Jan 28 layout 1

Daily on www.customsbulletin.com

Find us on

pAkiSTAN’S FirST iNDepTH NewSpAper oN CuSTomS

Daily

Vol 1 Issue No. 284

Karachi, Thu January 28, 2016

KARACHI

AFTAB CHANNA

www.customsbulletin.com

F

ederal Board of Revenue Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan has urged the Customs ofOicers to bring change in their mindsets to become an example for society. Addressing the custom ofOicials at the Directorate General of Training and Research, Old Customs House, on the occasion of World Customs Day, the FBR chairman said that the

World Customs Organization has chosen the them of “ Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement”, for this year aiming at promoting coordination among all agencies and authorities responsible for cross order movements of goods and people. “I am pleased to note that the international customs day this year Oinds Pakistan Customs better prepared than ever to face the security challenges to global supply chain through efOicient and effective use of information and communication technology”, he added. Meanwhile,

Price Rs. 14.00

The Member Customs, Federal Board of Revenue, Nasir Masroor has said that there is a need to bring change in the attitude. “We need to focus on decision making and problems resolving,” he said. Addressing the customs ofOicials at Directorate General of Training and Research, Old Customs House, on the occasion of the World Customs Day, the Member Customs FBR said the information and communication technology is transforming many aspects of world’s economies, governments and societies.

Customs striving hard to achieve revenue targets: Zahid Khokhar

Haroon awards certificates to officials on International Customs Day

Govt releases over Rs 316.351m for Industries & Production Division

Collector Qurban inaugurates WeBOC system at Torkham border

Commissioner assures to regularly consult KCCI for resolving issues

Pakistan Customs celebrated the World Customs Day with the theme | See pAge 02 |

A function was held at Margalla Dry Port to mark the annual celebrations | See pAge 03 |

Federal govt has released Rs 316.351m for several developmental projects | See pAge 04 |

Collector Qurban Ali has inaugurated WeBOC system at Torkham border post | See pAge 12 |

Commissioner Karachi Asif Shah has said that keeping in view the massive | See pAge 09 |

2

www.customsbulletin.com

IHC reserves decision in M/s Uch Power Vs IR tribunal’s case Thursday, January 28, 2016

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has reserved the decision in a case filed by the M/s Uch Power (Private) Limited against the decision of the Inland Revenue Appellate Tribunal.

A division bench of the IHC comprising Justice Noor ul Haq N Qureshi and Justice Athar Minallah heard the case. The appellant had challenged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) submission at the tribunal in which it had won the case in favour of taxing the electricity being consumed by the power generating companies. At the tribunal, the FBR had won the case submitting that the electricity being consumed by the power companies should be included in sale-net, and subsequently sales tax should be charged on that consumption of electricity.

National

Customs striving hard to achieve revenue targets: Zahid khokhar

Customs destroys drugs, alcohol at wagah border on int’l Customs Day LAHORE

m imrAN meHAr

KARACHI

AFTAB CHANNA

www.customsbulletin.com

www.customsbulletin.com

T

T

he Pakistan Customs celebrated the World Customs Day with the theme “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement” at the Customs House on Tuesday.

The celebration started in the morning by hoisting a national Olag at Eduljee Dinshaw road.

The Olag was hoisted by Muhammad Zahid Khokhar, Chief Collector of Customs, South-Enforcement, Custom House at a crowded gathering that included customs ofOicials, media persons and foreign dignitaries. The World Customs community celebrates the “International Customs Day” on January 26. Customs plays a pivotal role in economic development through efOicient targeted controls and the facilitation of legitimate trade. In the prevailing scenario, securing global trade requires international cooperation and coordination among governments and trade bodies, as well as with other members of WCO, the chief collector said.

The year 2016 will be dedicated to promoting the digitalization of Customs processes under the slogan “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement”. The team Digital Customs refers to any automated or electronic activity that contributes to the effectiveness, efOiciency and

he Pakistan Customs has burnt drugs, smuggled goods and smashed thousands of bottles of alcohol at Wagah border on the International Customs Day. The day is celebrated on January 26 every year under the World Customs Organization. Pakistan Customs Central Region Chief Collector Rozi Khan Burki, Collector Preventive Lahore Mukaram Jah Ansari, Collector Customs Multan Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich, Collector Customs Appraisement Lahore Muhammad Sadiq, the officials of Punjab Rangers and other staff attended the ceremony. Narcotics and other drugs burned on Wagha border includes 6729 bottles of alcohol which was smuggled through different routes including from India. Indian made and other branded alcohol was also burnt there. 7.5 kg heroin was also burnt. Other items burnt at Wagha border includes 8000 packets of smuggled cigarettes, 94 packs of fire crackers, 120,000 packets of Indian made pan parag and chemical as well. Central Region Chief Collector Rozi Khan Burki burnt the drugs publicly while the bottles of liquor, banned medicines and a large quantity of expired soft drinks were destroyed with the help of a bulldozer.

coordination of Customs activities, such as automated Customs clearance systems, the Single Window concept, electronic exchange of information, websites to communicate information and promote transparency and the use of smart phones. Khokhar said, “I congratulate Pakistan Customs on the introduction and successful countrywide roll out of locally developed new software WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) for automated clearance.”

The department is moving on the

path of modernization and intends employing sophisticated equipment at border stations, airports and seaports,” he said. He said, “I take the opportunity to state that, in era of declining resources and increasing volumes of trade and travel, effective management and information exchange with all allied agencies and partners is a necessity for Customs.” The Customs clearance system, WeBOC, connects all internal and external users through electronic interface.

It has the potential to become the lead system which connects all border agencies for data and information sharing so that in time the trader can enjoy a one-window facility making custom and border clearance much more effective, easy and faster for all businesses. Such positive outcomes will contribute signiOicantly towards the realization of Customs’ objectives, including improved revenue collection, border security, the collection of trade statistics and trade facilitation.

FBr’s future plan comes under discussion in pak-imF talks

T

ISLAMABAD

m ArSHAD

www.customsbulletin.com

he policy level talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have started and would continue for next three days for 10th Review of extended fund facility (EFF) program in Dubai. The economic indicators are leading the country to a stage of irreversible Oinancial stability and for consolidation of gains made so

far” an ofOicial source at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told Customs Today on Tuesday.

Therefore, a keen interest of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) in the future plans of the FBR to broaden tax net as well as to increase the volume of revenue collection, forced the FBR team to hold extensive review of documents with the IMF negotiation team. IMF sought more details about the future plans of the taxing authority to enhance the tax. In this

regard FBR team shared data and information along with comparisons of withholding tax and custom duty collection with between the current Oiscal and previous years.

Due course of discussions IMF remained focused on those areas in which FBR had assured to increase tax collection in the previous meetings. The host organization was further informed about the details of more than one lakh notices had been issued to new potential taxpayers as well as information about

sectors and heads with higher and lower tax collections.

It is pertinent to note here that Pakistan entered into an extended fund facility (EFF) program with IMF on September 4, 2013. EFF Pakistan program is a 36-month extended arrangement under the EFF for $6.64 billion, 425 percent of quota. First tranche of $544.5 million, 34.8 percent of quota became available on September 6 2013, and the remainder will be evenly phased thereafter subject to quarterly reviews. More-

over, the objective of the meetings is to review progress achieved by Pakistan on economic reform agenda agreed in the extended fund facility (EFF) program with IMF. It is a 36month extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for $ 6.64 billion. An Extended Fund Facility with IMF provides assistance in support of comprehensive programs that include policies of the scope and character required to correct structural imbalances over an extended period.

3

www.customsbulletin.com

Gwadar Customs seizes smuggled cigarettes, 10kg charas KARACHI: The Model Customs Collectorate Gwadar has seized 10 kilogram of charas and 1200 packets of cigarettes while conducting a raid.

As per details, the customs officials with the assistance of local police raided an area, Mirani following a tip-off. During the raid, the officials had to face resistance, as the culprits opened fire on officials.

After the short battle, the customs officials successfully enter the houses and recovered charas and smuggled cigarettes, besides arresting three accused person.

The arrested persons have been sent behind the bars for further interrogation.

islamabad Customs torches 32kg heroin, 1,000kg charas

Thursday January 28, 2016

National

Customs Day: Haroon Akhtar awards certificates to officials

ISLAMABAD

m FAiZAN

www.customsbulletin.com

he Model Customs Collectorate has destroyed a huge quantity of drugs, alcohol and contraband items worth millions of rupees on the eve of International Customs Day. On the Day, the customs set on fire 32.6 kilogram heroin, seven kg opium, over 1000 kg charas, poppy seeds, expired medicines, dozens sacks of cardamom, cigarettes, chocolates, cold drinks, juices and cosmetics at Margalla Dry Port.

On the other hand, over 12,500 bottles of liquor and thousand of tins of beer were also destroyed during the ceremony to abolish the smuggling of prohibited items.

T

Sialkot Customs marks world Customs Day SIALKOT

guLZAr AHmeD

www.customsbulletin.com

hief Guest, Deputy Collector Waheed Anwar Abro has inaugurated the opening ceremony to mark the World Customs Day with hoisting of flag at Customs House in Sambrail. Assistant Collector Palwasha Saeed, Asghar Ali, Muhammad Hanif and other staff were present on the occasion. While speaking on the occasion, Deputy Collector Waheed Anwar Abro said that the basic purpose of celebrating World Customs Day is to highlight the role of Customs in ameliorating lives of general public globally through opening up economies and connecting world trade through modern techniques. He said, the role of Customs department has been evolved in the last decade from mere revenue collection to front line agency for safety of global supply chain and combating transnational crimes like money.

C

ISLAMABAD

m FAiZAN

www.customsbulletin.com

A

function was held at Margalla Dry Port to mark the annual celebrations of International Customs Day. Special Adviser to Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhtar was the chief guest on the occasion.

On his arrival at Margalla Railway Station, he was received by Chief Collector North Sarwat Tahira Habib and was presented a guards of honour. The other prominent personalities who attended the function include Incharge Homeland Security US Embassy Bruce, Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Imtiaz Ali Khan, Chief International Customs FBR Dr Mohammad Zubair, Additional Collector Abdul Waheed Marwat, Additional Collector AFU Sharla Khan, Additional Collector to Chief Collector Ayesha Durrani, Deputy Collector Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad Shahid Jan, Deputy Collector AFU Ansar Anis, Deputy Collector Naghma Kiani, Deputy Collector Customs Intelligence and Investigation Headquarters Khuldunul Haq, Deputy Collector Customs Intelligence and Investigation Rawalpindi Directorate Afzal Wattoo, Deputy Collector Adjudication Islamabad Headquarters Obaidullah, Assistant Collector Headquarters Sadia Usman, ex DG Customs Mian Nazir Azhar and representatives of importers and ex-

porters associations. When chief guest Haroon Akhtar reached he was presented with guard of honour. Addressing the gathering, Haroon Akhtar lauded the performance of Chief Collector North and her team and said that Pakistan Customs is the guardian of the country’s borders.

He also awarded merit certiOicates to ofOicials who showed outstanding performance who include Additional Collector Sharla Khan, Customs Inspector and Investigation OfOicer in

Addressing the gathering, Haroon Akhtar lauded the performance of Chief Collector North and her team and said that pakistan Customs is the guardian of the country’s borders

peshawar Customs observes Customs Day PESHAWAR

NADir kHAN

www.customsbulletin.com

C

ustom Collectorate Peshawar on the eve of the International Customs Day has renewed its commitment to get acquaintance with digital customs technology and ensure its utilization at all customs stations of the

country. While addressing on the occasion, Additional Collectors Aftab Haider, Syed Fazal Samaad and Deputy Collector Adeem Khan said that hte World Customs Day is celebrated annually by Global Customs community on January 26 in honor of the inaugural session of Customs Cooperation Council which took place on January 26, 1953.

They said that the new era of Digital Customs has transformed the way that customs and digitalization would ensure the enhanced

ability of customs administration to communicate and coordinate process of border management to promote transparency.

They said that Pakistan Customs has also made phenomenal progress in the use of technology in recent years. Its home grown automated customs clearance system web based one custom called WeBOC is an end to end digital solution, which have facilitated trade and promoted transparency in customs process.

Ayyan Ali case Mohammad Saleem, Deputy Superintendent Ehsan Ullah, Ehsan Qadir Kyani and Khalid Javed.

While in the category of imports and exporters certiOicates were awarded to M/s. Telenor Communications, Telecommunications Corporation, CM Pak Ltd (China Mobile), Irfan Impact, JK International, Nobel International Services, Citi Traders, River Lights, DHL Global, China Pak Customs, IRL Logistics, Kohistan International and Shah Agencies.

multan excise seals 789 properties he Excise and Taxation Department has sealed 789 commercial and residential properties on nonpayment of taxes during the last three days. Sources told Customs Today that the Excise property branch has initiated a campaign and started crackdown against tax defaulters on the direction of Director Excise and Taxation Jaam Siraaj Ahmad after issuing final notices on non-payment of property taxes.

T

4

www.customsbulletin.com

Country’s cotton production reduces by 33% Thursday, January 28, 2016

Business

ISLAMABAD: The country’s cotton production reduced by 33 per cent, according to data till January 15, released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners’ Association.

As per the association’s statement, Punjab’s contribution to the total cotton production has decreased by almost 44 per cent, while Sindh fared comparatively much better with a 4 per cent decline.

As of January 15, total cotton bales in the country amounted to 9.313 million compared to 14.25 million in the corresponding period of last year. Punjab’s share amounted to 5.74 million compared to 10.34 million the previous year. Sindh produced 3.73 million.

pSX sheds early gains, remains in green zone at 31101 points KARACHI

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Wednesday shed huge gains it enjoyed all the day in last session, however, it remained in positive zone. The KSE-100 index added 27 points to reach 31101.38 points level at closing.

The stocks recorded the highest trading level of 31386.35 points and lowest level of 31065.72 points,

Federal govt issues rs 3.3b for development of AJk MUZAFFARABAD

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

he federal government has released Rs 3.3b funds for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government under the head of annual development programme, said a source in the finance department on Tuesday. The source said that recently a committee was constituted by the federal government headed by federal Minister Ehsan Iqbal and also included representative of AJK government which took the latest decision.

T

with the volume of 119.38 million shares, having over Rs6.42 billion value. As many as 329 companies were active; of which 154 advanced, 153 declined and 22 remained unchanged. Commercial banks were the top traded sectors with 17,902,100 volume, while cement remained second with 16,663,500 volume. The three top traded companies were TRG Pak Ltd with a volume of 7,359,000 and price per share of 27.87 (0.41), Silk Bank Ltd with a volume 6,125,500 of price per share of 1.82 (0.17), and Fauji Cement with a volume 5,718,000 of price per share of 37.80 (0.26).

LAHORE

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

ISLAMABAD

T

www.customsbulletin.com

he federal government has released Rs 316.351 million for several developmental projects of Ministry of Industries and Production Division under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2015-16.

According the data released by Planning Commission of Pakistan, the government has allocated Rs 790.881 million for 17 develop-

he Punjab government is mulling to give a special package of Rs 11 billion for citrus farmers to give them the latest machinery. This was stated by Provincial Agriculture Minister Dr Farrukh Javed, while presiding over a departmental meeting after visiting various citrus farms in Sargodha.

Agriculture Extension Director General Dr Anjum Ali, Citrus Research Institute Director Altaf ur Rehman and other officers of departments concerned were also present in the meeting. Dr Farrukh said that the relief package will help them maximise their yield and Pakistan’s export will increase resultantly. He said that Punjab is producing 1.9 million metric ton of citrus annually out of which more than 50 percent comes from Sargodha district. He said that around 0.35 million metric ton citrus was exported last year.

The minister stressed that the increase in production and exports is essential for stability and growth of the economy.

The agriculture minister stressed that all possible measures to be taken for increase in citrus production and exports.

T The top three gainers were Pak Tobacco with price per share 1221.69 (58.17), Siemens Pak.XD

with price per share of 882 (42) and Sapphire Fiber price per share of 653.50 (28.60).

govt releases over rs 316.351m for industries & production Division CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT

punjab govt to give rs 11 billion package to citrus farmers

mental projects under Ministry of Industries Division in the PSDP 2015-16. So far Rs 96.508 million has been released for Sialkot Business and Commerce Centre as against the allocation of Rs 241.270 for Oiscal year 2015-16, the data added. Meanwhile, a sum of Rs 34.400 million has been released for establishment of design institute specially for energy sector plants by up grading existing design centres at Heavy Mechanical Complex Taxila as compared to the total allocation of Rs 86 million.

In order to enhance the exports

of gems and jewellery from the country during current Oinancial year, the government has released Rs 24 million for development of Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company as against the total allocation of Rs 60 million for the current Oiscal year. For exploiting the trade and economic potential existing in the province of Balochistan, the government has released Rs 16.900 million for establishing of infrastructure in Quetta Industrial Trading Estate phase-2, whereas the government has allocated Rs 42.250 million for the said project, it added.

railways requires 500 locomotives in 10 years ISLAMABAD

P

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

akistan Railways need over 500 locomotives to meet anticipated freight and passenger trafOic in next ten years.

An ofOicial in the Ministry of Railways revealed this while talking to the state-owned news agency. He said that the process was underway for upgradation and commercial op-

erations of Pakistan Locomotive Factory Risalpur on joint venture basis with private sector participation. He said with this in view many companies of the world are ready to enter into cooperation with Pakistan Railways for assembly and manufacturing of locomotives and other activities.

The process of induction of new locomotives has been started and an order for 55 high horsepower has been placed on General Electric

of the United State of America, he added. He said the government was taking concrete measures to make the Pakistan Railway as proOitable entity as the Oiscal deOicit of Railways for year 2014-15 stands at Rs 27.247 billion as compared to the Oinancial 2013-14 which was Rs 32.527 billion.

To a question, the ofOicial said that railway network was already connected to its neighbouring countries to Iran through Quetta-Taftan

link. “The present government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkish Railway for revival of freight train service,” he added.

Meanwhile, Now shareholders can vote in meeting from a remote location through internet as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced the E-voting Regulations 2016 to involve the shareholders/stakeholders in decision making process of

their company. This is a further step by the SECP to encourage corporate democracy and to promote good corporate governance by making use of technological advances. Shareholders have the right to be part of the decision-making process of their company to the extent provided by the law. Electronic voting is a facility to shareholders living in faraway area to take part in the decisionmaking process of the company without attending in person.

www.customsbulletin.com

ADVERTISEMENT

5

6

www.customsbulletin.com

www.customsbulletin.com

LAHORE m HAYAT www.customsbulletin.com

p

akistan Customs is doing all-out efforts to digitalize and atomize its services to reduce human interference in order to ensure goods’ clearance without any discrimination and unfairness.

This was sated by Chief Collector of Customs Rozi Khan Burki while addressing the Olag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of International Customs Day at the Customs House here on Tuesday.

Shedding light on this year’s World Customs Orgnization theme, “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement.,” the chief collector said that Pakistan Customs has shifted to digital WeBOC system from One Customs making the customs procedures the simplest.

He said that the central region has successfully implement WeBOC system at the Land Freight Unit Wagha and the same model will be implement at the Torkham and Chaman boarders in the near future.

He said that WeBOC system has been ensured at the posts of the country; however, Land Freight Units managements of the customs are also gradually putting into practice the WeBOC system.

On the occasion, Collector of Customs Lahore Preventive Mukarram Jah Ansari said Preventive collectorate has achieved a number of millstones in digitalization of customs

7

Thursday, January 28, 2015

process in Lahore.

He said that years back in 2013, he was assigned to implement WeBOC at the Air Freight Unit Allama Iqbal International Airport, initially there was a hue and cry on the part of importer and exporter and trade bodies that that One Customs be brought back.

However, WeBOC has been successfully implemented and 80 percent of the GDs are being cleared through WeBOC while at land boarder stations the Lahore Preventive has successfully launched WeBOC, the collector said, adding, “there was also the same perception that the WeBOC will not be a success at the Wagha border and stakeholders will have to face hardship. However, our ofOicers made it a success at the land border station Wagah,” he added.

He said that a sea change has taken place and Pakistan Customs is focused on digital customs because this is the only way improvement and effectiveness can be brought about. Collector of Customs Imtiaz Ahmed Waraich said that it is one big reality that the blue planet was made by nature without any boarder and demarcation but the humankind has been doing for quite a long time. However, technology and digitalization are melting down the demarcation and line to give the planet it real shape once again, he said, adding that the Customs organization worldwide is contributing to bring back the planet in its original form with the help of digitalization. “Pakistan‘s WeBOC system is world

class which is not only helping the country facilitate the trade and commerce digitally and interlink with the world,” Imtiaz said.

Collector of Customs Appraisement Muhammad Sadiq said that digitalization of customs process has started in year 1998 and with the due corporation of trading community, customs ofOicial and clearing agents more improvement are being brought about to facilitate trade and industry. Collector of customs Faislabad Dr ZulOiqar Ali Chaudhary said that customs services are the important ingredients of a nation’s proOile and to remain attractive destination for trade the customs agencies need to digitalize there services and provide more engaging user experiences thus making it easier to transact business for trading community, boarder agencies and customs staff. OfOice of all collectorates and directorate were present on the occasion.

s to m s u C f o to r Co l l e c u r ki w h i l e f e i h C g han B r oz i k s i n g t h e f l a h e t s addre remony on l e ng c ationa n r e t hoisti n i on of the occasi ms Day at on C u s to o u s e h e r e ms H Custo Tuesday

8

www.customsbulletin.com

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

peace and economy

p

eace, security and liberal economic policies are a key to create investment-friendly climate in the country. Malaysia was reeling under utter poverty until early 80s, but is now ranking 6th in Asia and 20th in the world and its development rate is higher than the countries like Australia, France and South Korea. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also keen to develop Pakistan into an economic tiger but fine words butter no parsnips. During his stay in Davos, he has invited the Swiss and international businessmen to invest in energy, telecom, infrastructure, urban development, agro-industry and textiles sectors in Pakistan which offers exciting opportunities for investment. He said that Pakistan is a business friendly country where the foreign investors feel safe and secure as the country is modern, progressive and forward-looking. However, back home, a disaster struck the nation in Charsadda in which dozens of innocent human lives fell prey to terrorist activity.

Though the overall situation in Pakistan is normal, may be better than many apparently peaceful countries, but isolated incidents of terrorism send wrong signals to the world. If prime minister wants development of the economy, he should liberalize the financial and economic policies, relax tax system and simplify the procedure for foreign investment. However, the prime minister should also strictly control the extremist elements in the country no matter they are religious or nonreligious. The trouble makers should be fixed with an iron hand. The other big hurdle in the development of the country is corruption, especially in the official cadre.

Pakistan is listed in one of the most corrupt countries in the world and it is a stigma on the face of the nation. The prime minister says that investment incentives are diverse and business friendly in Pakistan and the primary objective of the government is to create an environment conducive for investment inflows. He says that the government offers a liberal investment policy, which allows 100 percent equity ownership, full repatriation of capital, taxbreaks, and customs duty concessions on import of machinery and raw materials.

Fate of iran-pakistan gas pipeline A

LAHORE

Dr AFTAB AFZAL

www.customstoday.com

fter lifting of economic sanctions, Iran is likely to emerge as the new economic power in the region having free access to the European banking system and the oil market. The country has also hit the jackpot as it is going to receive a huge amount of $100 billion in foreign reserves which were frozen by the United States in the aftermath of sanctions. From Pakistan’s perspective, this is a good omen if the government is really serious in reviving the ambitious Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. The project, which was due to be completed

years ago, has been delayed due to international sanctions on Iran. Still there are no official words from the government on the lifting of sanctions and the fate of the project.

Earlier, leaving over $7 billion project with Iran in the middle, the government looked toward Russia for energy resources and signed a deal with the Russian government for the import of LNG. The $2 billion deal covered the construction of North South Pipeline from Karachi to Lahore to transport the imported LNG and the firm, RT Global Resources, was assigned to execute the project. Russian President Vladimir Putin was also ready to visit Pakistan to perform the ground-breaking of the project.

However, now a Pakistani delegation under Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is discussing the course of action on implementing the project with Russian officials.

The 1,100-km-long pipeline will have a capacity to transfer 12.4 billion cubic metres gas per annum from LNG terminals in Karachi to Lahore. The first phase of the project is expected to complete by December 2017.

Pakistan will have to provide 15 percent of the total cost while the Russian government will bear 85 percent of the cost.

Russia is one of the largest natural gas producers in the world and is keen to enhance economic cooperation with Pakistan. Now the two sides will dis-

cuss a plan to set up LPG-air mix plants in the areas where pipeline network is not available to supply gas. There are many grey areas where both Pakistan and Russia can develop understanding and increase economic cooperation. Trade between the two countries can also be enhanced as Russia is a big market for various Pakistani products. However, the government should not ignore the immediate neighbor Iran, especially after bottlenecks in the way of economic cooperation have been removed. Both Pakistan and Iran are Islamic countries and have deep religious and cultural bonds. The revival of the gas pipeline will be in the interest of both the countries.

9

www.customsbulletin.com

Philips’ profit up by 55% to $700m in 2015 THE HAGUE: Philips Tuesday posted net profits surged by 55 percent in 2015 driven by increased sales in its healthcare and lifestyle business as it seeks to shed its historic lighting section.

The Dutch electronics giant’s total net profit attributable to shareholders was 645 million euros ($700 million) compared to 415 million euros in 2014, with sales up to 24.2 billion euros amid rising orders in North America and Europe, the company said.

That represented a 13.3-percent hike in sales over the previous 12 months, which dropped to 2 percent when adjusted for comparable exchange rates and other changes. “Overall 2015 was a solid year for Philips, as illustrated by consistent performance improvements in the face of ongoing” economic challenges, said chief executive officer Frans van Houten.

govt urged to announce oil prices fortnightly he Pakistan Industrial & Traders Associations Front (PIAF) has asked the government to adjust and announce oil prices fortnightly to give the masses quick relief of reduction in oil prices in the international market.

PIAF Acting Chairman Tanveer Sufi said that presently the oil prices are registering continuous decline but federal government is transferring this relief after one month. In this way the industry will be facilitated more as the announcement of oil rates fortnightly will pass on benefit

T

of oil prices cut to it after 15 days. In this way the manufacturers can save billions of rupees.

Tanveer Sufi said the benefit of historic oil price fall in the international market is not fully passed on to the general public. He emphasized on transfer of the benefit of reduction in oil prices globally to the general public including trade and industry people and consumers. He stated that in Pakistan, it has been the practice that the government focuses on increasing the GST on POL products to maintain its revenue collection while the general public and consumer deprived of this benefit. He urged the government for giving level playing field for traders and industry to compete and play their due role in the national economy. He further said that in the international market the prices of petroleum products have been reduced to $28 per barrel and the government should transfer the benefit of reduction of price on POL products to the general public which will lead to decline in inflation rate.—CB Report

Thursday January 28, 2016

Chambers

Commissioner assures to regularly consult kCCi for resolving issues C

KARACHI

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

ommissioner Karachi Asif Hyder Shah has said that keeping in view the massive size and diverse ethnicity of this city, it was a huge challenge to deal with civic issues but efforts will be made to resolve issues by regularly consulting with Karachi Chamber in order to provide some relief to the Karachiites. “During my tenure as Commissioner which may last up to three to four months or may be more, I may not succeed in resolving all issues but it will be my utmost willingness to at least effectively deal with any two to three major issues on long term basis and bring them to an irreversible level”, he added while exchanging views with the representatives of business and industrial community of Karachi during his maiden visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday.

Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, Vice Chairmen BMG and Former Presidents KCCI Tahir Khaliq, Zubair Motiwala and Anjum Nisar,

President KCCI Younus Muhammad Bashir, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia Ahmed Khan, Vice President KCCI Muhammad Naeem Sharif, Former Presidents KCCI AQ Khalil & Abdullah Zaki, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Haji Ghani Usman and KCCI Managing Committee members were present at the meeting.

Referring to concerns expressed during the meeting, Commissioner Karachi said that he was currently not in a position to make any commitment but will try his best to resolve issues highlighted at the meeting. “I don’t want to make any commitment right now as I don’t

want to face humiliation later on failing to fulOill my commitments due to any reason but I will try my best to resolve issues. It will be one of my top priority to regain conOidence of Karachiites and bring it to a level where people should feel conOident about getting their issue resolved to certain extent after bringing it to the notice of Commissioner OfOice or any of my sub-ordinate department”, he added.

He said that many of the issues highlighted by KCCI were pertaining to trafOic jams, illegal encroachments, and violation of trafOic rules etc. which will be resolved after

iCCi concerned over 14.40% decline in exports

C

ISLAMABAD

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

hamber of Commerce and Industry Islamabad has shown concerns over falling exports of the country which have dwindled by 14.40 percent during the first half of current financial year and called upon the government to take urgent remedial measures to arrest this dangerous trend which has the potential to create balance of payment crisis and increase current account deficit.

Atif Ikram Sheikh President, Sheikh Pervez Ahmed Senior Vice President and Sheikh Abdul Waheed Vice President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that during July to December of this financial year, Pakistan’s exports have declined to $10.322 billion from $12.058 bil-

lion in corresponding period of 2014-15 showing a decline of 14.40 percent which should be a cause of concern for the policymakers. They said exports of Bangladesh exceeded $16 billion during first half of current fiscal year showing an increase of about 8 percent while Pakistan’s exports were on the decline despite the fact that country was granted GSP status by the European Union from January 1, 2014.

They said after the grant of GSP Plus facility, businessmen were expecting a significant boost in exports as it has enabled the country to export textile goods to 27 European countries without duties till 2017, but unfortunately Pakistan has almost failed to fully exploit this concession due to various reasons including bottlenecks in policy, implementation, priorities and lack of desired support to

export-oriented sector.

They said tax refunds claims of billions of rupees were still lying pending due to which the export sector was facing liquidity problems. They said according to FBR rules the payment of sales tax refund claims would be paid within seven days of the date of Refund Payment Order (RPO) and stressed that government should ensure full implementation of this rule to clear tax refunds within stipulated time.

They said government should reconsider imposition of duty on import of raw material, take measures to bring down cost of inputs by reviving zero rating for exports and release refunds to exporters because without taking these steps, there were dim chances of turning around the falling exports and paving way for export-led growth of the country.

proper coordination with KCCI. To take the business and industrial community on board, Commissioner Karachi offered to visit KCCI every month with a view to discuss and review the progress of work on resolving numerous issues being faced by Karachiites.

He informed that online mapping of entire Karachi city has already been done in which garbage spots have been identiOied at all districts of the city. “In this regard, a timeline has been given to concerned DCs for clearing the unattended garbage with a view to ensure cleanliness across the city”, he added.

global steel output melts after 5-year rise orld steel production shed 2.8 percent last year to 1.62 billion tons after five years of growth, with China now producing just under half of the total, the World Steel Association said yesterday.

China, easily the world’s largest consumer and producer, last year produced 803.8 million tons, down 2.3 percent on 2014, though its actual share of world output rose 0.2 percentage points to 49.5 percent. “Crude steel production decreased in all regions except Oceania in 2015,” the WSA said following the first overall annual drop since 2009, when overall output stood at 1.24 billion tons.

Last October, the WSA had initially forecast a 1.7 percent rise in world demand for 2015, followed by a 0.7 percent rise this year.—CB Report

W

10

www.customsbulletin.com

Irish beef exports to US may still top €100m Thursday January 28, 2016

World

DUBLIN: In spite of a disappointing 2015, Irish beef exports to the US could still reach the €100m mark in the foreseeable future, according to Bord Bia. Irish beef exports to the US in 2015 were valued at about €11m, a far cry from the €50-100m value the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney had estimated for the year, following the announcement last February that Ireland would become the first and still only Member State of the EU to get US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) approval to export beef to the US. The discrepancy has been attributed to the inability to date to export manufacturing Irish beef (mince) to the US. It is understood that impasse may end in the spring, once technical aspects of the import certificates have been resolved.

First-ever Dubai Customs week launched DUBAI

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

M

ore than 73 million passengers were handled

by Dubai Customs through air, land and sea ports in 2015, according to Oigures released

by Dubai Customs on Sunday.

Ahmad Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs said with this large amount of passengers passing through the ports, ensuring they receive access to top services and facilities is of utmost priority to Dubai Customs, who is constantly looking at improving and adopting the best practices and experiences in administration and logistics.

“Passengers coming to the country through Dubai airports get special attention from Dubai Customs.

We make sure they receive a warm welcome and only top-drawer services and facilities that offer passen-

uk police seize drugs worth £2 million rugs with an estimated street value of £2m were recovered from a van on the M1 in Bedfordshire, police said. About 40kg (88lbs) of what is believed to be class A drugs were found in the Ford Connect van stopped by police near junction nine at 12:15 GMT here the other day. Officers also searched an address in Borehamwood in Hertfordshire and seized three firearms and a “substantial” amount of cash.

A man has been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

Meanwhile, Illegal drugs with a likely street value of more than £1.6 million were seized at a parcel depot near Tamworth. Border Force officers discovered the packages of cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy over two days in 18 separate parcels at the UPS parcel depot in Birch Coppice.

The drugs were concealed in plastic and cardboard boxes.—CB Report

D

gers an unrivalled airport experience, that beOits the UAE’s worldwide reputation as a welcoming, visitor-friendly and hospitable country,” he said.

Musabih was speaking at the launch of the first Dubai Customs Week, which is being held under the title ‘Dubai Customs.. A World of Digital Innovations’ and is in parallel with the International Customs Day on January 26. During the week-long event targeting all their stakeholders, Musabih said there will be 30 activities taking place to raise awareness about what they do to achieve economic and social development, in addition to workshops and lectures held with the private sector to exchange ideas and expertise, “in order to help enhance operational efficiency and corporate performance.” The programme of events will also include various awareness sessions for their customers and the public across different locations including school students and the youth.

Bangladeshi Customs seizes 33kg gold at airport

DHAKA

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Bangladeshi Customs seized 280 gold bars with a total weight of 32,7 kilo-

Hong kong Customs seizes fake goods worth Hk$5m

C

ustoms ofOicials smashed a counterfeit goods syndicate in a popular tourist destination in Mong Kok when they closed down six stalls and six warehouses here the other day.

In the operation codenamed “Torpedo”, ofOicers netted 10,000 fake goods worth HK$5 million along Tung Choi Street, popularly known as Ladies’ Market.

Customs ofOicials said the fake goods included handbags, watches, leather goods and sunglasses and

were of medium to high quality.

They were priced at about one-third that of the genuine items.

Nine people including a 22-yearold man believed to be the racket’s mastermind – were arrested. The market in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, is a popular destination for tourists in search of bargains. Photo: David WongThe department launched an investigation in mid2015 when detectives found vendors had been selling counterfeits secretly to tourists.—CB Report

grams at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in this capital, today reported Shahiduzzaman Sarker, Assistant Commissioner of that body.

Speaking to the press, Sarker said the batch was seized from a Malindo Air plane, which landed at midnight from Malaysia. Last week the airport authorities conOiscated 23,2

A

kilograms of gold from a Malaysian Airlines Olight and another 2,3 kilograms from a Regent Airways plane.

Bangladeshi authorities systematically conOiscate caches of gold that trafOickers attempt to bring into the country, presumably bound for India. Bangladesh may be being used as a gold transit route to India, a country that imposed a high tax on imports of the golden metal to curb its purchase, estimated last year the Finance Minister Abul Maal Muhith Abdu. From 2010 to 2014, the Central Bank received more than 1,7 tons of gold expropriated by the government, he said. Meanwhile, Customs ofOicials have detained four people at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport after frisking revealed 13 gold bars on two of them. Assistant Commissioner Shahiduzzaman said the two were passengers of a Bangladesh Biman Olight that had arrived in Dhaka from Istanbul via Chittagong on Wednesday afternoon.

Canada imports 4,000t of butter blame game is underway in Canada aimed at whoever was responsible for the butter shortage there just ahead of the recent Christmas holiday period.

As a country, Canada is one of the top producers of butter, but a recent surge in demand saw stocks run so low they almost ran out. In fact, Canada was forced to import 4,000 tons of butter to meet the demand and beat the shortfall from countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, Belgium and Uruguay. Fingers have been pointed at the Canadian Dairy Commission, the body that keeps the dairy industry there Olowing, as to

why it allowed the deOicit to happen.

Sara Dorland, analyst with the Daily Dairy Report and managing partner at Ceres Dairy Risk Management of Seattle, said, “The butterfat shortfall in Canada was so severe last year that the Canadian Dairy Commission authorized license holders to import up to 4,000 metric tons or 8.8 million pounds, of butter.” Even though there was butter in the United States, exporters were reluctant to ship it north under the increased quota due to prices there being higher than in Canada – and a similar increase in demand from American consumers.—CB Report

Hong kong Customs seizes 3kg meth worth HkD950k

D

HONG KONG

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

uring an anti-narcotics operation at Hong Kong International Airport last Thursday, around three kilograms of suspected methamphetamine was discovered inside two biscuit boxes.

Two men, aged 20 and 24, were

intercepted by Customs ofOicers and arrested. The methamphetamine, estimated to be worth HKD950,000, was found hidden inside the biscuit boxes in a bag carried by one of the men. The two were later charged with trafOicking in a dangerous drug, the maximum penalty for which is life imprisonment and a Oine of HKD5 million.

Meanwhile, Customs ofOicials

smashed a counterfeit goods syndicate in a popular tourist destination in Mong Kok when they closed down six stalls and six warehouses here the other day. In the operation codenamed “Torpedo”, ofOicers netted 10,000 fake goods worth HK$5 million along Tung Choi Street, popularly known as Ladies’ Market.

Customs ofOicials said the fake goods included handbags, watches,

leather goods and sunglasses and were of medium to high quality.

They were priced at about one-third that of the genuine items.

Nine people – including a 22-year-old man believed to be the racket’s mastermind – were arrested. The market in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, is a popular destination for tourists in search of bargains.

11

www.customsbulletin.com

UAE insurer ADNIC plans to boost capital by $106m ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) plans to boost its capital by 390 million dirhams ($106 million), it said on Monday, and several sources said it would do this with a convertible bond issue. The company has posted a run of weak earnings due to a poor underwriting performance on core commercial business lines, leaving the insurer needing to shore up its reserves.

ADNIC is looking to sell a convertible bond as soon as the first quarter, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. One Abu Dhabi-based source the issue would be a mandatory convertible, meaning the bonds will automatically turn into ADNIC shares at the end of the bond’s life.

Brussels wants Dutch sea ports to pay corporate taxes

Ports & Shipping

georgia ports cargo traffic rises 11.7% in 2015

uk factories start 2016 on weak footing as export orders fall xport orders fell at a sharper pace in January compared with December and total orders at factories also declined, the Confederation of British Industry said in a survey published in London on Monday. An index of optimism, measured on a quarterly basis, rose slightly, but remained below zero. The industry has been in the doldrums for years as weakness in the euro area and the strength of sterling weighs on exports, and the CBI report adds to evidence that improvements aren’t on the horizon. Industrial production plunged the most in almost three years in November, according to official data from the statistics office. “Uncertainty around the prospects for global growth, uncompetitive energy costs and the strength of the pound have all played their part in U.K. manufacturers finding conditions tough when trying to sell overseas,” said Rain NewtonSmith, CBI director of economics. The CBI survey showed that while domestic demand remains strong, global turmoil is creeping further into growth prospects. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said that the U.K. faces a “dangerous cocktail” of risks stemming from China’s cooling conomy and the drop in oil prices.

Britain’s planned referendum on European Union membership.—CB Report

E

he European Commission stated that six Dutch sea ports should pay corporate tax over their income in order to meet EU rules on state aid. The port authorities in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Zeeland, Den Helder, Groningen and Moerdijk had previously been exempt from paying corporate taxes on their income.

‘Cross-border competition plays an important role in the ports sector and the commission is committed to ensuring a level playing field in this important economic sector,’ the EU’s ruling body said in a statement. ‘The commission’s decisions today … make clear that if port operators generate profits from economic activities these should be taxed under the normal national tax laws to avoid distortions of competition,’ competition commissioner

T

GEORGIA

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

Margrethe Vestager said.

Meanwhile, Total shipments of Portland and blended cement in the US and Puerto Rico in October 2015 were about 9.3Mt, down by 2.2 per cent from the level in October 2014, data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows.

Shipments for the year through October totalled 77.6Mt, up by 2.6 per cent for the same period in 2014. The leading producing states for Portland and blended cement in October were Texas, Missouri, California, Florida and Michigan, in descending order, and these states accounted for 41 per cent of the total shipments for the month. The leading cement-consuming states (Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and Illinois, in descending order) received about 37 per cent of the October shipments.—CB Report

Thursday January 28, 2016

G

eorgia’s ports notched another record year of imports and exports in 2015, but this year doesn’t look as promising. Cargo trafOic through Savannah soared 11.7 percent from the 2014 calendar year as stevedores moved 3.7 million containers, the Georgia Ports Authority reported Monday. “The expansion

was fueled in part by heightened demand in the U.S. Southeast,” GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz said in a statement, “and cargo diverted from the West Coast.” 2016, though, is looking decidedly bleaker for Georgia exports. Blame China the port’s major trading partner and a strong dollar. Exports to China through Savannah are down one-third from a year ago and the port, as well as various Georgia industries, braces for more pain. After years of growth, sometimes logged in double digits, total exports from Savannah are

likely to drop 2 percent this year, GPA ofOicials told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently. They rose 9 percent the last Oiscal year. The ports of Savannah and Brunswick account for nearly $40 billion in statewide economic impact and tens of thousands of jobs, according to a University of Georgia study. Metro Atlanta a logistics hub for the Southeast reaps roughly 70 percent of the ports’ economic beneOit. 2016 might be Savannah’s worst trade year since the Great Recession, when consumer demand all but died.

Smuggling via cargo lanes fall 25% at borders

A

SINGAPORE

CuSTomS BuLLeTiN reporT www.customsbulletin.com

n ICA ofOicer using an “identiOinder” to detect radiation in a truck carrying construction sand at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

THE number of smuggling cases detected among cargo vehicles at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints fell by around a quarter last year, latest Oigures revealed.

There were 990 cases of contraband and prohibited items, includ-

ing drugs and cigarettes, down from about 1,290 in 2014.

More than 1.8 million cargo vehicles, such as lorries, crossed the two land checkpoints in both directions, making them two of the busiest land crossings in the world.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which announced the Oigures, is expecting a higher than usual volume of cargo vehicles in the lead-up to Chinese New Year.

On average, about 5,000 cross the checkpoints every day.

“Despite stringent checks, smuggling attempts have not ceased.

Checks are therefore critical and necessary,” said Superintendent Tan Kong Hui, deputy commander of ground operations at Woodlands Checkpoint yesterday.

“We will see an increase towards this Chinese New Year period. We will respond accordingly to the security climate (and) will maintain a certain level of checks on all modes of vehicles.”

Yesterday, more than 1,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes and

more than 19,000 sachets of chewing tobacco were seized at Woodlands Checkpoint in two Malaysiaregistered vehicles.

The seized items, vehicles and the two Malaysian drivers, aged 18 and 41, were handed to Singapore Customs for investigations.

Meanwhile, the ICA and AgriFood and Veterinary Authority yesterday advised travellers – who intend to bring into Singapore festive goods or food from overseas – to check the guidelines before importing them.

12

www.customsbulletin.com

Customs destroys drugs, alcohol at Wagah border on Int’l Customs Day LAHORE: The Pakistan Customs has burnt drugs, smuggled goods and smashed thousands of bottles of alcohol at Wagah border on the International Customs Day. The day is celebrated on January 26 every year under the World Customs Organization. Pakistan Customs Central Region Chief Collector Rozi Khan Burki, Collector Preventive Lahore Mukaram Jah Ansari, Collector Customs Multan Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich, Collector Customs Appraisement Lahore Muhammad Sadiq, the officials of Punjab Rangers and other staff attended the ceremony.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

Collector Qurban inaugurates weBoC system at Torkham border PESHAWAR NADir kHAN

www.customsbulletin.com

C

ollector Qurban Ali Khan has inaugurated WeBOC (Web Based One Customs) system at Torkham border post.

The installation of computerised system at Torkham, for checking imported items including cotton and mineral coal, is a step towards Digitalisation of Customs as envisioned in World Customs Day theme of this year, said Qurban Ali while addressing a ceremony held in connection with observance of international Customs Day. The collector said initially the WeBOC is limited to clearance of imported items including cotton and mineral coal. With the passage of time more items would be included in it to expedite clearance of truck loaded with goods, he added.

Qurban Ali said the new era of Digital Customs has transformed the way that Customs operate. Digitalisation would ensure ultimately the enhanced ability of Customs administration to communicate, process goods and information, coordinate border management collaborate on law enforcement actions and promote

transparency. He also announced that soon the WsBOC system would be launched at newly-established Customs Posts in Kurram Agency. He said the Customs Department has em-

barked a policy of facilitating business community of the country by providing them maximum facilities besides generating revenue for the ofOicial kitty. The whole Customs Department

has been computerised ensuring in speedy processing of documentations relating to clearance of goods for imports and exports, Qurban Ali Khan said, adding that about 20 years ear-

lier in Customs Department there was only one Collector for whole KP, FATA and Gilgit-Baltistan areas, but now there are around 1,000 ofOicials in the whole Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

multan Customs to award merit certificates to five officials MULTAN

imrAN ALi

www.customsbulletin.com

T

he Customs Department will award merit certiOicates to Oive customs ofOicials for their outstanding performance during the year.

The Customs Collectorate has nominated Oive customs employees to award them merit certiOicate, including Assistant Collector Faizan Badar, for their sound per-

formance in the assigned tasks.

One of the youngest ofOicials and active Assistant Collector Faizan Badar joined the Customs Department as assistant collector and his Oirst place of posting was Multan. He has served in the different departments, including Anti-Smuggling Organization, Multan Dry Port and recently Multan International Airport.

After observing his good performance in his assigned tasks, Collector Sarfraz Ahmad Warraich recommended his name for the merit CertiOicate. This award will create sense of responsibility

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

among the ofOicials.

Four other customs employees, who will be given awards, are Inspector Muhammad Arshad Javed, Inspector Zafar Iqbal Khan (audit), Muhammad Naveed Iqbal (accounts branch) and Muhammad Imran Khan (LDC). Chief Collector Customs Rozi Khan Burki will preside the awards giving ceremony on behalf of World Customs Organization Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya.

These employees will attend the World Customs Day ceremony in the Chief Collector Customs OfOice in Lahore.