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pAkIStAN’S FIrSt INDepth NewSpAper oN cuStoMS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 161

Karachi, Tues August 18, 2015

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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orrupt ‘tigers and Rlies’ high ranking and minor ofRicials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) either have to get themselves on right track or Rind other dens as the FBR is no more safe haven for them.

These admonishing tones were rung by the Member FBR Admin, Shahid Hussain Jatoi while giving an exclusive interview to Customs Today. He added that FBR Chairman

Price Rs. 14.00

Tariq Bajwa has pledged to pursue the corrupt ofRicials in anti-corruption drive and to develop an integrated accountability system in the FBR. Shahid said that number of high ofRicials and lower rank employees have been prosecuted following the charges of corruption, while numbers of investigations in this regard were underway. He revealed that FBR has dismissed many ofRicials including the ofRicers of grade 17 to 21 so far on proving corruption and misuse of powers.

Multan ASO confiscates 120 pieces of clothes iron

Islamabad Customs Collector Zeba goes on leave until August 21

Dar says Pakistan to achieve $20b forex reserves in next few weeks

Customs seizes engine oil worth Rs 4.4 million

FCCI terms photo Journalists backbone of news media

The Customs ASO has seized the imported clothes iron worth Rs 400,000 | See pAge 02 |

Collector Customs Adjudication Islamabad, Seema Raza Bukhari, has been assigned | See pAge 03 |

Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar said here Friday that the country | See pAge 04 |

Model Customs Collectorate Preventive Quetta has seized engine oil | See pAge 03 |

Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue. | See pAge 09 |

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Customs-IATA to sign MoU on August 17 at PC Hotel Tuesday, August 18, 2015

National

KARACHI: Pakistan Customs’ WeBOC and the International Air Transport Association commonly known as IATA are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at introducing automated Courier Clearance Module at Pearl Continental Hotel on August 17, 2015.

The official sources told Customs Today, that the IATA Director would reach Karachi

by August 16 evening and the signing ceremony would be held on the very next day.

In this regard, the Directorate of Reforms and Automation has given away the invitations to guest.

Multan ASo confiscates 120 pieces of clothes iron

FBr soon to launch tax amnesty scheme for non-filers to bring them into tax net MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

MULTAN

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IMrAN ALI

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized the imported clothes iron worth Rs 400,000 during an action in the Multan City.

According to the details, ASO conducted an operation to seize the smuggled items at the warehouse of a goods transportation company located near Vehari Road, Multan.

While searching the warehouse, Anti-Smuggling Organization staff found 120 pieces of imported irons packed in ten cartons. The origin of the smuggled iron was Malaysia.

The ASO team asked the owner of the transportation company to show documents of the items but he remained fail to do so on which the customs took the press irons into the custody.

OfRicials told that further investigations are underway, in this regard.

Meanwhile, The Anti-Smuggling Organization has seized Rs.7.56 million smuggled goods and vehicles during the month of July 2015.

According to details, Anti- Smuggling Organization from Multan has conducted various operations against the smuggled goods in the month of July and almost 10 different seizure cases have been formed against smuggled miscellaneous goods and non-customs paid vehi-

he Regional Tax Office Multan is going to launch a tax amnesty scheme for non-filers very soon. The Federal Board of Revenue has proposed tax amnesty scheme for the non- filers to bring them into the tax net and regional tax offices are waiting for the approval of this tax incentive scheme. The purpose of this new scheme is likely to launch exactly on pattern of another amnesty scheme for non-filer traders. The government want to bring all non-filers in the tax net in the financial budget 2015-16 by introducing tax incentives to all nonfilers in this regard.

As small traders are all set to observe shutter down strike again soon against the imposition of 0.3 percent withholding tax (WHT) on banking transactions from non-filers, the government has offered business community to exempt them from audit for three years if they pay minimum fixed amount and declare their assets along with their returns.

The regional tax offices are also working on the matter of withholding taxes with small traders in order to resolve the issues.

cles from the jurisdiction of model of Customs Collectorate Multan.

Customs had formed 17 seizure cases in the Rinancial year 2014-15 as compared to 10 seizure cases in the current Rinancial year 2015-16.

As many as Rive various vehicles including Toyota Corolla, Hilux surf, Vitz were seized in the various operation of Anti-Smuggling Organization in the jurisdiction against the non-customs paid vehicles in the location. There was almost Rs 6.70 million vehicles have been seized in the several operations of ASO for the

duration of July. As compared to Riscal year 2014-15, Anti-Smuggling Organization has seized nine different vehicles of Rs 8.20 million in the month of July.

Anti-Smuggling Organization has formed Rive other miscellaneous cases during the month of July. The worth of seized miscellaneous goods and article becomes almost Rs 0.86 million. While in the previous economic year 2014-15, Antismuggling Organization had formed eight seizure cases in many antismuggling operations in the juris-

diction of MCC Multan.

Anti- Smuggling Organization have seized smuggled items worth Rs 7.56 million in the month of July of current economic year 2015-16.

In the Rinancial year 2014-15 ASO had seized the smuggled goods of Rs 13.15 million during anti-smuggling activities in the jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, The Customs AntiSmuggling Organisation (ASO) Multan has seized 1,036 sets of new cell phones and 40,392 pieces of memory cards worth Rs 14 million here at Multan International Airport.

Hyderabad ANF recovers 6kg charas, arrests two drug peddlers HYDERABAD

ASLAM QureShI

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he Anti-Narcotics force (ANF) has confiscated 6 kilograms chars in different action in Hyderabad and arrested two drug peddlers.

As per details, ANF teams following the instructions of Anti-

Narcotics Force Hyderabad region’s head Ghulam Abbas Memon, raided different area of Hyderabad city and recovered drug from the possession of the accused having value in hundreds of thousands.

The ANF team conducted raid near Fathe Chowk, Hyderabad where it held a suspect and recovered 3,200 grams of charas from his possession, While in another action it captured an accused namely Chandio following

the recovery of 2,800 grams of charas near Jamshoro.

Officials told that cases have been registered against them under the anti-narcotics law of the country.

Meanwhile, The Excise and Taxation Department has seized huge quantity of charas and liquor and arrested two drug peddler during two different raids in Thatta and Badin districts Sources told Customs Today that on special directions of Ex-

cise Taxation and Narcotics director Syed Sibtain Ali Bukhari, the team raided different locations and recovered 490 grams of charas and 250 liters illicit of alcohol from Hyderabad region, Badin and Thatta and arrested two drug peddlerSources further revealed that special team under the supervision of Syed Sikander Shah A.E.T.O Thatta district raided on different locations and seized 250 liters of illicit liquor and arrested one accused person. While during

another raid Excise Taxation and Narcotics Hyderabad region team led by Abdul Jabar Bharghary raided and recovered 490 grams of chars and arrested one drug peddler.

Separate cases has been registered against the accused and further interrogations and proceedings are still underway.Separate cases has been registered against the accused and further interrogations and proceedings are still underway.

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Customs Intelligence reshuffles BS-16 officials LAHORE: The Directorate of Investigation and Intelligence, Customs Lahore has under taken large scale transfers of officials of BS-16, including superintendent, deputy superintendents and inspectors.

The officials were strength of Model Customs Collectorate Preventive, Lahore and temporarily serving the directorate due to the shortage of staff, sources told Customs Today. Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Munawar Khan and Fiaz Ahmad have been posted to MCC Preventive and Internal Audit.

Islamabad customs collector Zeba goes on leave until August 21 ISLAMABAD

ShAhID MINhAS

Tuesday August 18, 2015

National

customs seizes engine oil worth rs 4.4 million

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ollector Customs Adjudication Islamabad, Seema Raza Bukhari, has been assigned additional charge of Collector Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad as the collector concerned is on leave until August 21.

According to the details, Collector Model Custom Collectorate Islamabad, Zeba Hai, has gone abroad after taking leave until August 21.

Therefore, Collector Seema Raza Bukhari will handle all the official matters of the said collectorate and will issue necessary instructions to the employees of the Collectorate.

Collector Seema will hold the additional charge of MCC Islamabad till her arrival.

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court sends ppp senator’s son to jail on judicial remand LAHORE

M IMrAN MehAr

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ccountability Court Lahore has sent PPP Senator Saifullah Bangash’s son Shaukat Ali to jail and rejected request of National Accountability Bureau for his further physical remand.

Sources told Customs Today that the National Accountability Bureau has arrested Shaukat Al, son of PPP Senator Saifullah Bangash, for selling a marriage hall illegally. “[The hall] is a case property cautioned by the NAB in another case, prohibiting its sale and purchase.

However, the accused, in connivance with and active abatement of other accused persons, violated NAB’s caution and illegally sold it out for Rs 52.5 million,” sources told.

Now Court after completion of his physical remand again send him to jail on judicial remand after completion of his physical remand.

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KARACHI

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odel Customs Collectorate Preventive Quetta has seized engine oil worth Rs 4.4 million during a crackdown in Quetta.

Sources told Customs Today that Customs Preventive received a credible information that engine oil is being smuggled into the country through Afghan trade. After receiving information, a raiding party intercepted a Mazda truck at Bolali check-post and seized engine oil worth Rs 4.4 milion.

Customs asked the driver to produce legal documents regarding possession of engine oil but he failed to produce the same. After which customs team seized the engine oil and registered a case against the owner of the truck. Further proceedings are still in progress till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, Model Customs Collectorate-Preventive Collector Syed Muhammad Tariq Huda has instructed the contractors and the staff to complete the renovation of the historic and cultural heritage – Eduljee Dinshaw Road by Independence Day, August 14, 2015 at any cost.

He stated this while inspecting the ongoing development work of

Eduljee Dinshaw Road and expressed satisfaction on the pace of the work. The collector directed the contractors and labourers to ensure completion of the historic project by August 14, 2015.

The project aimed at renovating the Eduljee Dinshaw road was launched with the efforts of Collector MCC-Preventive Syed

engine oil is being smuggled into the country through Afghan trade. After receiving information, a raiding party intercepted a Mazda truck at Bolali check-post and seized engine oil worth rs 4.4 milion.

Faisalabad ASO seizes Indian black tea

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he Anti-Smuggling Organization ( ASO) Faisalabad has seized foreign origin black tea of CTC brand .

Sources told Customs Today that Model Customs Collector Tauseef Ahmed Qureshi received a credible information regarding smuggling of Indian brand black tea.

After receiving the information Collector Tauseef Ahmed Qureshi

immediately constituted a raiding team comprising Zahid Bukhari (Superintendent), Mehmood Ahmad Doger (inspector), Muhammad Naeem, HaRiz Nisar Ahmad, and Asrar Ahmad (sepoy’s ).

The customs team conducted a raid on Quetta Goods Transport Company, near New Truck Stand Jhang Road Faisalabad and seized 38 bags of black tea weighting 2450 kilograms.

The customs teams asked the ac-

cused persons Adil Javaid son of Javaid Iqbal who is resident of Chak No. 102-GB Islampura Faisalabad and Abdul Hanan son of Abdur Rashid who is P-94, Mohallah Khalidabad, Faisalabad to produce legal documents regarding possession of the tea.

But the failed to produce the same. Upon their failure customs authorities seized the tea and registered a case against the accused persons.

Muhammad Tariq Huda. After renovation of the road, it would be closed for traffic and the people would come at evening to spend their leisure time and rejuvenate their memories of old times, as plants, park-lanes and other recreational items would be installed at the corners of the road for entertainment of the visitors.

customs seizes mobile phones worth rs 0.5m ustoms staff has successfully seized mobile phones amounting to Rs 0.5 million at Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar. According to details, customs staff were scanning the luggage of passengers who had arrived via Air Blue Flight no.

PA 0611. During the scanning, a passenger put his baggage on the scanning machine which reflected smart phones of different types.

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New SRO being issued to exempt wheat bran from ST Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Business

ISLAMABAD: Keeping in view the decision of Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to issue a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) to exempt wheat bran from whole of Sales Tax (ST). The tax authority, through the SRO will exempt wheat bran from ST that falls under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) heading 2302.3000 to remove an anomaly created through Finance Act 2015.

Sources said that one of the objectives of the budgetary exercise for the year 201516 was to withdraw sales tax exemptions on non-essential goods.

Dar says pakistan to achieve $20b forex reserves in next few weeks ISLAMABAD

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inance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said here Friday that the country was all set to achieve the $20 billion forex reserve mark in next few weeks. This was the good news that he was sharing with the nation on Independence Day, he added.

The Minister stated this while addressing an Independence Day ceremony organized at BISP Head-

India eases visa policy for business community of SAArc countries LAHORE

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growth and economic consolidation, he added. He said the report by Jim O’Neill, a British economist had predicted Pakistan would be the 18th leading economy by 2050, but with dedicated efforts we wish to reach that stage in half the time. He said the country’s forex reserves had already reached close to 19 billion dollars presently and his eyes were now all set on achieving the $20 billion mark. Inshallah we shall achieve that, the Minister said.

Talking about the BISP the Minister said he was pleased to see the programme Rlourish and turn into the largest social safety net, facilitating s large number of beneRiciar-

ies in the country. He said from Rs. 40 billion in June 2013, we have enhanced the BISP budget to 102 billion in 2015-16, increased the monthly stipend from Rs.1200 to Rs.1800 and now intend to attain the 5.3 million beneRiciaries’ target.

He said when he conceived the idea of this programme seven years ago, he envisioned that the stipends provided to the beneRiciaries would improve the most vulnerable people’s lives and help them attain health and educational facilities. When PML (N) came to power in 2013, he gave clear instructions on running the programme in an efRicient and transparent manner.

rs 35b dues: No choice but to cut pSM gas supply, says SSgc KARACHI

he Indian government has given some relaxation in visa policy for business community of SAARC countries including Pakistan. According to the new policy, the Indian government will grant the traders a three-year multiple-entry business visa, allowing them to visit 15 places in India first time. The SAARC Chamber had been raising the visa issue at all forum since long and now it had succeeded in persuading the Indian government.

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quarters. The event was attended by large number of BISP beneRiciaries, political personalities, and senior government ofRicials, representatives of national and international organizations, socialites and diplomats. The ceremony was studded with a range of activities including the launch of Demographic Directory, a documentary on BISP narrative and presentation of the BISP theme song.

Finance Minister went on to say that all international rating agencies were now holding the Pakistani economy in high esteem. Our economy is stable and now we are embarking on the journey towards

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he Rinancial situation of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is worsening mainly due to non-payment of outstanding dues by the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). An SSGC spokesperson, in a statement, said that there is no other choice but to disconnect gas supply to the PSM as the steel mills

owed Rs8.3 billion to SSGC in July 2012 and by July 2013 the amount had shot up to Rs15 billion. Since then the outstanding amount is increasing uncontrollably and at present, PSM’s liabilities stand at Rs35 billion, he added.

“This is a major concern for SSGC since it has made it increasingly difRicult for the company to make payments to local and foreign exploration and production companies for the purchase of gas as well as to meet other commitments,” the spokesperson said. “If this situation persists, the gas utility may be

forced to default on payments.”

Meanwhile, All the provincial governments have been urged to release 9.2 million tonnes of wheat for the Rlour mills. Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) Sindh Chairman Mian Mahmood Hasan, in a statement, said that a huge wheat stock is lying in the open and in government go-downs for the last two years in different towns and cities, mainly in Sindh. He added that the Sindh government possessed about 1.6 million tonnes of wheat, out of which 0.7 million tonnes belonged to last year’s crop.

chinese media highlights impacts of cpec URUMQI

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he Chinese press has lauded the future impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on both the neighbouring countries.

Explaining the benefits of the corridor, China’s state-owned news agency cited the example of a Pakistani businessman Shah Hussain.

Shah Hussain recently cleared customs to ship 2,000 Chinese mobile phones through the Khunjerab Pass in west China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

He’ll bring the China-made mobile phones back to his store in his hometown Gilgit, more than 300 kilometers from the pass. Popular with the locals for their affordable prices and long battery life, 25,000 Chinese mobile phones were sold last year at his store.

For business people like him, importing commodities from Xinjiang is safer and more convenient than from somewhere in Pakistan, “especially after China and Pakistan said to construct an economic corridor,” Shah Hussain said.

The corridor he mentioned is the CPEC, an important part of the China-initiated Silk Road Economic Belt. It was agreed upon by both countries in May 2013, a few months earlier than.

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SECP Policy Board meets to discuss stock market scandal ISLAMABAD

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he Policy Board of Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has met to discuss various policy matters and issues, includ-

ing inquiry report of stock market crisis. The board was briefed on evaluations and recommendations given to avoid such a crisis in the future. An inquiry report, led by Shamim Ahmad Khan’s Committee, constituted to study the 2008 stock market crisis, held SECP responsible for the crisis.

The board was also

briefed on capital market reforms to strengthen the regulatory regime and the status of demutualisation and integration of the stock exchange.The board approved constitution of Small Dispute Resolution Committees under Section 117 of the Insurance Ordinance 2000 and increase in minimum paidup capital requirements for insurers. An update on eval-

uation of International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) of the SECP was also given.

Meanwhile, Keeping in view the decision of Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to issue a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) to exempt wheat bran from whole of

Sales Tax (ST).

The tax authority, through the SRO will exempt wheat bran from ST that falls under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) heading 2302.3000 to remove an anomaly created through Finance Act 2015. Sources said that one of the objectives of the budgetary exercise for the year 2015-16 was to withdraw sales tax exemptions on non-

essential goods.

The measures so proposed also included withdrawal of sales tax exemption on poultry and cattle feeds and their ingredients.

Initially, it was proposed in the Finance Bill, 2015, to withdraw the exemption and levy sales tax at reduced rate of 5 percent on poultry and cattle feeds and their ingredients.

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he Customs Investigation and Intelligence’ anti-smuggling wing has seized smuggled items of Afghan Transit Trade valued at Rs 10 million on Multan Road.

On the information of Additional Director Mohsin Rafique, Customs Intelligence officials intercepted a truck loaded with auto parts, bicycles, alarms, tyres and cloth. The customs authorities confirming that the items were being transported to Lahore illegally, seized the items and arrested two accused Mir Gull and Ghulam Hussain, sources said.

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s seized ASo wing ha Afghan ems of smuggled it lued at rs a v e d a r t it s tran road. on n a lt u M n o 10m tion of the informa tor irec Additional D stoms ue, cu Mohsin rafiq fficials o Intelligence truck loaded a d e t p e rc e int rts with auto pa

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

added that the truck was coming from Peshawar with the smuggled items belonging to many small traders.

The sources said that following registering case against the accused party the customs authorities have started investigation.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Investigation and Intelligence, Customs Lahore has under taken large scale transfers of officials of BS-16, including superintendent, deputy superintendents and inspectors.

The officials were strength of Model Customs Collectorate Preventive, Lahore and temporarily serving the directorate due to the shortage of staff, sources told Customs Today.

Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Munawar Khan and Fiaz Ahmad have been posted to MCC Preventive and Internal Audit.

Deputy Superintendent Farhat Bukhari has been posted at MCC Preventive and Faizur Rehman in Internal Audit.

However, inspectors including Muhammad Shafiq, Asad Farooq, Sohail Murtza, Amir Moeen, Arif Naveed, Maqsood Ahmad, Iftikhar Shah, Maasood Ahmad have been posted to MCC Appraisement, Lahore. Similarly, Inspector Nadeem Ahsan, Babar, Muhammad Ali Iqbal have been posted in MCC Preventive.

Meanwhile, The Customs Investigation and Intelligence personnel have seized smuggled goods and articles worth millions of rupees and arrested the suspects, sources told Customs Today

on Wednesday. Acting upon information, the customs authorities intercepted a truck coming from Rawalpindi and recovered millions of rupees circuits, breakers, polyester rolls and other items.

The Customs authorities under the supervision of superintendent Nasir Minhas and Munawar Khan seized the smuggled items and arrested the accused.

The sources further said that the smuggled items belonged to Nafees ur Rehman who registered goods and articles in the name of a goods and transporter company owner Akeel form Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, LAHORE: Customs Lahore Preventives’ Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) has impounded two non-customs paid Honda Civic in the city.

Sources said that the two white and black Honda Civics bearing Registration No. LXZ-228 and LWH-2219 were conRiscated one at Bilal Gung and the other at Johar Town. It was reported that the total value of the two cars is estimated at Rs 2.4 million. Sources said that on information Customs Inspector Sajad Bukhari and his team on the instructions of customs superintendent Mumtaz Ajmal Mian raided the two different places and seized the cars. The sources said that cars were being use for household and were reported to the customs authorities. The sources said that separate cases have been registered against the accused person and further investigation is under way. The ASO seized Rirst two cars during the Rirst two months of the Rinancial year 2015-16.

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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

great expectations akistan is expecting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve a $502 million loan in mid-September after it ensured the donor agency that it is ready to adopt a set of policy measures to meet the conditionalities. After attending the IMF meetings in Dubai, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of meetings in Islamabad to discuss various pressing issues, including the autonomy of the State Bank, expansion of tax net and privatisation of the government-owned organizations to pave the way for meeting the targets set by the IMF for the approval and release of the next tranche.

The government has already convened biddings for the privatisation of National Power Construction Company to meet one of the prior actions. Dar has also approved a reference price for the sale of the company, leading to some more divestments in the near future.

A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance was convened to meet the financial targets in line with a conditionality of the IMF program.

Rampant corruption in the power sector is one of the main causes of the energy crisis in the country. A delay in removing numerous deficiencies is hindering the flow of funds from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other lending agencies for the improvement of this sector. Unfortunately, the frail economy looks towards Washington to help obtain even the IMF loans. The people of Pakistan are destined to live in dark on the financial and economic issues as the IMF is not in a hurry to let them know the situation in the background.

The NA standing committee has approved the proposed State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill 2015 for the establishment of a committee to take decisions on the monetary policy.

Amendments to SBP Act of 1956 will clip the powers of the executive board of the State Bank, allowing the Monetary Policy Committee to determine policy rate.

The people of Pakistan need a blow of fresh air which is missing in every government action.

People do not want amendments, but reforms in economic and financial discipline whereas the government is following hackneyed path of commissions and omissions. The country has the potential to enhance exports of indigenous products, but it has failed to find new markets.

There is a need to benefit from the growing cottage industry and concentrate on the exports of local-made products rather than yearning for the production and exports of high tech equipment.

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pakistan and regional economy LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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he present government is sincere in doing something for this nation, but does not know from where to start. The Rinance minister of this country is an accountant and he is able to manage the accounts almost in a perfect manner, but he has failed to achieve economic and Rinancial discipline. The prime minister is an industrialist, but his knowledge is limited to the extent of industry whereas economy is something which covers Rinancial discipline, trade, investment, and industry all together. During his visit to Belorussia, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has projected Pakistan as a gateway of trade

and energy with potential to connect various countries in the region through oil and gas pipelines, power transmission lines and roads network to boost regional trade and investment. Addressing a function at a Belarusian university, he counted Pakistan’s ability to work as an engine of growth not only for itself, but also for the region. Pakistan has necessary infrastructure, manpower and vast natural resources most of which are still untapped and has economically viable geographical location as it is situated at the conRluence of the ancient silk routes – the cusp of Central, South and West Asia which makes it a potential hub of regional trade.

Inviting the Byelorussian investors, the prime minister precisely counted the economic and trade opportunities in the region while the foreign investors can reap the beneRits of enormous potential in Pakistan and the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor

PM Nawaz Sharif has projected Pakistan as a gateway of trade and energy with potential to connect various countries in the region

will change the dynamics of the region.

Pakistan offers ample opportunities of cooperation in the Rield of energy such as CASA-1000 and the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (TAPI) gas pipeline projects. The prime minister says that the challenges of security, environment and depleting water resources call for closer collaboration on the regional and international levels. The Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, Eurasian Economic Union and creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are important accomplishments which the regional countries achieved and there is a need to work for the shared goals for the development of the regional economies. Pakistan is ready to establish cordial relations with India and Afghanistan and seeks to expand foreign direct investment in the Rields of power generation, infrastructure development, agriculture and agro-based industry as well as mining and oil and gas exploration.

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KCCI appreciates armed forces, LEAs for ensuring peace across Pakistan KARACHI: President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra has highly appreciated Pakistan’s armed forces, Rangers, police and other Law Enforcing Agencies (LEAs) for making all out efforts towards ensuring peace during the celebrations across Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day. In a statement issued, Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra said that the Independence Day was celebrated across Pakistan with extraordinary zeal and enthusiasm thanks to the untiring efforts being made by the armed forces.

Pak-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce be established to boost trade: Dauda he business community of Pakistan should exert pressure to immediately process and establish Nigeria-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry in order to give a quantum jump to economic relations between the two countries.

This was stated by High Commissioner of Nigeria to Pakistan Dauda Donaldi while addressing the members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his visit here today. He underlined the objective of his visit to FCCI and said that Nigeria and Pakistan have identical problems and history. No doubt they are enjoying good cordial relations for the last many years but these relations could not be translated into economic term due to different reasons. He said that last year the first joint ministerial conference of Nigeria and Pakistan was held to capitalize the trade potential of two countries.

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TDAP held 37 exhibitions in 2013-14, 38 in 2014-15 ith the aim to seek new markets and introduce Pakistani products at world level, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has held 37 exhibitions in fiscal year 2013-14 in coordination with relevant consulates and trade officers, while 38 exhibitions were arranged in 201415 in all-over the world. According to Commerce Division, the TDAP ensured participation of Pakistani exporters in 75 exhibitions to boost exports during last two years. The TDAP is working through Pakistani Embassies and Consulates in 37 countries engaging 55 trade officers.

The trade officers are also ensuring that relevant government bodies and commercial organizations.

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Tuesday August 18, 2015

Chambers

IccI calls for ending FBr Intelligence wing raids on business premises ISLAMABAD

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uzzamil Hussain Sabri, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Intelligence and Investigation Department of FBR should immediately halt raids on business premises and forced debits from bank accounts should also be stopped forthwith because such tactics are creating lot of harassment in the businessmen. He was addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue has asked the non-Rilers to Rile their tax returns of 2014 by 28th February 2016 and get exemption from withholding tax deduction on their banking transactions. Speaking on the occasion, he said that government has adopted a soft approach on withholding tax and it was a good opportunity for non-Rilers to declare their hidden assets,

sales and turnovers honestly and Rile their tax returns that would be accepted without questioning them.

Shahid Hussain Asad Member IR Policy and Nadeem Dar Member Facilitation FBR were also present at

the occasion.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said traders are doing legitimate business and they should come into the formal sector. He said that government is facing huge difference of Rs 1700

LCCI asks Pak-Chinese businessmen to increase trade volume

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LAHORE

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ice President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi has urged the Pakistani and Chinese businessmen to speed up their efforts to enhance two-way trade volume.

While talking to his Chinese counterparts on Thursday, Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi said that businessmen of the both countries should identify new areas for joint ventures.

He said that the Game-Changer Pak-China Economic Corridor would start a new era of trade & economic cooperation therefore Pakistan’s private sector should

avail this unique opportunity to the maximum.

The LCCI Vice President said that Pak-China Economic Corridor is an ample proof of unbreakable Pak-China historic friendship. He said that both countries are associated together in strong ties of love and their mutual relations are based on solid foundations.

He said that economic globalization and regional integration has provided enormous opportunities for further cooperation between China and Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is an ideal destination of foreign investment and top priority of the Chinese investors.

He said that Pakistan had made attractive investment policies which provide a lot of investment opportunities that are prompting

Chinese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Pakistan.

Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi said that an obvious increase in the frequency of Chinese delegations to Pakistan makes it apparent that special significance is being given

by China to Pakistan to further strengthen the Pak-China relations.

He said that in the context of ongoing project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the need and importance of private to private contacts has mounted. He said that Lahore has a special significance being the hub of business activities in Punjab. Both public and private sector organizations are striving hard to fully exploit the trade and investment potential of Punjab in collaboration with foreign investors.

billion between revenue and expenditure and it is ready to give more incentives in consultation with business community to bring non-Rilers into the tax net to improve tax-toGDP ratio.

Vietnam keen to promote trade, economic ties with pakistan: envoy large delegation of Vietnam led by Nguyen Xuan Luu, Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan and Hoang Duc Nhuan, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held meetings with local businessmen to explore possibilities of business cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The delegation was representing textiles, electrical equipment, steel, home appliances, agro business, fruits and vegetables, beverages, fisheries, industrial machinery and auto parts etc. Speaking at the occasion, Nguyen Xuan Luu, Ambassador of Vietnam said that Vietnam was keen to promote trade and economic ties with Pakistan.

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Dubai Customs arrests woman for smuggling 4.5kg cocaine Tuesday August 18, 2015

World Hong Kong Customs presents certificates to three new HKAEO he Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) presented certificates to three companies in a ceremony to recognise their compliance with the accreditation criteria under the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (HKAEO) Programme for extra clearance facilitation.

With the three newly accredited companies, the number of HKAEOs has increased to 28 since the formal launch of the Programme in April 2012. The members include multinational companies, local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises engaging in importing/exporting, manufacturing, freight forwarding, terminal operating and warehouse operating business. Being the trusted partners of the C&ED along the international supply chain, they are entitled to clearance facilitation benefits such as less inspection or prioritised clearance. The development of authorised economic operator (AEO) programmes has become a global trend.

A large number of economies, including most of Hong Kong’s principal trading partners, have rolled out their programmes and some of them have established mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) among themselves. Under an MRA, AEOs of both signatory economies can enjoy clearance benefits provided by the other side.

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DUBAI: A woman carrying 4.5 kg cocaine in her underwear was arrested at Dubai International Airport. Police became suspicious of the woman as she was walking in a strange manner.

The 42-year-old woman from Zambia appeared tense and scared when called for search by one of the customs department official, according to police witness. She had carried the drugs hidden in her corset, underwear and also between her thighs, making her walk strangely.

According the reports.

Dubai court sentences cook to 10yrs jail for smuggling marijuana DUBAI

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cook has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted on charges of smuggling 469g of marijuana that he tried to sneak into the UAE in a packet of dried Rish. The cook was caught with the narcotics at Dubai International Airport in May. A customs inspector became suspicious about the 25-year-old Bangladeshi cook, M.F., as he screened his hand baggage shortly after the latter had disembarked from a Rlight at the Dubai International Airport.

Upon taking the cook and his luggage to a private search room, a dried grassy substance (the marijuana) was found wrapped inside

the dried Rish.

The Dubai Court of First Instance convicted M.F. of smuggling and possessing marijuana.

According to the primary verdict, the accused was also Rined Dh50,000.

He will be deported following the completion of his punishment.

The customs inspector testiRied about the incident at the arrivals terminal at Dubai airport.

“It was the nightshift when one of my colleagues suspected that M.F. was carrying a banned substance.

The special scanner detected a strange object inside the bag. My colleague searched the defendant’s luggage. There were clothes inside but there was also a plastic bag that was wrapped with a tape; upon opening the plastic bag, there was dried Rish inside. Inside the dried Rish, there was a white plastic pouch.

We opened the pouch and found in-

side it a substance that looked like marijuana. Upon confronting the defendant, he denied possessing any illegal substance and claimed that he had nothing to do with that substance. When we questioned him about the nature of the seized sub-

US benchmark WTI hit $41.35 per barrel

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NEW YORK

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

il prices steadied on Friday after New York crude reached a new multi-year low point against a backdrop of high supplies.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September hit $41.35 a barrel — the lowest level

since March 2009.

It recovered to $42.22 a barrel, down one cent compared with Thursday’s close.

Brent North Sea crude for September rose 12 cents to stand at $49.34 a barrel in London afternoon deals. Bernard Aw, a strategist at IG Markets, predicted prices to remain weak after the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday fore-

cast the global crude supply glut to last into next year. “The IEA assessment that the supply glut situation would be extended beyond 2015 continues to contribute to the pessimistic outlook for energy,” he said.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) this week said that its output in July rose by 100,700 barrels per day from the previous month.

oil prices fall in early Asian trading

O TOKYO

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il prices fell in early Asian trading as Japan’s economy contracted on the back of falling exports and consumer spending, adding to fears that Asia’s biggest economies are starting to slow at the same time.

U.S. crude was trading at $42.07 per barrel at 0012 GMT, 43 cents below their last settle-

ment and close to more than sixyear lows. Brent futures were at $48.69 a barrel, down 50 cents but still some way off from their 2015-low of $45.19.

Japan’s economy, the second biggest in Asia and number three in the world, shrank at an annualised pace of 1.6 percent in April-June as exports slumped and consumers cut back on spending.

The slowdown in Asia’s biggest economy, China, and its impact on

the region have also heightened the chance that any rebound in

growth in July-September will be modest, analysts say.

stance, he claimed that it is called ganja [in Bangladeshi language] which is the same as marijuana. He alleged that he brought it with him from a friend in Bangladesh and was supposed to hand it over to someone else,” said the inspector.

UK economy forecast to remain at 0% LONDON

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alling oil prices and a strong pound are likely to have anchored inflation at zero for a second successive month in July, giving further reason for Bank of England policymakers to delay raising interest rates. City economists said official figures to be published on Tuesday are likely to show consumer price inflation (CPI) remained at zero last month. The rate, which is used by the government as its official measure to set pensions, wages and benefits, fell to 0% in February, and has remained close to that level ever since.

It is now 18 months since CPI was at the Bank’s 2% target, and economists suggest it will not return to that level soon. The measure hit a low of -0.1% in April, and some analysts forecast that cuts in utility bills, and a fresh decline in petrol prices with retailers passing on recent falls in oil prices.

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BHP Billiton resumes normal iron ore shipments to Tianjin TIANJIN: BHP Billiton restored normal iron ore shipments at the Chinese port of Tianjin after deadly blasts caused disruptions, while Fortescue Metals Group said deliveries were unaffected. Futures pared a weekly advance.

“We understand the iron ore berths are operating as normal and that port operations, including customs clearance, also resumed,” Melbourne-based BHP said in an emailed statement.

Hong Kong port container traffic falls 9.4% to 8.36m TEUs in H1

Ports & Shipping Tuesday August 18, 2015

Nogowski’s grasp strike powers ports

ontainer traffic at the port of Hong Kong, China in JanuaryJune 2015 decreased by 9.4% compared to the same period in 2014 and totaled 8.36 million TEUs, the Port Authority said.

Shipsments of export/import and empty containers through the largest Kwai Tsing terminal dropped by 10.3% to 6,64 million TEUs, container traffic at other terminals fell 5.7% to 1,7 million TEUs. Port of Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports in the world.

In 2014, overall container throughput at the Port of Hong Kong reached 22.27 million TEUs. The port is able to receive and handle 456,000 ships a year.

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Mississippi ports get $3.8m for upgrades, repairs and maintenance he Mississippi Transportation Commission has awarded $3.8 million in grants to seven of the state’s ports for upgrades, maintenance and repairs.

The work ranges from upgrading rail lines, improving docks, repairing roofs and general cleanup.

It was welcome news for Mark McAndrews, director of the Port of Pascagoula, which abuts the Pascagoula River at the Gulf of Mexico.

Pascagoula’s facility lost the use of one of its docks in a 2013 fire that destroyed an adjacent freezer. The dock at terminal 1-A has been out of service since the fire, McAndrews said.

The $950,000 the port will get — which is the largest of the seven awards — will bring that dock back into service. McAndrews said work should begin within 120 days, after demolition of the freezer, which held poultry for export until the fire.

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STOCKTON

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report

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ohn Nogowski picked the right time to take advantage of a drawn-in inRield. Nogowski, Stockton’s Rirst baseman, blooped a base hit over second base for a two-run single, the eventual game-winner in the Ports’ 7-5 Cal League victory over the Visalia Rawhide in front of 2,316 fans Sun-

day at Stockton Ballpark.

Facing a 2-2 count against Joey Krehbiel with Jake Nottingham on third and B.J. Boyd on second, Nogowski’s hit didn’t even reach the outRield grass. But with one out the Rawhide inRield trying to cut off the go-ahead run at the plate. The strategy backRired, allowing Nottingham and Boyd to score.

“Krehbiel is nasty,” Nogowski said. “I have had Rive or six at-bats with him this year and he gets me out every time.

“He kind of left the slider up a bit

and gave me a little bit of a chance to get the bat on it. But I was just battling, and sometimes when you battle good things will happen.

After losing the lead in the second inning, Stockton (59-59 overall, 22-27 second half) took it back with a two-run sixth. After a Nottingham single, Boyd (2 for 4, two doubles, two RBI) doubled to left, scoring Nottingham from Rirst for a 4-all tie. Nogowski (2 for 4, double, three RBI) followed with a double down the right-Rield line to plate Boyd for a 5-4 Ports lead.

NCML, APSEZ enter into strategic partnership gri-infrastructure player National Collateral Management Services (NCML) and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), part of the Adani Group have entered into a strategic partnership.

The objective of the partnership is to assist industries, traders, importers and exporters in financing their capital requirements at all stages of the supply chain, ranging from post-harvest storage to export or import stages, APSEZ and NCML said in a joint release.

“We are delighted to be a part of this strategic partnership with such a major agri-infrastructure and finance player.

This tie-up would not only help us offer cargo handling and warehousing, but also provide collateral management and finance services under one roof, thus facilitating the trade in agri products at our ports,” Mundra Port chief executive officer Unmesh Abhyankar said. The tie-up will help Adani leverage excellent infrastructure to provide a complete bouquet of services to our customers, making Adani Ports the preferred destination for trade in agricultural products, he added.

NCML managing director and CEO Sanjay Kaul said: “The tie-up with Adani Group will provide us a unique opportunity to extend finance against warehouse receipts to port locations.

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Malaysia seeks rM400m for Sepanggar port expansion KOTA KINABALU

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abah is banking on the proposed expansion of Sepanggar Port to take development in the State a level higher.

State Industrial Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan said he was seeking RM300 to 400 million for the expansion over 600 acres under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

A bigger port would translate to more ships and greater movement of products in and out of the State

which, in turn, would lead to economic growth, he said during the ofRicial opening of DKSH Malaysia Kota Kinabalu Distribution Centre at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), Thursday.

“The port expansion comes under infrastructure development and that will basically cost more …

I need the port to grow and KKIP will grow.

“The Federal Government has agreed, in principle, to our proposal. However, the allocation has not been received yet. It will take some time as this is part of the 11th Malaysia Plan,” he said.

According to him, this was part of their strategy to achieve Vision

2020 of being a developed nation.

“This is our last phase … it has a lot to do with the infrastructure and port expansion. You need that in order to allow the growth for business activity … so that’s important for us,” he said, adding that they needed to create a more vibrant economic environment in the city. “We want more ships to come here that’s why Sepanggar Port is important. This means more containers will be coming into Kota Kinabalu and Sabah,” he said.

Besides, he also expressed concern on the logistic hub by looking at the numbers of incoming containers during peak hours.

“It’s not a small number and this

is based on the shipping schedule … they needed to be discharged quickly to avoid high costs and we’re not even sure if the products were given the right treatment … so this is what we are looking at, at the moment,” he said.

Meanwhile, DKSH Malaysia Head Country Management Nicholas McLaren said with the solid infrastructure, strategic location and sound logistics services, the new distribution centre would strengthen DKSH’s unique and vast capillary distribution network in East Malaysia.

“We are well-positioned to leverage on Sabah’s promising market opportunities and growing demand for fast moving consumer goods.

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US Customs arrests 2 for smuggling 3-dozen grenades NEW YORK: Two people in South Texas have been sentenced to prison for trying to smuggle three-dozen grenades into Mexico.

Prosecutors in Del Rio say the scheme was exposed last August.

28-year-old Juliette Ramirez was sentenced to five years, after they found with a grenade in her backpack at a Texas border crossing.

That arrest led to a Del Rio apartment, where officers found 35 more grenades.They arrested 28 year old Noe Ramirez. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

FY2015-16: RTO-II surpasses first months’ revenue target by Rs 400m LAHORE

MuhAMMAD NAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

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he Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Regional Tax ofRice-II (RTO-II) Lahore has surpassed the target of the Rirst month of the new Riscal year 201516 by collecting Rs 4.3 billion in wake of taxes against Rs 3.9 million assigned target. As per details, RTOII has achieved Rs 400 million more revenue against the set target marking 11 percent surplus. Regional Tax ofRice-II has collected Rs 2.5 billion under the head of sales tax, Rs 1.75 billion in wake of income tax and Rs 400 million in terms of federal excise duty during the July, 2015. OfRicials told Customs Today that team of RTO-II was optimistic in achieving the revenue target for the running Riscal year by following the suite.

Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Regional Tax OfRiceI(RTO-I) has suspended Malik Muhammad Irshad, an upper division clerk (UDC) due to some serious allegations. Sources told Customs Today, that the competent authority suspends Irshad under section 5 (i) of government servant (efRiciency and discipline) rules 1973.

KP businessmen hail installation of Electronic Weighbridge at Peshawar Dry Port

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PESHAWAR

NADIr khAN

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he business community and exporters has appreciated the installation of electronic Weighbridge at Peshawar Dry Port and termed it a vital step for the facilitation of exporters and importers.

It was the most awaited demand of the business community and importer and exporters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Customs authorities have installed a fully electronic Weighbridge at Peshawar Dry Port, Cantt Railways Station.

DS Railways Peshawar also lauded the efforts of the Customs ofRicials for the in-

stallations of the most awaited demand of the weighbridge at Customs Dry Port, Peshawar.Weighbridge had been a crucial requirement of Customs at Import Stations, Dry Port Peshawar which started its work way back 1986 and since them facilitation the business community.

He said the Dry Port transaction including export of locally fabricated goods, thereby contributing a great chunk of foreign exchange to the national kitty. But since its inception, and despite demanding requirement of the customs, no weighbridge was installed at the port.

The present administration of Model Customs Collectorate, Peshawar made concerted efforts, and Rinally Weighbridge was

installed. Assistant Collector Customs Dry Port, Peshawar Amanat Khan said that the Weighbridge has already started its test operations and hopefully with the installation of weighbridge the business activities would be increased besides time consumption.

With the establishment of weighbridge, it is hoped that Customs revenue will be secured, and any chances of pilferage or replacement will instantly be detected after comparison of initial weight at the port of exit at Karachi with that conducted at the port. To facilitate exporters and importers, one- window operation facility in Customs facilitation centre, and now installation of the computerized weighbridge for accurate weighing of the cargo would certainly facil-

itate the traders, importers and exporters.

Meanwhile, NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arrested Arshad Khan, ex-director general of the FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA). He was presently posted as Additional Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Irfanullah Ex-Assistant Director of FDMA has also been arrested over the corruption charges. NAB Spokesman Saadullah Khan said that the ofRicials were allegedly involved in embezzlement of funds in Housing Uniform Assistance Subsidy Project (HUASP) for Bajour Agency and looted more than Rs 300 million. As per details, under the Housing Uniform Assistance Subsidy Project the government of Pakistan.

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