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Karachi, Thu January 5, 2017

ISLAMABAD

M FAIZAN

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inance Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting on Monday to review the economic performance of the country during the Oirst six months of the Oiscal year 2016-17. The Oinance minister noted that the GDP growth appeared to be on upward trajectory and inOlation was steady below 4 percent in December 2016. The

average inOlation during the corresponding period was recorded at 3.88 percent, reOlecting continued price stability. Dar added that the Federal Board of Revenue’s performance increased by 7 percent during the period. The department also experienced shortfall in initial months, largely on account of giving relief to consumers on petroleum products together with sales tax refunds of Rs 45 billion. On the expenditure side, the performance was on track as expenditure was allowed in a pru-

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dent manner in accordance with budget. The Oinance minister, while expressing satisfaction on recent economic performance, noted that economic activities are picking up, investments are taking place, particularly in CPEC-related projects which would further accelerate economic activities.

After the recent understanding with Chinese authorities, the scope of CPEC has been extended by including water security, Karachi Circular Railway, mass transit program for Balochistan.

FBR collects Rs 51m from real estate sector in first 20 days of amnesty scheme

AIB Appraisement West registers FIR against importer, clearing agents

Senate body urges private banks to support textile industry

DC Asma issues notice to suspect involved in smuggling of Iranian diesel

GwadarCustoms exceeds revenue collection target by 67%,collects Rs 11.9b in H1

The FBR has collected Rs 51 million income tax out of 1,919 transactions of land | See pAge 02 |

The AIB of the Customs Collectorate AppraisementWest has registered an FIR | See pAge 03 |

SBP Governor Arshad Wathra reiterated the govt resolve to revive the textile | See pAge 04 |

The Customs Adjudication DC Asma Hameed has issued a show cause notice | See pAge 10 |

The Gwadar Customs Collectorate has exceeded the revenue collection target | See pAge 16 |

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ASO seizes Indian zeera, herbs, offending vehicle worth Rs 3.9m Thursday, January 5, 2017

National

ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) has seized a truck loaded with Indian zeera and herbs worth Rs 3.9 million.

Deputy Collector Shahid Jan told Customs Today that he received information that some smugglers would try to smuggle a huge quantity of Indian origin goods.

The deputy collector said that the ASO formed a squad led by Deputy Superintendent Arif Dar and made a picket near Dina. The squad intercepted a Mazda truck bearing registration no. C-2361 and asked the driver to provide the documents to ascertain legal import of the goods. However, the owner of the goods failed to provide any proof.

FBr collects rs51m from real estate sector in 20 days of amnesty scheme

KARACHI

ISLAMABAD

M BILAL

M ArShAD

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ustom Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi awarded 18 days imprisonment and Rs150, 000 fine to the accused, Waqas Iqbal, on pleading guilty. The convict was booked for trying to smuggle 103 mobile phones worth Rs 5.65 million. During the hearing, the investigation officer produced the accused person before the court. Counsel for the accused filed an application for pleading guilty. After the both sides’ arguments, the court awarded 18 days imprisonment and Rs 150, 000 fine to Waqas who had already undergone the mprisonment. According to the prosecution, the Anti-Smuggling Department intercepted Waqas Iqbal on the airport on November 20, 2016 and recovered 103 mobile phones from his possession. The investigation officer informed the court that I-Phones-6, 33 NOs, Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime 10 NOs, Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime 05 NOs, Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime 06 NOs, Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini Prime 05 NOs, I-Phones 6S 10 NOs, I-Phone 7 15 NOs, Samsung Galaxy C7 03 NOs, Samsung Galaxy A9 01 NO, Samsung Galaxy A86 01 NO, Samsung Galaxy A36 01 NO, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 07 NOs, Black Barry D TEK 50 02 NOs, I-Phone 6S 02 NOs, Samsung Galaxy .

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he Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs 51 million income tax out of 1,919 transactions of land worth Rs 1.4 billion made under newly announced tax amnesty scheme. These transactions of land have been made by the sellers and buyers from December 7 to December 26, 2016.

According to a brief presented by the members of the FBR, Rehmatullah Khan Wazir and Dr Muhammad Iqbal, before the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, the FBR did not agree to the committee on the issue of promulgation of Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2016.

The brief said that disclosure of source of income of differential amount lying between the DC and FBR rates of immoveable has been exempted after payment of one time three percent tax by the purchaser of the land. Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2016 was promulgated in July this year and the FBR was empowered to specify rates of the purpose of valuation of immovable property. Accordingly, FBR notiOied valuation in respect of property in 21 major cities in accordance with the said amendment. The FBR brief said that in a meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue held in October this year, various proposals were put forth by the

customs court awards jail term to suspect involved in smuggling case

members of committee in respect of the explanation of the sources of investment made in immovable property or subjecting to the differential between DC rates and FBR notiOied rates to nominal Oixed tax rate. However, the FBR did not endorse those proposals, therefore, a sub-committee was constituted to make its recommendations in consultation with stakeholders for resolving the issue of

imposition of tax on real estate transactions. Meanwhile, The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has recovered Rs 52,656.697 million from 486,238 tax defaulters during the last two years. During the Oiscal year 2014-15, the FBR traced at least 242,087 tax defaulters and recovered Rs 24,856.262 million from them whereas both the Oigures increased in the next Oiscal year 2015-16 in

which the FBR detected 244,151 tax defaulters and recovered Rs 27,800.262 million from them. This was made possible due to consistent and persistent efforts of the FBR authorities for increasing the tax revenues. A source at the FBR told Customs Today that the traced out tax defaulters were from all three categories of tax, including the income tax, sales tax and federal excise duty.

Additional collector issues notice to w.A Int’l on tax evasion T

FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has served showcause notice to M/s W.A international for taking illegal beneOits of rule 351 and 352 of SRO 450(I)/2001, and causing huge loss to national exchequer.

Sources told Customs Today that DTRE branch Deputy Collector

Muhammad Usman conducted audit of the company for the year 201213 when it imported consignments of self adhesive sticker paper (3500 kilograms) for production of Oinished items. As per details, the company was to consume 90 percent of the imported raw material with 10 percent wastage, but the company showed 100 percent net consumption and claimed wastage at higher rate than actual. So, the company allegedly evaded tax and duties on import of consignments. The depart-

ment forwarded the case to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action. Now, the Customs Adjudication has issued show cause notices to the importer directing it to appear before the Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan. Meanwhile, The Customs Adjudication Additional Collector Beelamur Ramzan has issued Order in Original (ONO) in favour of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Faisalabad while deciding a case of non-duty paid Toyota Hilux surf. Sources told to Customs

Today, that a team of Anti Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted a used Toyota Hilux Surf bearing registration no. KV- 017 ICT model 1995. The owner of the vehicle, who was identiOied as Imran Ali son of Aniyat Ali was asked to show documents regarding legal import of the vehicle but he remained fail to produce any import document. Therefore, the staff impounded the vehicle under Section 2(s), and 16, of the Customs Act, 1969. Later, the ASO team sent its chassis for forensic test.

The report clariOied that present chassis number are not original and is tempered with. The ofOicials forwarded the case to the Customs Adjudication for further legal action.

However, no one appeared to defend the case from respondent side but he remained failed any written reply was submitted before the Customs Adjudication. While Inspector Ali Zahid appeared from the prosecution side and asserted that the seized vehicle fell under the ambit of Section 2(s) of the Customs Act, 1969.

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SHC suspends notice for recovery of income support levy KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has suspended the impugned notices for recovery of income support levy of 0.5 percent on the value of net movable assets/wealth on several constitutional petitions filed by Nauman Ashfaq, Ashfaq Ahmed, Khurram Ashfaq, Azam Sultan and others.

While the hearing of separate petitions, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar issued notices to the tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan, directing them to file their para-wise comments on the next date of hearing. The court adjourned the hearing for January 24, 2016.

Thursday January 5, 2017

National

Multan customs generates rs35.4m through auction

AIB Appraisement west registers FIr against importer, clearing agents

MULTAN

IMrAN ALI

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ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range Office has generated Rs 35.4 million from the auction of seized vehicles and miscellaneous goods. According to details, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan office has conducted auction of confiscated vehicles and different goods seized by Field Intelligence Unit (FIU) staff in their antismuggling activities in the jurisdiction of Customs Intelligence. Customs Intelligence has offered 19 various foreign origin seized vehicles including Toyota Hilux Surf,Toyota Corolla , Honda Civic, Toyota Crown, Mitsubishi Pajero ,Land Cruiser ,Toyota Feilder, Toyota Vitz and others.

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excise anti-narcotics branch collects rs 30.752m tax, duty FAISALABAD

IQrA ShehZADI

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xcise and Taxation department anti-narcotics branch has collected Rs 30.752 million from July to November 2016 of current fiscal year and achieved its annual target of Rs 89.251 million. Sources told Customs Today that excise department collected Rs 27.740 million from Faisalabad during the first five months while Rs 1.033 million were collected from Jhang against the assigned target of Rs 4.683 million. Excise Chiniot generated Rs 1.515 million tax by achieving its target of Rs 0.756 million. Similarly excise collected Rs 0.462 million against the assigned target of Rs 1.197 million during the first five months of current Fiscal Year2016-17. Meanwhile Excise and Taxation Department has collected Rs 4.08 million in terms of entertainment duty during the first five months of the fiscal year 2016-17.

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KARACHI

S r khAN

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he Appraising Intelligence Branch (AIB) of the Customs Collectorate Appraisement West has registered an FIR against the importer A-One Oriental and clearing agents Faiz Rehman, Hassan Ali Adam for their alleged involvement in tax evasion during clearance of the consignments.

The Appraising Intelligence Branch received information that the consignments were declared “Oix-tape” and the importer, with the connivance of the clearing agents, tried to evade duty/taxes worth Rs 4.8million. Sources informed Customs Today that the importer and clearing agents cleared four consignments during September through Goods Declaration KAPW51892-17-09-2016; 48668-08-092016; 47602-07-09-2016 and 45950-05-09-2016 from Karachi International Containers Terminal (KICT). The sources informed that the Customs Collectorate West constituted a two-member committee to investigate the matter. During the investigation, the committee found that the importer M/s Oriental and its clearing agents were involved in mis-declaration by misusing the SRO492(I)/2009. “Those two customs ofOicers physically veriOied the imported consignments of the said importer and found that the company attempted to evade around Rs

4.8 million duty and taxes,” sources added. Later, the AIB, while following the directives of the Collector Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi, has registered an FIR against the importer and the clearing agents, stating that the action has been taken under Section 19, 32(A), 79, 192 punishable under clause 10(A), 14, 14A, 47,77 and 86 of Section 156(I) ibid read with Section 3(b) of the Sales Tax Act1990 and punishable under Section33 ibid and Section-148 of the In-

the Appraising Intelligence Branch received information that the consignments were declared “fixtape” and the importer, with the connivance of the clearing agents, tried to evade duty/taxes worth rs 4.8million

customs go checks import of auto parts

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ISLAMABAD

M ArShAD

www.customsbulletin.com he Customs General Order (CGO) issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has worked effectively in checking the import of auto parts in the shape of scrap from Japan which are later on rejoined in the shape of cars. The said CGO has prescribed a special procedure for examination of such goods as well as restrictions to obviate chances of mis-declaration in import of old

and used auto parts in the shape of scrap. In light of the stipulated procedure, consignments of old and used auto parts can only be de-stuffed at speciOied places of the port and are subject to 100% examination by an ofOicer not below the rank of assistant / deputy collector of Customs. A source told Customs Today that with an effective implementation of the CGO it was evident that the import of old and used auto parts was subject to strict controls and comprehensive procedures due to which no case of

vehicles made from old and used imported auto parts had been reported.

Since no such case has been reported, therefore, no arrests have been made on this account. The source elaborated that the import of old and used auto parts (including serviceable auto parts imported as steel scrap) was banned in terms of IPO, 2016. Similarly, import of chassis of used auto motive vehicles cut into pieces whether or not described as steel scrap is also banned for import into the country under the IPO.

come Tax Ordinance-2001. Meanwhile, The importers are once again facing acute problems in clearance of their import and export consignments at Karachi International Containers’ Terminal (KICT), it is learnt here. Talking to Customs Today, Collector Appraisement (West) Dr Farid Iqbal Qureshi was of the view that the Customs authorities are in touch with the authorities of the terminal in order to resolve the matter of the importers’ community.

kpt faces slow pace of work due to strike he Karachi Port Trust (KPT) is facing slow pace of work after labourers of the Karachi Dock Labor Board declared a strike named “go slow” for the acceptance of their demands. According to sources, the “go slow” strike is causing demurrage worth millions of rupees to the importers as the cargo vessels are being berthed at the port very late due to slow pace of work.

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Rs271m scam: NAB files reference against Balochistan Food Dept official QUETTA: The Balochistan National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has detected a huge scam in Balochistan Food Department and filed a reference against ex-incharge PRC Sariab over 72,425 missing wheat sacks. The NAB has filed reference in Accountability Court-1 against former provincial Reserve Centre (PRC) in-charge Inayatullah Kakar which was accepted by the court. The court issued non-bailable arrest warrants against the accused and instructed the NAB to present him on next hearing date after arrest. According to the NAB reference, thousands of wheat bags were missing from the centre during tenure of the above mentioned former PRC in-charge, who was investigated and found guilty as 72,425 wheat .

Thursday January 5, 2017

Business

Senate body urges banks to support industry KARACHI

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tate Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Arshad Wathra on reiterated the government’s resolve to revive the textile industry and pledged unequivocal support for all the stakeholders. While addressing the Senate Standing Committee meeting on Textile Industry held here at SBP ofOice, he asked the representatives of the banking sector to play their due role in rehabilitating the textile industry by extending loans to the exporters. He further said that it was a moral responsibility of the entire business community to bring back their foreign assets and liquidity so

319 new oil, gas wells drilled in 3 years ISLAMABAD

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that the alarming situation of the textile industry might be ameliorated.

The meeting was held to highlight the problems duly faced by the textile industry in the country and proposals

rs 579.212 million released for agriculture development

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il and Gas Exploration and Production (E&P) companies operating in different parts of the country drilled 319 wells and made 91 finds during the last three years. “In a period of three years, around 319 wells were drilled in different potential areas, out of which 148 were exploratory and 158 appraisal/developmental, that resulted in 91 discoveries,” official sources in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources told APP.

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for its sustainability. Senator Nihal Hashmi, one of the members of the committee, drew the attention of the members to the monopoly of private banks in terms of advancement of

loans and urged that private banks should have been stringently regulated by the SBP. He further said that the government alone would not be able to bailout the textile industry; rather the private sector would also have to come forward and extend Oinancial support to the textile industry. Expressing the concerns of the banking sector, Nauman Dar, the representative of the Habib Bank of Pakistan, said that the textile industry would have to prove its competiveness if they seriously expect the banking sector to come for their rescue. He further said that the government would have to offer subsidies to the exporters. Expressing his optimism about the future and potential of the textile industry in Pakistan, he said that the textile industry in the country is not dead.

ISLAMABAD

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he government has so far released Rs 579.212 million for different developmental projects of Ministry of National Food Security and Research under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), 2016-17 for the uplift of agriculture sector of the country.

According the latest data released by the Planning Commission of Pakistan, the government had al-

located Rs. 1545.700 million for the development of agri-sector during Oiscal year 2016-17. An amount of Rs. of 179.292 million has released for research for agriculture development programme as against the allocation of 428.229 million for the current Oiscal year. In order to fulOil the domestic requirements of the edible oil, the government has released Rs. 117.500 million for the promotion of olive cultivation on commercial scale in the country as against the total allocation of Rs. 300 million for current Oiscal year.

Under the development pro-

gramme, the government has released Rs.80 million for indigenization of hybrid seed production to enhance per acre crop production.

An amount of Rs. 20 million has been released for Pak-China cooperation for agriculture research and development as against the total allocation of Rs. 50 million for current Oinancial year. Rs. 40 million was released for national pesticides resides residues monitoring system in the country as the government has earmarked Rs. 100 million for the project. So far, the government has released Rs. 17.958 million.

10.3m cotton bales reach ginneries, arrivals up by 11pc MULTAN

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akistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) on Tuesday released its fortnightly report indicating national cotton production at 10.366 million bales, showing a percentage increase by 11.72 per cent. Seed cotton (Phutti) equivalent to 10.366 million or 10,366,703 bales have reached ginneries across Pakistan till Jan 1, 2017 registering an 11.72 per cent gain compared to corresponding period of last year. Out of total arrivals, Phutti equivalent to 10,202,247 or 10.2 million bales have undergone the ginning process. The arrivals at Punjab ginneries were recorded 6.6 million or 6,617,646 bales recording a percentage increase of 18.71 per cent compared to corresponding period of last year. Arrivals at ginneries in Sindh were recorded at 3.749 million or 3,749,057 bales showing a percentage increase of 1.21 per cent. Textile Mills have purchased 8.8 million or 8,818,785 bales while exporters have bought 199,244 bales. Total sold out bales were calculated at 9.01 million or 9,018,029 bales. Exactly 1,348,674 bales were still lying with the ginneries as the unsold stock, the report said.

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Inflation surges by 4% in h1 KARACHI

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he Consumer Price Index (CPI) inOlation general increased by 3.88 percent on year-on-year in the Oirst half of Fiscal Year 2016-17 (FY17) as compared to an increase of 2.08 in same period of last Oiscal. In the month of December 2016, it increased by 3.7 percent on a YoY basis as compared to an increase of 3.8

percent in the previous month and 3.2 percent in December 2015, according to data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) attributed this increase to a number of seasonal and supply-side factors including buoyancy in food prices as both the Eids fell during the half, supply shortages of fresh vegetables that exacerbated the seasonal impact on their prices, subsiding global deOlation in key commodities (like crude

oil and industrial inputs) along with a recovery in prices of major food items (palm oil and rice) during the quarter, increase in regulatory duties on few import items in Federal Budget 2016-17 (e.g, powder milk) and other Oiscal measures to increase tax mobilisation. “We expect average CPI inOlation in FY17 to remain lower than the target of 6 percent set by the government”, said the SBP. The ongoing rebalancing in China, the ultimate outcome on Brexit, and the

change in political regime in the US, will have a strong inOluence over the direction of the global economy and commodity prices. There has been a partial recovery in commodity prices from January 2016 onwards, but this has been patchy and is seemingly susceptible to exogenous shocks at best, it added. On month-on-month basis, it decreased by 0.7 percent in December 2016 as compared to an increase of 0.2 percent in the previous month and a decrease of 0.6 per-

cent in December 2015. Core inOlation measured by non-food non-energy CPI (Core NFNE) increased by 5.2 percent on (YoY) basis in December 2016 as compared to increase of 5.3 percent in the previous month and 4.1 percent in December 2015.

On (MoM) basis, it increased by 0.1 percent in December 2016 as compared to increase of 0.2 percent in previous month ,and an increase of 0.2 percent in corresponding month of last year i.e. December 2015.

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MULTAN IMrAN ALI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has made revenue collection of Rs.3850.403 million throughout the month of December 2016-17. The Collectorate of the Multan Customs has collected customs duty of Rs.744.616 million by surpassing the assigned revenue target of Rs.635 million in the month of December of Oiscal year 2016-17.

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan has posted 17% growth in their revenue collection of customs duty and the Multan Customs was able to collect only Rs.587.650 million customs duty during the matching period of the December of previous economic year 2015-16. The Collectorate of the Multan Customs was assigned the sales tax collection target for the month of December, which was almost Rs.3338 million and the Multan Customs has collected amount of Rs.2042.790 million under the head of sales tax during the month of December. But the MCC Multan has collected sales tax of Rs.2303.298 million throughout the December of the corresponding Oinancial year 2015-16.

The Federal Board of Revenue has assigned the revenue collection target of the federal excise duty of Rs.21 million to the Multan Customs for the month of December and the Multan Customs has set Rs.27.049 million in the December. The Multan Customs has collected 29 % excess revenue collection of the federal excise duty during the December of ongoing Oiscal year 2016-17.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Model of Customs Collectorate Multan ferent articles including foreign origin blanhas collected income tax of Rs.19.690 million kets, grease, art silk cloth, welding electrode, against the assigned collection task of Rs.38 re-roll-able scrap, auto scrap, old and used million during December FY 2016-17 and the telephone sets of various auto parts, plastic collection under the head of income tax was rolls, CCTV cameras, LEDs ,tyres and other Rs.34.193 million during the corresponding items. Multan Customs has sold out 11 lots of period of the Oiscal year 2015-16. Further- goods worth Rs.20.14 million during the aucmore, the Multan Customs has also collected tion. All auction items including vehicles and additional sales tax of Rs.1.207 million and various articles were seized by the Antipetroleum development levy of Rs.1015.051 Smuggling Organization of Multan Customs. million during the month of December.

The auction held in the Multan Customs were Meanwhile, The Customs Collectorate gener- supervised by Additional Collector Muhamated Rs.31.5 million revenue through auction mad Ismail, Assistant Collector Zohaib Sandof impounded vehicles and miscellahila and auctioneer Muhammad Akram proneous goods during December ceed the auction of goods and vehicles.

2016. The Collectorate of the Multan Customs has organized public sale of seized vehicles and goods for generation of revenue in the Customs House. Multan Customs has offered nine various noncustoms paid vehicles in the auction. The vehicles presented in the auction includes lec t to c o l Toyota Caldina ,Toyota Town e l b a ty Ace, Toyota Premio, Toyota His wa s ms du m o o t t s s u ace,Toyota Corolla Vitz and othn cu ion c the Multa 0 mill ers. Multan Customs has dis5 6 iod of . r 7 e 8 p 5 . g ar s posed 8 presented vehicles of a t c h i n c o n o m i c ye only r m e h worth Rs 11.4 million during gt ous e the durin auction process. Only Toyota p r ev i f o at e o f r r o e t les b c e Hiace vehicle were rejected m he sa co l l ece t D e d h e t due to fewer price than averign f 16. as ass nth o 2015o w age price evaluated by the Feds m e m to 8 or th eral Board of Revenue. n cus s. 3 3 3 rg e t f r a t t Multa s n o There were 29 lots offered of difo c ti alm

lle ms h wa s tax co c u s to n , whic r a t e l b e Mu Decem nd th a n o i mill

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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

Need to arrest falling exports

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ccording to a senior official of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association,the overall textile exports continue to present a dismal look in the middle of the current fiscal year.

As the import billis increasing, the trade deficit has swollen to $28.3 billion, creating an alarming situation for the government to streamline its accounts. The government is paying full attention to enhance revenue collections without giving any incentive to the production sector. The cost of doing business could not be brought down to a satisfactory level, energy crisis still persists and a new industrial policy is nowhere in sight. The government has less than two years to prove its mettle. In the absence of a strong trade and investment policy, the ratio of foreign direct investment has fallen to a dangerous level and the hostile countries on east and west sides are taking all possible steps to malign Pakistan. The policymakers will have to revise and revisit their policies to ascertain the causes of falling exports under the present government. During the tenure of the previous Pakistan People’s Party government, the exports had crossed $25 billion mark, but the country has been losing over 20 percent of its exports per year since the present government took over in 2013.

The officials are not tired of making tall claims and thumping their chests on the reports issued by foreign donor agencies.

According to experts, foreign financial institutions should not trusted on the whole as they have to sell their money at expensive markup rates. The first thing first is that, we have to keep our own house in order. The industrial sector is under performing, the Pakistani commercial attachésare allegedly involved in dereliction of duties and the government has failed to promote soft image of the country. A combination of negative factors is drastically affecting the national economy. The APTMA official correctly pointed out some pressing issues which needed to be carefully listened to and addressed. The government should learn to watch the economy through the eyes of the businessmen and not through eyes of the officials who are on its payroll. The Chinese investment is pouring in and it is time the government should wake up and persuade the investors from other countries to tap business and industrial opportunities in Pakistan.

SBp report: so far so good A

LAHORE

Dr AFtAB AFZAL

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ccording to the first-quarterly report of the State Bank for 2016-17, the higher fiscal deficit and low tax collections are appearing as serious challenges for the government to spur economic growth.

The fiscal deficit in terms of gross domestic product stood at 1.3 percent during the first quarter which is the highest quarterly level since 2011-12. In view of the rising shortfall in revenue collections, containing the total fiscal deficit to 3.8 percent of the GDP for a year could be a challenge for the government. However, the State Bank wants to

keep the current account deficit within the range of 1 percent to 2 percent of the GDP during the current fiscal year. It is a matter of concern that the tax revenues are dwindling despite the government has enhanced tariffs on various products and amended the finance bill to regulate various sectors of the economy. The government’s current spending has shown a marginal decline, but development expenditures have increased by 12.4 percent during the first quarter and it will have to make extra efforts to achieve fiscal consolidation The initial assessment of the State Bank indicates that the economy is moving in the right direction as the agriculture sector has shown improvement in

sugarcane and maize production, which account for 14.6 percent of the crop sector. The two crops are likely to reach record levels during the current fiscal year.However, cotton crop has missed the target of 14.1 million bales and the rice production has also remained below the last year’s average. This is due to decline in the crop area by 20.8 percent in Punjab this year as well as due to low cotton prices at the time of sowing. Another reason for the rising deficit is decline in the non-tax revenues.

One point is clear. The government has very loose grip on various sectors, including the financial and production sectors.

There is no need to depend on foreign loans, donations and

funds and the policymakers are required to adopt realistic approach. The writ of the government is weak and that is the main reason behind low tax collections and low tax-to-GDP ratio in the country. When all the institutions are working within their domains, the only reason for the economic woes is the lethargic attitude of the official machinery.

The bank report only indicates the ground situation, but the government must take it seriously to overcome the problem areas. Pakistan has been bestowed with human and natural resources and the government only needs to do is to take wise decisions to allow the economy to move on the right track.

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Strong market outlook for Australia’s cotton growers CANBERRA: Attractive cotton prices, cheap water and strong overseas demand has seen Australian cotton growers double their plantings this season. It comes as prices have steadily climbed throughout the year, the second consecutive season where global consumption would exceed production. Prices have also been supported by reports of global cotton stocks decreasing, as China which holds an estimated half of the worlds cotton stocks in reserve works through its stockpiles. In the year to date, Chinese cotton imports were down 42 per cent compared with the previous year, leaving Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam to pick up the excess demand. Chinese officials recently announced a cutback in imports, in an effort to further reduce stockpiles, but Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) agri-commodity analyst Madeleine Donlan is tipping that might not last long.

govt urged to resolve It industry issues for boosting exports ISLAMABAD

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delegation of Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) led by its Chairman Munawar Iqbal visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and called upon the government to focus on the better development of IT industry that has the potential to stimulate economic growth and promote exports. Speaking at the occasion, Munawar Iqbal, Chairman, Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) said that the current tax regime was not supportive of IT sector businesses and stressed that government should reform tax policies to facilitate the realization of full export potential of this important sector. He said FBR should reduce high tax rates on IT sector to pave way for its fast growth. He said if government cooperate, IT industry has the potential to create plenty of new jobs, promote exports and increase tax

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revenue of the country. He said a levelplaying field should be provide to IT sector businessmen that will help them to unleash the untapped potential of this industry. He said government should establish a fund to promote R&D activities in IT sector that would give a new boost to this industry. He said ICCI should play role for redress of IT sector issues. In his welcome address, Khalid Iqbal Malik, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that IT industry has the potential to project Pakistan at global level by promoting IT exports and government should give priority attention to resolving its key problems. He said special subsidies and export incentives have proved instrumental in stimulating the growth of world-wide IT sector with very positive spill-over effects on economic growth and government should seriously consider extending similar support to IT industry in Pakistan.

Thursday January 5, 2017

Chambers

'govt to extend full support to traders to strengthen economy’ G

LAHORE

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overnor Punjab Malik Muhammad RaOique Rajwana has promised to extend every cooperation to the business community for the cause of economy.

While talking to the LCCI President Abdul Basit, Vice President Muhammad Nasir Hameed Khan, former ofOice-bearers and Executive Committee Members here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Governor Punjab said that strong relations between government and the private sector are vital to keep the momentum of growth.

Former LCCI Presidents Muhammad Ali Mian, Sohail Lashari, former Vice Presidents Aftab Ahmed Vohra, Mian Abuzar Shad, Executive Committee Members Awais Saeed Piracha, Moazzam Rasheed, Mian Abdul Razzaq, Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, Zahid Maqsood Butt, Mian Muhammad Nawaz, Ali Hassam Asghar, Khamis Saeed Butt, Zeeshan Khalil, Nadeem Qureshi and Tehmina Saeed Chaudhry were present on the occasion.

The Governor said that the gov-

ernment had achieved a lot during last three years. He said there is a lot of development in the energy sector and country would be self dependent in power generation till the year 2018. He said that law & order situation is far better than the past and situation would be much better in the days to come. He said that tourism industry is booming while reforms in agriculture sector are paving way for agri revolution. To a question, Governor Punjab said that issue of Indian water aggression is being raised at the international fo-

rums. He also promised to take up the issue of disparity in electricity and gas prices between the provinces with Pime Minister Nawaz Sharif. While agreeing the LCCI proposal to declare the important roads as industrial corridors, the Governor urged the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to forward proposals in this regard. He also promised to forward his recommendations to the Punjab government regarding construction of parking plazas and ban on protests at city roads. “As Governor Punjab, my full

‘private sector playing vital role in promotion of healthy sports activities'

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FAISALABAD

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ealthy sports activities are imperative to build a healthy society and in this connection the efforts of the private sector along with government is highly appreciable, said Talal Badar Chaudhary Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Science and Technology.

He was talking to the players during a friendly match played between the senior and junior teams of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) in Iqbal Stadium here. He said that the sports were included in the long list of departments devolved to the provinces. However, despite of this

fundamental change, the Federal government continued to take various steps to encourage the talented sportsmen. He also appreciated the steps taken by the Punjab government for the promotion of healthy sports activities in this province and said that the role of private sector cannot be ignored in the promotion of healthy sport activities. Underlining the importance of sports, he said that it not only creates discipline in the younger generation but also harness their God gifted qualities enabling them to play their active role in the national uplift. He lauded the efforts of FCCI for making sincere efforts for the promotion of sports and said that other important industrial and commercial organizations should also patronize different sports at different levels. Earlier,

Secretary General FCCI Abid Masood introduced Talal Badar Chaudhary with the senior and junior teams. Later, the acting President FCCI Rana Sikandar Azam participated in the concluding ceremony of prize distribution. He also presented a trophy to the captain of the winning team Farooq Yusuf. In his brief address, he told that the FCCI will continue its efforts for the promotion of healthy sports activities in addition to serving its valued members. He assured his full supports in organizing more and more sports competitions. Secretary General Abid Masood told that the FCCI has played many friendly Oixtures with local teams and now we are planning to play friendly matches with other chamber of commerce teams of the country.

support and cooperation is available for the business community as no country could move ahead without its due role”, he added. The LCCI President Abdul Basit said that Pakistani industry is in deep trouble in the international market because of high input cost. He said that electricity is an important raw material of the industry and it should be provided to the industry on subsidized rates to boost the declining exports. He said that gas and electricity tariff should be uniformed throughout the country.

economic indicator moving in right direction: Ishaq Dar ederal Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has said that all economic indicators are moving in right direction and situation would get even better in coming months. Federal Finance Minister, who is also the former president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was talking to the LCCI delegation. The LCCI President Abdul Basit was leading the delegation while other members were Awais Saeed Piracha, Moazam Rasheed, Mian Zahid Javed, Mian Abdul Razaq, Shahid Nazir , Ch. Khadim Hussain and Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim. Muhammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan has made a strong comeback and became more stronger after 2013. He said that foreign exchange reserves are at the record level, balance of payment is good while Pakistan Stock.—CB Report

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IHC to resume hearing of WiTribe Pakistan’s tax reference Thursday January 5, 2017

National FBr estimates to collect rs18b capital gains tax KARACHI

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ISLAMABAD: A single bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) will resume the hearing of M/s WiTribe Pakistan’s tax reference on Wednesday. The single bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq will hear the case challenging a recovery notice of Rs 457.2 million under the head of income tax.

Through the reference, M/s WiTribe Pakistan had named chief commissioner Inland Revenue, LTU, assistant commissioner Inland Revenue Withholding, LTU, commissioner Inland Revenue (Appeals), LTU, and Federation of Pakistan through the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue.

Dc Asma issues notice to suspect involved in smuggling of Iranian diesel T

FAISALABAD

he country’s top revenue authority is expected to collect Rs 18 billion capital gains tax from shares’ trading during the ongoing financial year of 2016-17.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has estimated to collect this amount on the basis of buoyancy in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and changes in the rules regarding commodity shares. According to the official sources, the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL) has deposited capital gains tax of around Rs 8 billion on behalf of the FBR from sale and purchase of shares during the first five months of the current fiscal year. In the fiscal year 2015-16, the revenue authority collected capital gains tax of Rs 5 billion on stocks trading. Last week, the FBR and NCCPL officials held a meeting to review the ongoing deduction of tax and amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002.

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FSt adjourns hearing of tax matter filed by FBr employees mid thin presence of staffers, Federal Service Tribunal (FST) dated in office hearing on ‘implementation’ and ‘increment’ complaints filed by employees of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday.

FST bench comprising of Members Syed Rafique Hussain Shah and Dr Nazir Saeed held hearing. Syed Rafique Hussain Shah and Dr Nazir Saeed dated in office hearing of cases filed by M Waheed, Anjum Rasheed, and others.

Same bench had adjourned hearing of couple of other cases yesterday.

Syed Rafique Hussain Shah and Dr Nazir Saeed adjourned hearing of cases filed by Waseem Iqbal, Anjum Waheed, Said Hussain Abbasi and Abdul Sattar.—Naeem Ullah Tariq

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NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued a show cause notice to owner of non duty paid Iranian diesel. These Iranian diesel was brought into country through unauthorized route.

Sources told Customs Today that Mianwali Anti Smuggling Organization intercepted a vehicle near M.M Alam Raod and recovers huge quantity of smuggled Iranian diesel oil.

The team asked the owner of the vehicle who was identiOied as Zahir Shah to show documents regarding legal import of the Iranian diesel oil but he could not produce any legal documents regarding possession of the above said items. Therefore, the ofOicials impounded the diesel un-

der customs laws and forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further legal action. Now, Deputy Collector Asma issued notice to the accused person on the violation of Section 10-A. 89(1) and 156(1) of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under Section 156(1)89 of the Cus-

tom Act, 1969 and served him a show cause notice as to why the seized item should not be conOiscated under aforementioned provisions of the law besides penal action as warranted in law. However, the adjudication has directed the accused to Oile reply on next date of

hearing. The seizing agency has also been directed to Oile reply in the respective case. The adjudication authority also directed Deputy Collector Muhammad Rizwan to attend the hearing on schedule date along with relevant record. Meanwhile, The Customs Adjudication Deputy Collector Asma Hameed has issued a show cause notice to owner of non duty paid foreign origin stationery items. These items were brought into country through unauthorized route. Sources told Customs Today that Mianwali Anti Smuggling Organization intercepted a vehicle near M.M Alam Raod Mianwali and recovers smuggled items. The team asked the owner/driver of the vehicle who was identiOied as Muhammad Shakeel to show documents regarding legal import of the stationery items.

customs seizes vehicles worth rs963.6m D

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irectorate General Customs Intelligence and Investigation, in a countrywide action, has impounded 460 non-duty paid and offending vehicles worth Rs.963.6 million during the Oirst six months of the current Oinancial year (till December 2016 30).

Sources told Customs Today that Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan and Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigations Shaukat Ali appreciated the efforts made by anti-smuggling staff and car cell in this regard. The FBR chairman directed the Directorate to increase more vigilance and special teams should be formed in all directorates to control this menace and specially concentrate on border routes. Sources said that Directorate Customs Intelligence has impounded 253 non-duty paid cars worth Rs 664.57 million through Customs Act 1069. Sources said that these vehicles were being used

for transportation of smuggled goods. Sources said that under the section 16 of customs act while these impounded cars will be presented in auction which will be held during the end of January 2017 and

will generate handsome revenue.

Sources said that FBR chairman Nisar Mohammad Khan directed to adopt zero tolerance policy towards smugglers and non-duty paid goods. Sources said that due to

strict checking there is decrease being witnessed in smuggling attempts in the region. He said that customs authorities will generate more revenue through auction of non-duty paid vehicles and goods.

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Collector PQ chairs meeting over expected grid-lock of imported bulk consignments KARACHI: The Collector of Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Mukarram Jah Ansari has taken immediate steps in order to remove the expected grid-lock of imported bulk consignments at Qasim International Containers Terminal (QICT), it is learnt here.

According to details, the Collector called on a meeting of the customs officers including additional collectors and deputy collectors in connection with seeking overall information of grounding and clearing the bulk consignments at QICT. The Customs officers were briefed that the appraising officers and examiners are making sure that the consignments should be cleared within 24 hours after grounding, adding that they are also ensuring “zero-pendency” at the terminal in examining and clearing the consignments.

customs serves contravention reports on 4 importers KARACHI

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akistan Customs has served contravention on four importers as they were mis-declaring the description and HS Code of imported goods to circumvent the provisions of import policy order.

The contravention reports have been served against M/s Pioneer Pipe Industries, M/s Pioneer Industries, M/s A.M Pipe Industries and M/s Royal Plastics for importing goods which are considered hazardous waste. It may be mentioned here that Pakistan Customs has blocked 130 containers of PVC recycled flakes which are suspected to be

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containing PVC scrap, which is prohibited to be importer as per the provisions of Import Policy Order. Several importers imported consignments declared to contain “PVC recycled flakes”and electronically filed Goods Declaration (GDs) and sought clearance of the goods under PCT Heading 3902.9000.

Scrutiny of the GDs in the light of the foregoing E/R transpired that although the goods have been declared as ‘PVC recycled flakes’under HS Code 3902.9000, this HS Code is meant for ‘plastics in primary form’ and is not meant for ‘recycled plastics’. Images attached with the E/R reveal that the instant goods are in fact ‘used plastic pipes crushed into flakes’. As such, the goods are correctly classifiable under 3915.9000 i.e. as ‘waste and parings and scrap of plastics’.

Goods falling under HS Code 3915.9000 are hit by restrictive regime of the Basel convention on hazardous substances which are prohibited to be imported under Import Policy Order. Since the importer did not agree with the above plea of the Department and insisted that his goods fall under HS Code 3902.9000, as declared in the GD, in order to resolve the dispute, representative samples of the goods were drawn and forwarded to Custom House.

Thursday January 5, 2017

National

commerce Ministry making efforts to increase rice export to Qatar S

Importers move Shc against recovery notices of income support levy

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M BILAL

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ISLAMABAD

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inistry of Commerce is pursuing an application for the inclusion of Pakistan in the list of importers of rice maintained by the Central Tendering Committee of Qatar. In this connection, a formal application has been moved to the CTC and all the available diplomatic channels are being utilized in this regard. The CTC was established in 1976 in Doha and is responsible for all government related bids, contract awards and contract processes. Qatar had been a major rice buyer of Pakistan as Pakistan exported over 50,000 metric ton of basmati rice worth $50 million along with 36,000 metric ton of nonbasmati rice worth more than $21 million in the year 2012-13. But the export graph went downward on to 15,000 metric ton of basmati rice between July 2014 and May 2015.

A source at the ministry told Customs Today that the ministry was taking strenuous efforts to enhance Pakistan’s trade volume with Qatar which is a peninsular Arab country

whose terrain comprises arid desert and a long Persian (Arab) Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Counting the measures taken by the ministry in this regard, the source said that ministry had fully activated the commercial section at the Pakistani embassy in Doha. Visits of various trade delegations were arranged to Qatar the previous year and more delegations are planned during the re-

maining months of 2016-17. The source said that the ministry has facilitated the participation of Pakistani companies in the trade exhibitions held in Qatar, including Project Qatar, 2016 and Qatar International Agriculture Exhibition, 2016. Pakistani companies would participate in Project Qatar 2017. The private sector cooperation between the two countries is being encouraged.

everal importers have approached the Sindh High Court (SHC), challenging the impugned notices for the recovery of income support levy @ 0.5 percent on the value of net movable assets/ wealth imposed by tax authorities. Counsels for Noman Ashfaq, Ashfaq Ahmed Khurram Ashfaq and Azam Sultan stated in their separate constitutional petitions that they are individuals and are duly registered taxpayers and are regularly paying income tax in accordance with law.

According to the petitioners, officials of the tax authorities issued notices to them for recovery of income tax of income support levy through income support levy act, 2013. The counsels argued that the income support levy @ 0.5 percent on the value of net movable assets/ wealth is illegal, without lawful authorities and of no legal effects. Citing secretary Ministry of Law, secretary Revenue Division, deputy commissioner Inland Revenue Large Taxpayer Unit-II and the commissioner Inland Revenue Large Taxpayer Unit-II as respondents, petitioners pleaded that the court.

FIA’s framework on human trafficking being finalised

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ISLAMABAD

cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

he strategic framework of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on human trafOicking and migrant smuggling has been developed and is under Oinalisation.

The immigration related laws of FIA are being extended to Torkham Border Crossing Point in order to establish writ of the Agency to curb illegal trafOicking and human smuggling. DeOining steps taken to improve overall performance of FIA, sources at Interior Division on Saturday said special campaign against Human TrafOickers has been

launched as per direction of Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan while Red Book of Human TrafOickers has been prepared and circulated to all concerned.

The sources said FIA (APT) Rules, framed in 1975 were out dated and inconsistent with contemporary legal requirements in terms of Agency’s administrative and functional domains. These rules have been amended and reframed in 2014, in line with all pressing requirements. FIA (Inquiries and Investigations) Rules, 2002 are also being examined and re-visited to ensure transparency, merit and fairness in process of investigation by FIA ofOicers while

strict monitoring and vigilance on performance and conduct of FIA ofOicers and ofOicials has been enforced through establishment of Vigilance Units, Performance Evaluation Committees and Snap Checking Committees.

The sources said regular monitoring of progress of the Agency on high proOile cases is being done by Ministry of Interior at senior level and cash and reward system has been introduced for the best performers. The other steps included repatriation of irrelevant ofOicers from FIA, more than 900 vacancies of FIA have been Oilled through National Testing Service (NTS) and Federal Public Service Commission

(FPSC) while process of recruitment against 483 additional vacancies is underway.

Similarly, for speedy disposal of pending inquiries/cases and to enhance Agency’s outreach some measures have been taken and these included new FIA Police Station has been established at Mardan and Special Court has been established in Gujranwala. The sources said posts of Inspector (Legal/BS-16) have been upgraded to AD (Legal/BS-17), Project of NR3C (National Response Centre for Cyber Crime) Phase-I has been regularized as well as project of Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) has also been regularized.

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South Korea Dec exports rise 6.4% Thursday January 5, 2017

World

SEOUL: South Korean exports in December rose for a second straight month, data showed on Sunday, adding to hopes for a firm turnaround in shipments that have fallen for most of the past two years.

Exports rose 6.4 percent on-year to $45.07 billion in December while imports jumped a faster 7.3 percent to $38.07 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $7.0 billion.

In November, exports and imports rose 2.5 percent and 9.3 percent respectively. December’s data helped exports from October through December chalk up to the first quarterly gain since late 2014.

“The decline in exports seems to have bottomed out. Auto, electronic components as well as finished electronic devices especially will sell much better this year.

£500k of drugs found inside hMp humber

Saudi national arrested in Iran for dollar smuggling TEHRAN

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LONDON

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he Ministry of Justice conOirmed the drugs had been found inside HMP Humber, near Brough, since October after prison ofOicers carried out searches.

It is understood much of it was the former legal high Spice, which has been described as rife in prisons.

The Prison Service said: “Vigilant staff at HMP Humber have recovered a number of packages containing contraband over the past months following intelligence-led searches. “This includes mandatory drug testing for prisoners with extra time behind bars for those caught using banned substances, tough new laws to deal with people smuggling new psychoactive substances into jails and the increased use of sniffer dogs and cell searches across the estate. “These measures alongside 2,500 extra

Former police drug chief jailed for smuggling drugs former narcotics police chief has been jailed for ten years after being convicted of drug smuggling. Jari Aarnio, who worked for Helsinki Police in Finland, helped a gang import nearly 1,760lbs (800kg) of cannabis from the Netherlands, which was distributed from 2011 to 2012. The 59-year-old was convicted of 23 crimes, including five that were related to drugs. The district court added he was guilty of official misconduct and aggravated evidence tampering. His crimes included attempting to frame a man as the actual boss of the criminal enterprise. An accomplice, a local criminal, was also given ten years in jail. Aarnio, a 30 year police veteran, was arrested in 2013 and found guilty in September this year. The court said in a statement the former police chief had ruthlessly abused his position and his actions had endangered public trust in the police.—CB Report

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frontline prison staff will help make prisons safer and cut reoffending.” An inspection held in 2015 found drug use was common and described the jail as “not sufOiciently safe”, with a high number of assaults on staff. An action plan submitted by governors at the prison in February said a violence reduction strategy had been established. It said: “Violent incidents

are recorded on the daily brieOing sheet and reviewed on a daily basis.

All men found to be displaying antisocial behaviour will be placed on a compact which is managed daily and reviewed weekly by wing managers.”

It added a full review of the supply of drugs inside the prison had been conducted and several measures are now in place to tackle the problem.

Liquor worth rs 600,000 missing from customs’ godown

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randed liquor worth over Rs 6 lakh went missing from a godown at the new customs house near IGI airport. A complaint in this regard was registered by the customs on Wednesday. OfOicials said the incident took place in October after a party arrived to take the delivery of the liquor after getting a releasing letter from the competent authority, but all the 84 bottles of high-end liquor were found missing.

According to the complaint Oiled by

the customs, one of their ofOicers came under the police scanner for allegedly selling drugs after stealing them from the seized items. “In August this year, it was found that the ofOicer under suspicion, who was incharge of VIP and armoury godowns, had not handed over the charge of these godowns and the liquor stock register to any other ofOicer. In his absence, the department formed different committees to take charge of the godowns.—CB Report

ran’s security forces have arrested a Saudi national at an airport in Khorasan Razavi province, eastern Iran, for smuggling dollar, local ofOicials have reported.

“We received reports from Mashhad Customs on a Saudi national who intended to carry 44,700 U.S. dollars out of the country,” said Hamid Reza Karim, an ofOicial with an organization in charge of punishing law violations, on Saturday. Reportedly, the Saudi national had been carrying 44,700 U.S. dollars in cash when stopped by security forces at Shahid Hasheminejad airport.

Initially, the Saudi national had rejected requests by security forces for documents showing that he had bought the cash in authorized currency exchanges. Under Iran’s regulations, foreign exchanges exceeding

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$5,000 are possible only through currency declaration forms or authorized documents issued by Iranian banks. The defendant has been Oined nearly 55,000 U.S. dollars, and is now held in custody for not affording the Oine, Karim explained. Neither Iran’s Foreign Ministry nor Saudi Arabia’s has made comments so far. Over the past two weeks, Iran’s national currency rial has devalued against the U.S. dollar, causing a mayhem in the market. Although the Rouhani administration has linked the devaluation to concerns over U.S. Presidentelect Donald Trump taking ofOice in less than a month, it has announced it pumps dollars into the market to help ease the rising rates. Meanwhile, Iran exported non-oil goods valued at over $31 billion in the nine months to December 20, according to ofOicial customs data. Iran Customs Administration gave the exact value of non-oil exports in the ninemonth period at $31.593 billion, said an Iran Daily News report, citing Tasnim News Agency.

23 sentenced for smuggling refined oil court in eastern China has sentenced 23 people to prison for smuggling reOined oil, authorities said. The gang members were Oined and sentenced to jail terms up to 15 years, while their smuggling vessels, two oil tankers, were conOiscated, according to Nanjing Customs, citing a statement from Yangzhou City Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangsu Province. In November last year, Yangzhou Customs staff found an oil tanker coded “Haiguanshan No.66” was illegally transporting reOined oil products in ports along the Yangzhou section of the Yangtze River. Further investigation showed

another oil tanker was also involved.

Yangzhou Customs found that the smugglers had asked overseas ships to dock in international waters, and sent the oil in Chinese ships. Financial transactions were conducted via underground banks. The gang had smuggled more than 35,000 tonnes of oil products since 2013, customs staff said. Meanwhile, A court in eastern China has sentenced 23 people to jail of up to 15 years for smuggling reOined fuel, state news agency Xinhua reported.

They were found to have smuggled more than 35,000 tonnes of reOined oil since 2013.—CB Report

SBMA chair foils smuggling of p8-B sugar

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MANILA

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he Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has prevented the smuggling of sugar imported from Thailand amounting to PHP 8 billion after it found that the shipment appeared suspicious and lacked proper documents. SBMA said the

shipment of some 200,000 metric tons of reOined white sugar from Thailand is scheduled to arrive at the Subic Bay Freeport. SBMA Chairman Martin Diño has directed Trade Facilitation & Compliance Department ofOicer-incharge Robert Bana to recall the certiOicate of eligibility and admission permit issued in favor of Subic Bay Free Trade Center, Inc., an SBMA locator and importer of the prime com-

modity. “Let me emphasize that I will have zero tolerance for any form of smuggling during my watch here at SBMA. Don’t mess with me. This is more than what a local sugar reOinery can produce in one milling season,” said Dino of the 200,000 MT of reOined white sugar from Thailand by a locator that has no capability to store the commodity. Dino said that under the prevailing landed price of

PHP2,000 per sack, the shipment of some FOUR million sacks would easily be worth PHP8 billion in the domestic market. Dino dismissed the claim of the importer that the sugar is meant for transshipment, pointing out that smuggling syndicates had operated with impunity in previous years, thus depriving the government of much-needed resources for economic and social development.

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SHC issues notice to tax authorities on petition filed by D.M Traders KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a constitutional petition filed by M/s D.M Traders challenging the valuation ruling no 863/2016 enhancing the value of Dove Soap from $ 1/kg to $ 1.90/kg. While the hearing of constitutional petition, a two-member bench, headed by Jtice Munib Akhtar also directed them to file their respective comments on next date of hearing, court also adjourned the hearing for December 29, 2016. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is engaged in the lawful import of Dove Soap from vario sources around the world including Germany, importer is aggrieved and serioly prejudiced by the illegal and mala fide action.

Faisalabad ASo seizes huge quantity of smuggled goods worth rs 2m

Thursday January 5, 2017

National

cDwp approves pc-1 for private cloud centre at FBr worth rs512m

customs export sends final list of exporters rebate claims to FBr KARACHI

FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

S r khAN

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he Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized non duty paid smuggled electronic goods worth Rs20,00,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to Rs 5,63,897 during an action. ASO also impounded Mazda mini truck worth Rs 18,00,000 under section 157 which was being used for smuggling transportation. Sources told Customs Today that Additional Collector Saeed Asad received credible information about some smuggling attempts. He immediately constituted a raiding team comprising Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya, Inspectors Khalid Ashraf Noor, Mahmood Ahmad Dogar, Ali Zahid, Sepoys Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Yaseen, Liaqat Ali and Muhammad Ashraf. The team intercepted a Mazda mini truck bearing registration no. LEI-15-224 near Shahkot Toll Plaza and recovered deep fryer breville, steam iron brand Morphy Richards, cookworks, colom match.

ollector of Model Customs Collectorate Exports Yaqoob Mako has sent a final list of released funds in share of exporters rebate claims to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). According to details, the collector has directed the additional collectors and deputy collectors of the collectorate to prepare a list in this regard and release the outstanding rebate claims to the exporters. Reacting upon the directives, the authorities concerned of the collectorate have prepared the list of exporters whose rebate claims are yet to be paid by the customs authorities.

In first phase, the exporters has released Rs780million of rebate claims to the exporters, adding that, the customs authorities would also release million of refunds to the exporters by the end of current fiscal year 2016-17.

Customs sources informed Customs Today that the FBR has directed the collector export to release the outstanding rebate claims to the exporters after thorough scrutiny.

Sources further informed that around Rs1800 million of rebate claims for last three years are in pending, adding that, the Federal Government has already directed the FBR authorities to release the rebate claims to the exporters by the end of FY2016-17.

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Multan customs seizes smuggled goods worth rs165.9m ustoms Intelligence and Investigation Multan Range Office has paced up its crackdown on smuggling of vehicles and miscellaneous goods during on-going economic year 2016-17. According to details , Customs Intelligence has carried out various antismuggling operations in jurisdiction to curb smuggling. Customs Intelligence has participated more actively in their anti-smuggling operations as compared to previous fiscal year 2015-16 in Multan. Customs Intelligence and Investigation teams of Multan Range office has formed 122 various seizures in the first five months of the current fiscal year 2016-17. While Customs Intelligence and Investigation Multan detected only 57 seizure cases in the corresponding fiscal year 2015-16.—Imran Ali

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he Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 14 projects worth Rs139.5 billion in communication and transport, highways, physical planning, energy, information technology and education sectors.

In the information technology sector, CDWP approved umbrella PC-1 for a private cloud centre at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and strengthening FBR’s capacity in Oiscal research and tax policy analysis at a cost of Rs512m.

The CDWP meeting was chaired

by Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal.

Iqbal suggested developing a mobile application to enable online registration and Oiling of tax returns. He further recommended that the FBR should collaborate with Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) to enhance research capability and capacity building. Among the approved projects, three signiOicant schemes worth Rs108 billion are related to the areas around the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) alignment to enhance mobility and socio-economic development. In addition, CDWP referred Oive projects costing Rs131 billion to the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) for approval. Additionally, it also approved one position

paper and gave concept clearance for a project. CDWP referred the rehabilitation of NHA KKH (N-35) ThakotRaikot worth Rs8.5 billion to Ecnec.

The project envisages the rehabilitation of 136.4km remaining portion of the existing KKH between Thahkot and Raikot, which was damaged by monsoon rains and Olash Oloods of 2010. Mr Iqbal directed the authorities concerned to rationalise the cost and review the design of the project.

Another signiOicant project that is part of the western rout of CPEC and has been referred to Ecnec is to dual and improve the existing N-50 at Rs80.8 billion. The project envisages the construction of 210km four-lane highway starting from Yarik on N-55 to Zhob on N-50 via Sagu, Daraban, Mughal Kot and Manikhuwa.

Shc seeks reply from tax authorities in Farooq corp case KARACHI

M BILAL

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KARACHI: A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC), headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, has directed the tax authorities to Oile their respective comments on a constitutional petition Oiled by M/S Farooq Corporation. The company is allegedly involved in a case of misdeclaration as well as duty and tax evasion of Rs 992,340.

During the hearing, Kashif Ahmed

Abbasi Advocate Oiled papers on behalf of the collector Customs Appraisement West and Masooda Siraj Advocate Oiled her credentials on behalf of the directorate general of Intelligence and Investigation (customs enforcement) regional ofOice Karachi. Both the advocates sought time to submit para-wise comments, therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the hearing for December. Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that being active importer, the company imported a consignment containing baby trike

parts bearing HS Code 9503.0010 from China and Oiled goods declaration on December 10, 2016 on the basis of import documents declaring the goods at $0.90/kg having total quantity of 4,590/kg (net weight ), which was selected for examination. According to the petitioner, after examination, the customs authorities alleged mis-declaration of description of the consignment relates to baby tricycle battery operated (ride on) instead of baby trike parts, hence, the ofOicers concerned discarded the value declared by the

petitioner. The ofOicials assessed the goods on the basis of valuation ruling no 871/2016 issued on June 20, 2016, according to which the goods are to be assessed at the rate of $4/kg. The counsel argued that the difference between the declared description of the items and alleged description is that the declared description only relates to some parts of baby tricycle (such as battery, tiers, handle etc), whereas, baby tricycle battery operated (ride on ) relates to the complete parts of tricycle in unassembled from.

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FIA recovers Rs 1.8 billion during 2016 in Punjab Thursday January 5, 2017

Lahore

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recovered Rs 1.8 billion and arrested 994 proclaimed offenders in Punjab during various operations from January 1 to December 28, 2016. According to sources, different circles of the FIA, including Anti-Corruption Circle, Commercial Bank Circle, Corporate Crime Circle and Anti-Human Trafficking Circle initiated as many as 5,684 enquiries this year, including 1,318 carried over from the previous year. Out of a total of 7,002 enquiries, 3,119 were transferred or closed while 2,379 were converted into cases and 1,504 were lying pending as yet. Different circles of the Punjab FIA registered 3,652 cases while 1,506 cases were carried over from previous year. Out of total 5,158 cases 402 were transferred to the departments concerned or closed and 3,078 challans were submitted to different courts.

pcA detects rs 2.77m duty tax evasion by M/s humayun chemicals

D LAHORE

M hAYAt

www.customsbulletin.com irectorate of Post Clarence Audit has detected Rs 2.77 million tax evasion allegedly by M/s Humayun Chemicals, Circular Road, Lahore on account of inadmissible exemption of SRO 567 ()I 2006 and SRO 1007 (1)/ 2005.

According to details, the Directorate of Post Clearance Audit Lahore observed that certain importers, having their principal activity of manufacturer of pesticide and other agrochemicals, are involved in the evasion of duties and tax during customs clearance of zinc sulphate 33 percent which are classiOied under PCT heading 2833, 2940 by availing irregular exemption of customs duty under S No 4 of SRO567 (1)/2006 and exemption of sales tax. The PCA observed that the said SROs were meant

Import of raw cotton from India will be allowed only through containers akistan has allowed import of cotton from India through Land Freight Unit (LFU) Wagha but only in containers as Plant Protection Department has issued directions in this regard. According to sources of Customs Today that Pakistan had suspended import of cotton from India last month when more then 2000 bails of raw cotton were barred to enter in Pakistan.

Those bails of raw cotton were reached near to Pakistan border and were ready to cross international border but due to escalation on line of control Pakistani high officials stopped that loaded trucks to enter in Pakistan. Informed sources in the textile sector told that high officials of the Plant Protection department, which works under federal ministry of food security, have issued verbal orders to the staff to allow import cotton again.— M Imran Mehar

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for poultry ingredients only. It was observed that Humayun Chemicals, Circular Road, Lahore, imported two consignments of the impugned goods which were prima facie are fertilizers and as such not entitled for the exemption of customs duty and sales tax under the said SROs cleared from MCC Appraisement Karachi (West) and MCC Multan during calendar year 2014. The PCA said that the mis-declaration resulted in the duty and taxes evasion to the tune of Rs 2.77 million and added that it is directed that the above mentioned short paid amount of duty and taxes be deposited positively. The directorate said that in case of disagreement with the audit observations, the company may provide a written clariOication along with supporting documents including goods declaration, commercial Performa invoice, L/C invoices, packing list contract purchase order and other relevant documents.

‘tax reforms help punjab improve revenue collection by 23pc'

LAHORE

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cuStoMS BuLLetIN report www.customsbulletin.com

eforms in tax system have helped Punjab increase its revenue collection by 23 percent during the last Oive months of the current Oiscal year.

This was stated by Provincial Fi-

nance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, while presiding over the quarterly meeting of Fiscal Monitoring Committee. Planning and Development Minister Nadim Kamran, Oinance secretary, ofOicers of health, irrigation, transport, food, labour, women development, population and other departments concerned also attended the meeting.

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The meeting was aimed at to review the balance between income and expenditures of the revenue collected under the targets of current financial year’s budget, estimates of future expenditures and preparation of completion reports of the budget by the Finance Department.

The provincial minister also took detailed brieOing from the ofOicers of all departments concerned about the utilisation of released budget and assured them further Oinancial assistance for timely completion of development projects. She also reviewed the progress and expenditure incurred on ongoing projects.

The minister said that a regular tax policy unit under Finance Department will evolve effective planning for revenue mobilisation and Oix target of receipts of next Oinancial year besides ensure enforcement of system of online receipts through other banks instead of limiting to only National Bank.

Lhc bars Ltu from taking action against Adjudication serves notice to M/s Briska Collectorate of Customs Ad- tempted to be exported to UK by Dg khan cement till next hearing judication has issued a show way of mis-declaring correct de-

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he Lahore High Court (LHC) has stopped the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) from taking action against DG Khan Cement until the next date of hearing. The case has been adjourned till January 25, 2017.

The LHC also sought a reply from the respondent department till the next date of hearing. Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC heard the case in which the Barrister Shehryar Kasuri appeared before the court on behalf of the company and argued that the petitioner is a public limited listed com-

pany, engaged with the business of manufacturing and supply of cement.

The petitioner is a compliant taxpayer and its audited accounts manifest a true and correct picture of its lawful discharge of due tax liability.

He is never been charged with any default or non-compliance to the provisions of tax laws. Shaheryar Kasuri added that besides all compliance and payment of tax liabilities, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has selected the case of DG Khan Cement for audit.— Muhammad Nawaz

cause notice to M/s Briska Medical for Animal, Lahore for mis-declaring the correct description of goods.

Sources told Customs Today that the detecting agency AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) reported that it was evident that the ketamine substance was being exported in the grab of vaccine and supplement through M/s Stallion Couriers of goods. It was said that there was a sufficient reason to believe that the recovered ketamine of foreign origin was being at-

scription of goods, therefore, the recovered goods, being liable to be confiscation.

The Adjudication collectorate has fixed date in the case for December 28 in the office of the collector Adjudication Customs House Nabha Road.

The respondents were told to appear before the collector adjudication in person or through their counsel to defend their side. They were told to submit written reply on or before the date mentioned in the show cause notice.— M Hayat

Sc seeks reply from FBr in case of commonwealth tax

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LAHORE

MuhAMMAD NAwAZ www.customsbulletin.com

he Supreme Court, Lahore registry, has sought a reply from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in the case of common wealth tax on rental properties.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Saqib Nisar and Justice

Shiekh Azmat Mehmood heard the case in which common wealth tax on rental properties was challenged.

The counsel for the appellant said that his client’s factory was running in losses he closed his business and rent out the property to the third party. However, the FBR has sent common wealth tax notice to him illegally. He prayed that the court to declare the tax imposed on

the appellant as null and void.

On the other side, Sarfarz Cheema, the counsel for FBR, told to the court that the department has imposed tax under the law, adding that rental properties are divided in three categories by the FBR and common wealth tax has been imposed under the law.

After hearing the arguments from the both sides Supreme Court

has ordered the counsel of appellant to disclose all facts regarding the case and common wealth tax on leased properties.

Court also seeks reply from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on the next date of hearing. Court said in the remarks that according to the broad vision in case of close of business federal board of revenue cannot impose taxes.

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IPRCL to enhance port connectivity, integrate with rail network WASHINGTON: Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) is looking at enhancing port connectivity and evacuation while paving the way for seamless integration of portrailway system with the Indian Railways network, government said today. As a joint venture between major ports and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), “in the coming years, IPRCL, as a dedicated SPV will continue to develop railways as a mode of transport in the port sector”, the Shipping Ministry said in a statement. It said IPRCL will strengthen the second pillar of Sagarmala, the flagship programme of government which has four pillars — port modernisation, port connectivity and evacuation, port-led industrialisation and coastal community development.

port to undertake capital improvement projects he nearly $29,000 being spent on roof repairs to an industrial building in Leetonia owned by the Columbiana County Port Authority may be the first of many capital improvement projects undertaken in the coming years by the port authority. The port authority board acted at this week’s meeting to approve CEO Penny Traina’s decision to sign a contract with Eichler Construction of Salem for repair of the 4,000-squarefoot roof over the loading dock of the building on Cherry Fork Avenue in Leetonia for $28,750. Traina, who signed the contract on Dec. 2, said Eichler’s quote was the lowest of the three solicited from local businesses.

The building houses several port au-

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thority tenants, and Traina, who took over as CEO last March, said the roof has likely needed to be repaired for sometime. She indicated more building improvements may be on the way in 2017 and coming years because they are going to be setting aside $250,000 annually for capital improvement projects of this sort.

Addressing the port authority’s infrastructure needs is just one of Traina’s policy goals for 2017. She said the port authority is the local administrator of the Ohio One system used

by Jobs Ohio, which can be used by businesses to search for available commercial property in the state.

She said the state is launching a new GIS to go with it starting in January that will provide much more detailed information about the property, including an aerial photograph. “This program is under-utilized and our goal in 2017 is to assist the local government officials to utilize this free (economic development) tool through the port.—CB Report

Ports & Shipping

Incheon port cargo volume crosses 2.5million teus WASHINGTON

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orea’s Incheon Port Authority (IPA) proclaimed a new voyage to make the top 30 ports in the world in a ceremony to celebrate the achievement of 2.5 million TEU annual container volumes at Incheon New Port located in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, on December 16. With this trend going, Incheon Port is expected to handle a total of 2.68 million TEU container volumes by the end of this year. This is a 12% increase from last year’s 2.37 million TEU. According to the IPA, container volumes on a steady increase at Incheon Port are attributable to the efforts for negotiations, cargo volumes and developing new routes to improve service quality through joint efforts made by the IPA, the related governmental authorities, such as port, quarantine and customs authorities, and the private port-related organizations like port operators among others.

“It is very encouraging and proud that Incheon Port accomplished excellent results despite economic recessions at home and abroad and a downturn in the shipping market,” said Yang Jang-seok, vice president of the IPA’s Management HQ. Yang expressed his gratitude to customers such as shipping companies, shippers and forwarders and Incheon Port workers and their families. “I hope that Incheon Port will become a greater port to beOit the era of three

million Incheon citizens without resting on its laurels,” said Lim Hyunchurl, head of the Incheon Regional OfOice of Oceans and Fisheries.”

Meanwhile, Georgia’s ports are on track to declare this year as their second busiest ever. The increase in trafOic volume was a surprise turnaround for the state. With the exception of February, during the Oirst half of this year both imports and exports moving through Georgia ports were down from last year.

Thursday January 5, 2017

enviva begins exports at port of wilmington he Enviva wood pellet domes at the Port of Wilmington are operational and began loading the first export shipment to Europe last week. The Enviva terminal, which includes two storage domes that can hold up to 45,000 metric tons of wood pellets each, is estimated to have a total impact on the local economy of more than $16 million per year and ship more than 1 million tons of pellets annually. “The Port of Wilmington is a key nexus for global commerce and an economic engine for the state of North Carolina,” said John Keppler, Enviva CEO. “We are excited to be an important part of the port’s ever-increasing volume of trade.” Wood pellets can be delivered to the Port of Wilmington by both truck and rail. The rail link has the capacity to handle approximately 50 percent of the total volume with the remainder of the product arriving by truck. “The Enviva domes are an important part of our ports modernization plan,” said Paul J. Cozza, North Carolina Ports executive director.—CB Report

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Auckland ports probes shore power toward zero emissions

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WASHINGTON

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ith the goal of becoming a zero emissions port by 2040, Ports of Auckland announced that it has commissioned a feasibility study to investigate possible alternatives for powering cruise ships while in port, with particular focus on shore power. The study, which is set to be completed by April 2017, will also examine other alternatives such as liqueOied natural gas (LNG) or methanol-powered barges to generate power for use by ships, as well as the use of low sulfur fuels for emissions reductions. “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and having zero emissions by 2040. This work will support both those goals. Initially we will look at the feasibility of providing alternative power just for cruise ships, but we aim to extend

that across the whole port longer term,” said Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO. “In carrying out the study, we will work closely with Vector to understand the capability of the local grid, and with cruise lines to understand their capabilities and future requirements. In line with Auckland Council’s carbon reduction goals, Ports of Auckland says shore power could help reduce locally generated emissions and shipping’s carbon footprint. “CLIA and its member cruise lines welcome the feasibility study and look forward to working closely with Ports of Auckland on it,” said Steve Odell, chairman for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia.”The cruise industry is committed to ensuring that its environmental footprint continues to be minimal through world’s best practice and technology. Our member lines are developing and deploying innova-

tive technologies to reduce emissions and we will be sharing these initiatives with Ports of Auckland.”

Meanwhile, Lynch said the port’s economic impact in the county during a presentation to the Gwinnett Chamber at the InOinite Energy Forum on Wednesday. More than 37,000 20-foot equivalent units of cargo move through the county, he said. “(The Georgia Ports Authority) is not an asset that belongs to Savannah or Brunswick,” Lynch said. “It belongs to the entire state of Georgia.”

Awareness of the Port of Savannah’s importance to the rest of the state has grown in recent years in light of expansion of the Panama Canal to accommodate the larger Panamax cargo ships. Lynch said those ships previously had to go through the Suez Canal, resulting in Savannah being the last port of call, after New York City and Norfolk, Va., for ships arriving in the U.S. Now that the

Panama Canal can handle the ships as well, Savannah has a chance to be a Oirst port of call for imports coming in on the Panamax ships and therefore see more cargo pass through the area, Lynch said. That’s already lead to increases in cargo moving through the port, he said. Port of Halifax trafOic is 16.1 per cent year-to-date.

Ocean Alliance has started bringing larger vessels to Halterm and the G6 Alliance has added calls and larger vessels at the Ceres terminal, MacIsaac said. The port’s Fairview Cove Container Terminal is operated

by Ceres-Halifax while the South End Container Terminal is operated by Halterm. Halterm Container Terminal Ltd. is owned and operated by the Macquarie Group. Halifax has been preparing for the arrival of what MacIsaac calls “big ships” (with the capacity to carry 7,500 20-foot equivalent unit containers) for several years.

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Gwadar Customs seizes 12kg charas, arrests two KARACHI: Gwadar Model Customs Collectorate has seized 12 kilogram charas during a successful raid in Omara and arrested two suspects.

Sources told Customs Today that during 12 raids against smugglers, the Gwadar Customs seized a huge quantity of smuggled items, included 12 kilogram charas. As per the details, Collecter Saeed Akram received information regarding the smuggling of narcotics from Gwadar to Hyderabad. On this, he informed the anti-smuggling team and instructed them to use all available resources to curb smuggling.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

CUSTOMS BULLETIN

gwadar customs exceeds revenue collection target by 67%, collects rs 11.9b in h1 KARACHI wAQAr AhMeD ANSArI www.customsbulletin.com

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he Gwadar Customs Collectorate has exceeded the revenue collection target by 67 percent for the Oirst half (July-December) of the Oinancial year 2016-17. The total revenue collection target for the Oirst six months (July-December) was Rs 7,102 million while collection against this target stood at Rs 11,885.5 million, showing an increase of 67 percent.

Sources told Customs Today that this collection is 87 percent more than the previous year 2015-16 when only Rs 6,324 million were collected.

The breakup of the revenue collection shows that against the customs duty target of Rs 1,922 million, at least Rs 2,607 million were collected.

Rs 2,785 million were collected as withholding tax against the target of Rs 768 million while Rs 10.46 million were collected under the head of federal excise duty. A comprehensive strategy, coupled with the strong antismuggling measures, has materialized the revenue collection target. OfOicers of the Gwadar Customs under the guidance of Collector Saeed

Akram have made all out efforts to stop revenue leakage and achieve the

targets. During the same period, the anti-smuggling wing of the collec-

torate seized goods worth Rs 1,687 million, including 437,310 liter high

speed diesel, 3779 kg narcotics and miscellaneous items.

customs Intelligence seizes almond, truck worth rs3.15m FAISALABAD

NAeeM SheIkh

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he Customs Intelligence Oield investigation unit (FIU), Khushab has seized smuggled almond along with Hino Truck worth Rs3.15 million involving duty/taxes Rs9,80,000 during a successful raid.

The intelligence team intercepted a Hino truck bearing Registration No, K-1185 (Peshawar)

near Chowk Musa Khel Talagang Mainwali Road Bhakkar. The ofOicials checked the vehicle and recovered 290 bags of almond (26100Kg), without shell.

The team asked the driver namely Abdul Majeed son of Sehar Gul and Owner Muhammad Afzal to show documents regarding legal import of the items. He provided a receipt No 9732/290 issued by M/s United Goods Transport Company Choohar Mill Road Quetta but that proved incorrect after investigation. On this intelligence team seized the items under Section 16 of the Customs Act, 1969

and 3(1) (3) of the Import and Export Control Act, 1950 punishable under Section 156(1)90 of the Customs Act, 1969. Faisalabad Customs Intelligence team, comprising Deputy Director Muhammad Riaz Hussain, Intelligence OfOicers Chaudhary Saeed Hayat, Asghar Mehdi Naqvi, and Sepoys Khalil Ahmed, Naeem Niazi, Muhammad Sajjad and Muhammad Anwar participated in the raid. Meanwhile, The Customs AntiSmuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized non duty paid smuggled electronic goods worth Rs20,00,000 involving duty and taxes amounting to

Rs 5,63,897 during an action. ASO also impounded Mazda mini truck worth Rs 18,00,000 under section 157 which was being used for smuggling transportation. Sources told Customs Today that Additional Collector Saeed Asad received credible information about some smuggling attempts. He immediately constituted a raiding team comprising Superintendent Saeed Akhtar Joiya, Inspectors Khalid Ashraf Noor, Mahmood Ahmad Dogar, Ali Zahid, Sepoys Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Yaseen, Liaqat Ali and Muhammad Ashraf.

The team intercepted a Mazda mini

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

truck bearing registration no. LEI15-224 near Shahkot Toll Plaza and recovered deep fryer breville, steam iron brand Morphy Richards, cookworks, colom match, argos, belender active and blender and Grinder brand Hinari, electric kettle brand colom match, Breville, Russel Hobbs cap vaccum cleaner brand Bosch, Dyson and others different brand items. The aso team asked the accused person namely Waseem Abbas son of Mazhar Hussain to provide legal documents documents regarding legal import of the items.

But, he could not produce any documents in respect of the goods.