the lack of regular dredging will expose the town

to heightened risk from flooding from the Buller River. Mr Howard said reports to the council show that dredging removes only a minimal amount of material compared to the amount sluiced out by heavy rain. The dredge was still on the market and he did not think the council’s decision to revoke its security status will sound a death knell. Any new commercial activity would re-activate dredging operations, Mr Howard said.

kpT shipping intelligence report rently occupying berths at load/offload Containers, Steel Coil, Project Cargo, Coal, Canola Seeds, Chemicals, LNG, Palm Oil and Diesel Oil. A record cargo handling was achieved at the port on Tuesday where a cargo volume of 255,945 tonnes, comprising 236,128 tonnes import cargo and 19,817 tonnes export cargo inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 3,425 containers (TEUs), (2,382 TEUs imports and 1,043 TEUs exports) was handled at the port. Three ships, Oil Tanker ‘Glorious’ Bulk Cargo carrier ‘Young Hormony’ and Gas carrier Ejnan sailed out to sea on Wednesday morning, while two more ships, General Cargo carrier Da Liang and Bulk Cargo carrier Union Explorer are expected to sail on same day in the afternoon. –CB Report

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he Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued the following shipping report for the last 24 hours, ending 0700 hours. ALONG SIDE (Bulk Oil Pier) OP-I Karachi D. Crude Oil PNSC 13/02/18 OP-II Nord Larkspur D. Mogas GAC 14/02/18 OPIII Nave Polaris D. Chemical Alpine 14/02/18 ALONG SIDE (East Wharves) 2/3 Lemesos Lion D. Meal WMA Shipcare 04/02/18 4 Reem 3 D. Bitumen Alpine 13/02/18 10/11 Butinah D. Phosphate Coastal 09/02/18 12/13 Yangtze Harmony D. Gen.Cargo Facilities 11/02/18 14/15 Ince Tokyo L. Wheat WMA Shipcare 10/02/18 ALONG SIDE(P.I.C.T) 8/9 Sima Genesis D. L. Cnt. East Wind 12/02/18 ALONG SIDE(PDWCP): SAPT-3 Hyundai Splender D. L. Cnt.

Forbes-Sh 12/02/18 SAPT-4 Houston Express D. L. Cnt. United Arab 14/02/18 Along Side(West Wharves) Berth Vacant…

ALONG SIDE (K.I.C.T): 26/27 YM Orchid D. L. Cnt. Forbes-Sh 14/02/18 28/29 Ever Delight D. L. Cnt. Green Pak 14/02/18 EXPECTED ARRIVALS: CONTAINER (GEARLESS) Kota Lagu P-Delta 18/02/18 Not Sched 1500 Cnt. 1500 Cnt. Kota Kaya P-Delta 21/02/18 Not Sched 300 Cnt. 500 Cnt. MOL Eminence Mol Pak 21/02/18 Not Sched 700 Cnt. 1000 Cnt. Mol eminence Mol Pak 21/02/18 Not Sched 700 Cnt. 1000 Cnt. Kota Karim P-Delta 28/02/18 Not Sched 300 Cnt. 500 Cnt. Xin Chang Shu P-Delta 02/03/18 Not Sched 600 Cnt. 600 Cnt. Kota Kamil P-Delta 07/03/18 Not Sched 300 Cnt. 500 Cnt. GENERAL CARGO: Da Liang COSCO 13/02/18 Not Sched 1,059 GC Nil Damas Crystal Sea 13/02/18 Not

Sched Nil 163 G.C Nil Hermann-S GAC 13/02/18 Not Sched 30,974 Steel Nil Kobe Star GAC 15/02/18 Not Sched 28,716 GC Nil Royal Jade GAC 15/02/18 Not Sched 14,349 Steel Nil Safesea Neha II Sinopak 15/02/18 Not Sched 29,607 Steel Nil Tian Lu COSCO 16/02/18 Not sched 167 G.C Nil Cos Prosperity Aaras-Sh. 17/02/18 Not Sched 10,722 GC Nil Cs Flourish Sea Hawks 19/02/18 Not Sched 7,542 G.C Nil VEHICLE: Palmela Mol Pak 21/02/18 Not Sched 66 Units Nil COAL: Honey Future OC.World 14/02/18 Not Sched 56,300 Nil Young Harmony OC.World 14/02/18 Not Sched 60,215 Nil SHIPS OFF PORT: Vessel Name Type Agent expected Berth No. Arrival Date Arrival Time Remarks Msc Pilar Container Ship MSC Pak 14/02/18 00:01 Sunrise Oil Tanker GAC 07/02/18 06:24 Al Salam II Oil Tanker Wilhelmsen 11/02/18

11:00 Lake Sturgeon Oil Tanker GAC 13/02/18 13:50 Willet Oil Tanker OC.World 1 13/02/18 19:00.

Meanwhile, The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued the following shipping report for the last 24 hours, ending 0700 hours. ALONG SIDE (Bulk Oil Pier) OP-I Karachi D. Crude Oil PNSC 13/02/18 OP-II Nord Larkspur D. Mogas GAC 14/02/18 OP-III Nave Polaris D. Chemical Alpine 14/02/18 ALONG SIDE (East Wharves) 1Al Safa D. Jet Oil East Wind 14/02/18 2/3 Lemesos Lion D. Meal WMA Shipcare 04/02/18 4 Reem 3 D. Bitumen Alpine 13/02/18 10/11 Butinah D. Phosphate Coastal 09/02/18 14/15 Ince Tokyo L. Wheat WMA Shipcare 10/02/18 ALONG SIDE(P.I.C.T) 8/9 Wide India D. L. Cnt. U.M.A 14/02/18 ALONG SIDE(PDWCP): SAPT-3 MSC Pilar D. L. Cnt. MSC Pak 14/02/18 Along Side(West Wharves) Berth Vacant.

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Bid to smuggle 2.5kg heroin to Saudi Arabia foiled ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) foiled a bid to smuggle two and a half kilogramme heroin worth millions of rupees to Saudi Arabia and arrested the accused at Islamabad airport.

ANF sources said that during the search of a passenger leaving for Saudi Arabia through a private airline at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, 2.5-kilogramme high-quality heroin concealed in secret chambers of the bag was recovered.

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Business

‘Economy not to be affected by including in grey list’ ISLAMABAD

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dvisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Economic Affairs, Miftah Ismail has said that inclusion of Pakistan’s name in grey list would not affect the national economy and businessmen.

Pakistan had done a lot of work against money laundering and terrorism laws, and due to these steps; it was not possible to include its name in either black or grey list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), he said while talking to a news channel. At the moment, Pakistan’s name was not mentioned in the FATF grey list, he added. “We will make an ac-

fIA detains 30 deportees LAHORE

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tion plan by June and its draft would be presented by Pakistan in the next FATF meeting, “ Miftah Ismail said.

To a question about considering Pakistan’s name in the black

mou signed to ensue better employment opportunities for skilled workforce

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he FIA has arrested 30 passengers deported from Greece and handed them over to Anti Human Trafficking Cell (AHTC) for further action. These Pakistanis were arrested in Greece for their illegal entrance and were sent to jail. After completion of their sentences, they were deported on Friday and on arrival they were arrested by FIA immigration authorities.

Most of them belong to Gujranwala, Sialkot, Waizrabad, Jehlum, Gujrat and Rawalpindi.

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list, he said that there was no question to put the country in any list as the government had already done a lot against money laundering and terrorism laws. As

far as Pakistan’s economy was concerned, he said its exports graph was increasing.

Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce & Trade Sheikh Allauddin on Monday said that MoUs that had been signed would help explore opportunities for promoting digital commerce behaviours and make due contribution to the development of Punjab’s digital ecosystem. He expressed these remarks during a meeting with CEO PBIT Jahanzeb Burana at his camp office, here.

Jahanzeb Burana briefed the Minister about MoUs that had been signed with some well-known organisations named Zing Digicom (PVT) Limited, Chem. Energy Corporation, Liberty Mills and Engro Corporation.

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ISLAMABAD

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he National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVVTC), Overseas Employees Corporation and National Logistic Cell’s Mandra Institute Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to to ensure employment of Skilled Youth in the domestic and international labour market. Under this MoU, the Pak Army’s NLC Institute would impart trainings in different subjects in-

cluding behavioral management, character building, know-how of international laws and maintaining positive attitude with the fellow coworkers, a news release said.

Training would be imparted to 1500 Pakistani workforce who have got jobs in Korea, it added. The Executive Director NAVTTC, ZulTiqar Ahmad Cheema, during the MoU signing Ceremony, highlighted the initiative as a breakthrough in provision of greater employment opportunities to the skilled youth. We are committed to train more and more young boys and girls and ensure their employability

so that they become useful citizens of the country and contribute towards the economy, he said. If our skilled workforce displays professional attitude in the international working environment then it would help increase positive image of Pakistan before the world, he added. On this occasion, Secretary Overseas employees Corporation and Human Resource Development Dr M. Hashim Popalzai assured NAVTTC of full cooperation. Managing Director Aamir Sheikh, Director NLC Brig. Iftikhar Ahmad, Director General Zubair Hashmi and Dr Nasir Khan were also present.

foreign currency Account Scheme KARACHI

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he Foreign Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Base Rate.

FOREIGN CURRENCY ACCOUNTS SCHEME RATES BAY BID MAXIMUM RATES FOR PAYMENT OF INTEREST

BY ETHERIZED DEALERS R A T E S U.S. DOLLARS VALUE 26-02-18 For 3 months and over but less than 6 months 1.6936% PA 2.4436% PA For 6 months and over but less than 12 Months 1.9180% PA 2.6680% PA For 12 months 2.1997% PA 3.0747% PA For 2 Years 2.1997% PA 3.5747% PA For 3 Years 2.1997% PA 3.8247% PA For 4 years 2.1997% PA 4.0747% PA For 5 years 2.1997% PA 4.1997% PA POUND STERLING VALUE 26-02-18 For 3 months and over but less than 6 Months 0.3135% PA 1.0635% PA For 6 months and over but less than 12 months 0.4216% PA 1.1716% PA For 12 Months 0.6392% PA 1.5142% PA For 2 Years 0.6392% PA 2.0142% PA For 3 Years 0.6392% PA 2.2642% PA For 4 years 0.6392% PA 2.5142% PA For 5 years 0.6392% PA 2.6392% PA EURO VALUE 26-02-18 For 3 months and over but less than 6 months 0.1254% PA 0.8754% PA For 6 months and over but less than 12 months.

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LcD rejects nAB’s allegations against Shafiq LAHORE

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he family of Shahid ShaTiq and Lahore Casa Developers (LCD) rejected the allegations of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), saying that he was innocent and was not involved in any corruption.

As per the details, NAB on Saturday arrested Bismillah Engineering Services Chief Executive OfTicer

(CEO) Shahid ShaTiq whose company was a subsidiary of Paragon City and was given a contract of 14 billion. LCD CEO Brig ® Tipu Karim, while rejecting the allegations levelled by NAB, said that the allegations were not true since Punjab government did not pay a single penny for the project. It is worth mentioning that LCD is a joint venture of Bismillah Engineering Services, SPARCO and China Group.

He said that the construction of

Ashiyana Iqbal was not a contract but an agreement between Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC) and LCD which was concluded under Punjab Public-Private Partnership Act 2014. “Under this agreement, LCD had to bear all the development cost while Punjab government was only had to provide the land for the project,” he said and added that the Punjab government failed to hand over the whole land which was about 3077 kanals.

Talking about the transparency of the

agreement, Karim said that the contract was rewarded purely on merit basis where investors from across the world were invited to participate in biding. “The allegation of minting billions of rupees through the project is simply foolish because, from the beginning of the project, the government never paid a single penny. LCD has spent over Rs 500 million on the master plan, designing and feasibility of the project,” he said. “LCD’s intentions behind the project were pure because

it was developing homes for the low incomes families of Pakistan and was eager to develop a good image,” he said, adding that they had contacted PLDC ofTicials time and again over the delay in getting the land but they remained reluctant towards the issue.

“Over two dozen letters had been written to the PLDC and the matter was also brought to the knowledge of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif but to date, the whole land has not been given to LCD,” Karim said.

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FCCI stresses implementation of intellectual property rights law FAISALABAD: Strict enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) law is imperative to survive in the era of globalization and the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) is ready to host an awareness session for its members on this important topic, in collaboration with International Property Rights Organisation (IPO), said Farooq Yusuf, Senior Vice President of the FCCI. Addressing the first meeting of IPR Enforcement Coordination Committee at Model Customs Collectorate, Faisalabad Dry Port here Sunday, he said that the IPR enforcement committee is one of the key features of International Property Rights Organisation (IPO) Pakistan. He said that the Customs Department has taken steps for enforcement of the IPR but still a majority of small businessmen are not fully aware of the restrictions in this regard.

IccI shows concerns over forced evictions of traders in Islamabad

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Chambers

pakistani traders should get good share through B2B contacts

ISLAMABAD

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heikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has shown great concerns over the rising incidents of forced evictions of traders from shops as these incidents were creating insecurity among trading community about future of their businesses. He called upon the government to arrange early promulgation of rent control act in Islamabad to curb such unfortunate incidents. He said the recent incidents of forced evictions from shops in Aabpara Market and I-10 Markaz have disturbed the peace of trading community as they were feeling insecure about their future. He said

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the absence of rent control law in Islamabad was the major cause of rising rent disputes and forced evictions of traders and emphasized that government should pay urgent attention to this serious issue. He said Prime Minister of Pakistan during a meeting with local traders in recent past had assured for promulgation of new rent law in the federal capital soon, but no visible progress was made as yet to resolve this issue. Sheikh Amir Waheed said that an amended bill of rent restriction law for Islamabad was lying pending in the National Assembly since long and urged that government should arrange its early passage into law from the parliament to resolve this serious issue once for all. He said incidents of forced evictions from shops were badly affecting the business activities and the only solution of curbing such incidents was to promulgate the new rent law as soon as possible.

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ember British Parliament Lord Nazir Ahmed has said that many sectors of United Kingdom’s economy have vast space for Pakistani businessmen and they can get good share through B2B contacts, modern business techniques and technologies.

He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid and Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid also spoke on the occasion while Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, Awais Saeed Piracha, Naeem Hanif, Shahid Nazir, Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Wasim and Muhammad Chaudhry were present in the meeting. Lord Nazir Ahmed said that those countries are leading at economic front where private sector is playing good role. He said that Pakistani business community has the ability to turn country into an economic power. They should come forward and join hands with their foreign counterparts. He said that Pakistani expatriates are playing

laudable role in the economy of UK and are ready to facilitate their Pakistani brothers who want to do business Member British Parliament also emphasized the need for collective efforts to increase the existing trade volume between the two countries. He said that Pakistani businessmen should focus on joint ventures with their British counterparts to take full advantage of the expertise of UK. Indian is utilizing its all energies and propagating against Pakistan to cause huge economic loss but I have raised voice against this conspiracy at all international

forums”, Lord Nazir Ahmed added.

The LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that Pakistani business community attaches a lot of importance to the role played by Lord Nazir ahmed to support the cause of Kashmir in the House of Lords. He said that businessmen truly admire his efforts and stance to raise the voice for Kashmir. He said that despite the GSP Plus status, Pakistan has not been able to enhance its exports to UK as they are stagnant around U.S$ 1.5 Billion. He said that there is an ample potential of joint ventures between two countries in

Qatar chamber hosts moroccan exporters DOHA

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atar Chamber board member Ali Abdullatif Al Misnad said that Qatar-Morocco relations saw substantial progress within the past years, particularly after the mutual visits of both countries’ leaderships. These visits helped in promoting cooperation fields to the level of both countries’ peoples aspirations.

This came during a meeting with a delegation representing the Moroccan Association of Exporters (ASMEX) led by its president Hassan El Sentissi El Edrissi, in the presence of Nabi Zniber, ambassador of Kingdom of Morocco to Qatar.

El Misnad noted that both leaderships played a key role in cementing cooperation ties at all levels, pointing

out that Qatar and Morocco enjoy huge potentials and investment opportunities in which the private sector can establish partnerships and joint ventures. The trade volume between them reached last year to QR291m which is still below expectations. The forum reTlected the Moroccan desire to develop cooperation relation with the Qatari side and open new broad horizons of partnerships for the privilege of both economies, he added.

Underlining the importance of invest-

ment in Morocco, Misnad said that Qatari businessmen are keen on exploring investment opportunities galore in the Kingdom which is replete with promising opportunities attracting all world businessmen. On his part, ASMEX’s president Hassan El Sentissi El Edrissi invited Qatari businessmen to visit Morocco to explore business climate and establish investments in all Tields. He praised the substantial potentials both sides own which hold promising future for both countries’ relations. He afTirmed the importance of studying the available opportunities and intensifying mutual visits between businessmen to overcome all economic challenges.

Terming his country as “a gate to Europe”, El Edrissi said that Morocco is a gateway for Qatari companies which desire to enter into the European markets due to its strategic geographical position.

the areas of Auto Parts, Processed food, Pharmaceuticals, Leather made-ups, Light Engineering and Surgical instruments. Malik Tahir Javaid said that UK should provide some trade facilitation to us. UK has sizeable imports of textiles, leather, furniture, paper, plastics and footwear from China. Pakistan can be considered for these items as our country has great export potential in these areas. The LCCI President mentioned that trade diplomacy has a crucial role and for that matter Lahore Chamber keeps organizing international business delegations.

‘pak youth must be equipped with modern skills’ akistani youth must be equipped with most modern and latest vocational skills to make its products compatible with the international standards, said Dr Jens Jokisch, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy. Talking to a delegation of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Dr Jens said that German organisation GIZ was already working in Pakistan for the last many years to provide fundamental skills to its work force. About Pak-German relations, he said that two countries are trusted trading partners. He said that the bilateral trade between the two countries stood at 2.6 billion Euros during last year. –CB Report

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Federal minister visits ANF counter at Karachi airport KARACHI: Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Lt-Gen (retd) Salah Uddin Tirmizi has visited the checking counter of international departure of Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) at Quaid Azam International Airport, Karachi. ANF Force Commander Brig Noor Ul Hassan was along with him, said a statement. The minister observed the procedures being followed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Customs in their respective mandates. He also went to Isphani Hangar and checked the security measures taken by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Airport Security Force (ASF).

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

multan customs generates Rs.20.07m through auction of vehicles & goods MULTAN ImRAn ALI

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he Customs Collectorate generated Rs20.077 million through successful bidding of non-duty paid smuggled vehicles and miscellaneous goods.

According to details, Multan Customs hold auction of conTiscated vehicles and various miscellaneous goods which were seized by AntiSmuggling Organization in their different actions near Shershah Bypass Dry Port Multan. As many as 14 different vehicles of various models were presented in the public sale including Toyota Rush jeep, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Swift, Suzuki Alto, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Hilux Surf, Toyota Corolla and others. Thirteen various non-customs paid offered vehicles out of fourteen were successfully auctioned in Rs19.60 million. One vehicle was rejected due to fewer bid offered by bidders during auction. Multan Customs collected one fourth amount Rs.4.950 million from bidders on the spot for their successful bid.

Almost six various miscellaneous lots of goods and articles out of 41 lots of miscellaneous goods were sold out in Rs.1.173 million

during auction. There were 14 various lots rejected due to low bid offer from reserve price of Multan Customs. Multan Customs offered huge quantity of various goods in-

cluding electronics, auto parts and others in the auction but public took interest in few offered goods.

Customs offered five various lots of electronics , High Speed Diesel

(HSD) and POL products , auto scrap of dismantled vehicles and seized branded cell phones lots were rejected in the public sale due to lack of public attention. The auc-

tion of confiscated vehicles and miscellaneous articles was supervised by Assistant Collector Muhammad Ikram, Inspector Zia Bhatti alongwith other staff.

Quetta customs I&I foils bid to smuggle auto parts worth Rs7.25m QUETTA

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he Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has foiled a bid to smuggle luxury vehicles tyres, radiators, chassis, and hard wire worth Rs 7.25 million during special checking. Sources told Customs Today that Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation

Quetta Muhammad Akram Chaudhary received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle luxury vehicles tires, radiators, chassis, and hard wires from Quetta to Karachi. He constituted a raiding team under the supervision of Superintendent Majid Siddique and others. The team enhanced the surveillance in highway road and started searching of vehicles.

During the search operation, the team intercepted loaded truck registration no: QK-7197 which was going from Quetta to

Karachi. During the checking, the customs team recovered 50 luxury vehicles tires, 50 radiators, 2 luxury jeep chassis and 10 thousand yards hard wire worth Rs 7.25 million. The customs team seized all the items and arrested three smugglers including a driver. The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta registered an FIR against the smugglers and started investigations.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has foiled a bid to smuggle imported cameras and

computer wires and accessories worth Rs 2 million during special checking.

Sources told Customs Today that Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Quetta Muhammad Akram Chaudhary received a tip-off that some smugglers are trying to smuggle imported Cameras and other things from Quetta to different cities.

He constituted a raiding team under the supervision of Superintendent Zubair Ali and others. The team enhanced the surveillance in Quetta Road

Published by M S Raza O# 42, 3rd Flr Gull Plaza M.A Road Karachi, Printed by (Ibne Hassan Oset Printing Press, Shop No. 33 to 36 , Hockey Stadium, Karachi).

near Bara Market and started searching of vehicles.

During the search operation, the team intercepted a truck bearing registration no: QN547 which was going from Quetta to different cities. During the checking, the customs team recovered 150 piece of imported cameras, 2,000 piece of hard computer wire and data cables,50 LED monitors and Laptop systems worth Rs 12 million. The customs team seized all the items and arrested three smugglers including a driver.